1/2 onion, chopped
1 lb. ground beef
2 - 15oz cans beans (eg. pinto, kidney...)
1 - 8oz can tomato sauce
1 - 15oz can diced tomatoes
1 - 15oz can corn (optional)
salt and pepper to taste
1-2 tsp. ground cumin (or to taste)
1/2 tsp. chili powder (or to taste - this is fairly mild)

Toppings:
grated cheese, tortilla chips, sour cream

Brown ground beef with chopped onions.  When browned and tender, add beans (undrained), tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, corn (undrained) and spices to taste.  Heat, and serve with grated cheese, broken tortilla chips, and sour cream (opt) on top.

For Chili: omit diced tomatoes, and partially drain beans. Corn can be omitted.