Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, season with salt and pepper as desired.
Optional Step: add onions to the ground beef and cook until tender.
In a large pot (or Crock Pot) add the ground beef, onions, tomatoes, chili beans, kidney beans, ketchup, garlic, cilantro, chili powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, thyme and powdered mustard. Stir to combine.
Simmer at medium heat on stove top (or in Crock Pot on low heat) for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
Notes
You can serve this delicious chili recipe in bowls or on a baked potato with some shredded cheddar cheese on top.