Add the oil to the casserole pan and place it over a medium-high heat for a couple of minutes. Add the diced onion and the diced red pepper and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-7 minutes until the beef is browned, stirring occasionally.
Add the tomato paste, the spices, the sugar, the garlic, salt and pepper, Stir until well combined.
If you use dried beans, you need to rehydrate them in fresh water for about 8-10 hours. Add the drained beans to the pot, beef broth, diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir well
Bring the liquid to a low boil. Then reduce the heat (low to medium-low) to gently simmer the chili, uncovered, for 25 minutes. Stirring occasionally.
Remove the pot from the heat and let the chili rest for about 10 minutes before serving.