Many years ago-I spent about 6 months between jobs,cooking chilli 4-5 nights a week in a bar in Brooklyn.
My spice base was what is sold in the States as Chili Powder...a combination of ground cumin,paprika,cayenne pepper,garlic powder and sometimes a bit of oregano.
I started by frying finely chopped onions and garlic-to which I added the spices when the onions were getting translucent. When the spices start to release their aroma-add the mince. Stir and fry at not too high a heat until the mince breaks up and starts to brown. Add tomato paste/puree and stir a few minutes more. Then add1 tin chopped tomatoes,and some beef stock.
Bring to the boil,then reduce heat and simmer for as long as you have time for...3-4 hours is good....2 is fine. About 1 hour before serving-add 1-2 tins of kidney beans.
Serve with sour cream,grated cheese and quacomole.