In a Dutch oven, over medium heat, cook and stir the ground beef, onion, pepper, and garlic until beef is no longer pink and the vegetables are crisp tender (8 to 9 minutes).
Add the chili powder, cumin and pepper to the Dutch oven. Continue cooking for 1 minute.
Add the kidney beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and water to the Dutch oven. Cook and stir until the chili comes to a boil (5 to 6 minutes).
Reduce the heat to medium low. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, for 25 to 30 minutes.
Serve individual bowls of chili with a dollop of sour cream. Garnish with shredded cheese, avocado slices, and a few dashes of hot pepper sauce if desired.