Heat a heavy large pot over medium heat. Add beef, sauté until cooked through, breaking up with spoon, about 8 minutes. Transfer cooked beef into a large bowl.
Add onions and garlic to the same pot. Sauté onions until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
Add spices and sauté until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
Add cooked beef and diced tomatoes. Cover partially, simmer until chili is thick, stirring occasionally, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Add red kidney beans (with their liquids) to the pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
Notes
For a modified chili substitute 1 pound of ground chicken or ground turkey for the ground beef.