Day Four Crock Pot Chili...

Oh, and by the way this recipe has beans included.

What is needed:

2 pounds ground beef
2 cans of chili beans (I use western style)
1 quart tomato sauce (I use homemade sauce, but it is a preference)
2 Tablespoons chili powder
1 can of diced tomatoes

What to Do:

1. Set out your crock pot in a spot where it can cook all day, and assemble the ingredients there, it is easier to do this than move a full crock pot when you are ready to plug it in.  I use a medium sized crock pot, and it works well.
2. Spray the inside of the crock pot with non-stick cooking spray.
3. Break up the raw ground beef and place in the crock pot.  Don't worry, it will cook in the juices and will no longer be raw when it is time to eat.  Place the chili beans with the juices, the tomato sauce, the chili powder and the diced tomatoes on top of the hamburger.  Stir slowly to incorporate.
4. Turn the crock pot on low and let to begin to cook.
5. After about two hours, uncover and stir thoroughly to break up any hamburger that is still in larger chunks.  Recover and let cook again for another two hours.
6. After the four hours, spoon a little into a bowl to taste for "heat"  you can add additional chili powder in needed, but remember only a little at a time.  Recover and cook for 3-4 more hours or until about 45 minutes before serving. 
7. At this point, turn off the crock pot, uncover and let the chili begin to cool.  Stirring about every 15 minutes.
8. Transfer the slightly cooled chili to a serving bowl, and serve with shredded cheese, chopped onions, corn bread, and/or homemade rolls.  If it is still really hot, you may want to let it sit and cool further.

* This can cook for longer if you like it is a pretty sturdy dish, and very hearty.  A big favorite in our home!