Crowd Pleasing Chili (Slow Cooker, or not)

For some reason I always associate the Super Bowl with a bunch of junk food and a pot of chili. Since we're all quite capable of finding our own junk food, and I'm anxious to try more things in the slow cooker, I thought I'd try a simple chili. This is mild enough for everyone yet full of flavor, I'll go ahead and call it a home run.







A Couple of Things:
This can easily be made without a slow cooker. Just transfer everything to a medium pot instead, if you cook it at a medium temperature it will be done in about 30 minutes, but I think cooking it at a lower temperature for longer gives the flavors time to linger together.

Ingredients:
1 lb. Ground Beef
1-2 tsp. Olive Oil
1/4 tsp. Salt
1/4 tsp. Ground Black Pepper
1 Large Red Onion, Diced
1 Bell Pepper, Diced
4 Cloves Garlic, Minced or Pressed
1/2 tsp. Dried Basil
2 tsp. Dried Oregano
14.5 oz. Can Diced Tomatoes
15 oz. Can Kidney Beans, rinsed and drained
15 oz. Can Pinto Beans, rinsed and drained
7 oz. Can Green Salsa (I like Herdez Salsa Verde)
1 Med-Lg Avacado (Optional)
Cilantro (Optional)




Process:
In a large skillet heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the ground beef and sprinkle it with the salt and pepper.
When the meat begins to brown add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic.  Cook until onions begin to soften.
When onions have started to soften add the basil and oregano, cook for 2-3 more minutes.
Add the full can of tomatoes, including juice, to the slow cooker with the beans and the salsa.
Add the meat mixture to the slow cooker and stir to incorporate.
Cook on low for 4-5 hours (more if you like) or on high for 1-2.
Top with avacado and cilantro.
Enjoy!!