Cooking Steps

• In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the ground beef with the onion and garlic until the meat is fully browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Once everything is looking golden and fragrant, transfer it straight into the slow cooker.
• Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, pepper, and bay leaves.
• Pop the lid on and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
• During the last hour of cooking, stir in the beans so they warm through without getting mushy.
• Ladle into bowls and load it up with your favorite toppings — shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, hot sauce, jalapeños… the works.