Slow Cooker Beef Chili – Hearty, Easy, and Perfect for a Crowd

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 large onion ((chopped))
• 1 bell pepper ((cored, seeded, and diced; green, red, orange, or yellow, your choice))
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 (15-ounce) cans kidney beans, chickpeas, or pinto beans ((drained and rinsed; or a combo, or whatever beans you prefer))
• 2 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper ((to taste))
• Hot rice ((brown or white))
• Crumbled queso fresco or cojita cheese ((or shredded cheese))
• Sliced or minced scallions
• Sour cream
• Diced avocados or guacamole
• Chopped fresh tomatoes
• Lime wedges