HEARTY CROCK POT CHILI / CASSIES

Steps:

• 1. Sort and pick through beans to remove any debris. First thing I do; and this is totally optional - make patties out of ground beef. Season with salt and pepper. Brown in skillet over medium - high heat, until cooked through ( reason for making patties, is I like my chili meat chunkier ) by all means brown it as you wish. When finished I remove from pan to cool. Then chop into chunks.
• 2. In 6 - 7 quart crock pot, add the beans...a little water ( about 1/2 cup ) turn pot to high...place the lid on the pot and begin preparing vegetables.
• 3. Once veggies are chopped, and burger is cooked and chopped; add all remaining ingredients ( except for the brown sugar ) to the pot. I then stir lightly just to combine. Place the lid back on the pot and cook for 6 hours. If not using dry beans...adjust cooking time. May not need as much liquid. Directions I am giving are for use of dried beans. After about 3 hours into cooking, stir and add more juice or water if needed.
• 4. After 6 - 6 1/2 hours. Stir and check beans for tenderness. Now is when to adjust seasonings to your liking. Stir in brown sugar. I like using brown sugar to equal out the acidity of the tomatoes. Note: must use high setting on your pot in order for the beans to cook properly.