The Best Crockpot Chili

This is our favorite traditional chili recipe. It's easy and tastes better than anything from a can. My mother-in-law got the original recipe from a family she baby-sits for; we all love this recipe and have modified it somewhat to fit our individual families.

3 lbs ground beef
salt, pepper to taste
garlic (couple cloves) or garlic powder (couple teaspoons)
good size onion chopped
1 - 15oz can of tomato sauce
2 - 30oz cans of chili beans in chili sauce - undrained
3 (or 4) 15oz cans of dark red kidney beans - drained and rinsed
1/4 to 1/2 cup cumin
1/8 cup chili powder

Brown ground beef in a large skillet with salt & pepper, drain; add garlic after browning. Dump ground beef and all remaining ingredients in a LARGE crock pot, give it a stir and cook on low 8-10 hours. Enjoy. Sometimes, instead of a 15oz can of tomato sauce, I use an 8oz can of tomato sauce with a 10oz can (undrained) of Rotel tomatoes (or any brand of diced tomatoes with green chilies) for a little 'kick'. Serve with fresh chopped onion & grated cheese. If using a smaller traditional sized crock pot - cut this recipe in half.