Place onions, carrots, celery, green beans, cabbage, and garlic at the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Top with cooked beef and drained, rinsed beans. Add brown sugar, salt, pepper, chili powder, bay leaf, and optional curry powder, if desired.
Pour crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and water into the pot.
Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, or until vegetables are tender. Remove bay leaf. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper, if necessary. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs.
