Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil along with the ground beef, onion, red pepper, and garlic. Cook until the meat is browned and the vegetables are tender.
Transfer to a 6 or 7 quart crockpot (do not drain) and add in the rest of the chili ingredients (including the other 2 tablespoons of olive oil).
Close the lid but do not clamp it shut. Cook on low heat for 6 hours or high heat for 4 hours.
Serve warm with your favorite mix-ins (I love it with cornbread) and enjoy! PS – it tastes even better the next day.
