In a medium skillet, cook ground beef, pepper and onions until the beef is brown, 5-10 minutes. Drain.

Put beef mixture into the crock pot.

Stir remaining ingredients together in a large bowl. Pour them into the crock pot and stir gently.

Place lid on the pot. Temperature can be set either for Low or High heat. If Low heat, cook 6-7 hours; if High heat, 3 to 3 1/2 hours, or until heated through and beans are tender. Check contents once or twice during cooking time and adjust spices to taste, adding a bit more pepper, chili powder, or hot sauce, if desired.