Crock Pot Beef, Bean & Bacon Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

5 slices bacon, cooked, drained and chopped
1 lb ground sirloin or 1 lb lean ground beef
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 celery ribs, finely chopped
1 cup lager beer
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can beef broth
1 (10 ounce) can enchilada sauce
1 (12 ounce) bottle chili sauce
1 (10 ounce) can Rotel tomatoes & chilies
1 (15 1/2 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 1/2 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 1/2 ounce) can pinto beans, drained
1 (15 1/4 ounce) can niblet corn, drained
2 tablespoons chili powder
1/2 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon paprika
2 -3 teaspoons cumin
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
cayenne, pinch (optional)
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon salt
tortilla chips or corn chips, garnish
shredded cheddar cheese, garnish
sour cream, garnish
green onion, chopped, garnish

Preparation

In large nonstick skillet, saute ground sirloin, onion, garlic and celery over medium to medium-high heat until beef is browned and crumbles (be sure not to have heat too high so you don't burn the garlic); drain fat.
Add ground beef mixture to a 5-quart or large slow cooker.
Add the bacon and the rest of the ingredients to the crock pot, except for the garnishes; mix well.
Cover and cook on low setting for 6-8 hours or on high setting for 3-4 hours.
To serve, garnish with any of the following: fresh tortilla strips, tortilla chips, corn chips, shredded cheese, sour cream and green onions.
Don't forget to remove the bay leaf.
Enjoy!