Step 1

Spray a large skillet with cooking spray. Add olive oil (if desired - I found I didn't need to), minced garlic and onion. Cook on medium-high heat, continually stirring, until onions start to brown - about 3 minutes, then transfer to slow cooker.

Step 2

Return skillet to medium-high, add beef and cook stirring occasionally until beef has browned.

Step 3

Drain most of the fat from the beef, leaving about 2 Tbsp in with beef (this is optional, I think it ads flavor but you can drain it all if you'd prefer). Pour browned beef into slow cooker.

Step 4

Add the peppers, carrots, celery and sweet potato. Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and all the spices. Stir to combine.

Step 5

Cover with lid and cook on low heat for 4-5 hours.