Slow Cooker Italian Chili

I am not a huge fan of winter, but I love that it's slow cooker season.  Coming home from a long day of work to dinner prepared and waiting with minimal effort is one of life's simple pleasures.  If you follow The Improper Chef, you'll know that I am always looking for ways to revamp my chili recipe.  I put an italian spin on it with this recipe and the results were fantastic.  

Ingredients:

• 1lb ground beef
• 1/2lb hot or sweet italian sausage
• 16oz tomato sauce
• 14oz italian style diced tomato
• 1c chopped yellow onion
• 1c chopped sweet red pepper
• 1/2c jarred banana peppers
• several assorted  hot chopped peppers (optional- if you like your chili spicy)
• 3/4c chicken or beef broth (low sodium)
• chili powder, italian seasoning
• a pinch of sugar
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 1c diced pepperoni
• optional garnish: shredded italian cheese, grated parm, green onion, italian bread 

1. In a large skillet, cook the beef and italian sausage in a little olive oil on medium heat until no longer pink.
2. In a 3quart+ slow cooker, combine the sauce through garlic.  
3. Add the beef/sausage mix, along with the pepperoni, to the slow cooker.
4. Cover and cook on low setting for 6 hours.
5. Spoon into bowl, garnish and serve

You could also use turkey in place of beef, up the amount of sausage, double the pepperoni.... the possibilities are endless!