Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes until it sizzles. Add the ground beef and cook evenly until browned, breaking it up into small pieces, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the onion, garlic, jalapeño, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until fragrant and tender, about 2-3 minutes.
Stir in the paprika, ground cumin, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using) until well combined.
Transfer the beef mixture into a 2-quart slow cooker and stir in the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, and water.
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook for 4 hours on the high temperature setting (or for 6-8 hours on low). When the cooking time is up, the slow cooker should automatically switch to the "warm" setting.
Cornbread:
Preheat the oven to 375℉ (190℃).
Melt the butter for the cornbread.
In a large bowl, measure out and add the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Whisk to combine well.
To the dry mix, add in the melted butter, then measure out and add in the milk a little at a time while stirring. Stir until combined. Add more milk as needed to make a batter consistency, not too thick and not too watery.
Lightly grease an appropriately sized oven-safe container with non-stick spray. Evenly scoop the batter into the greased container and place it in the oven. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Arnold Palmer:
Combine equal parts iced tea and lemonade..
Serve with ice and lemon slices if desired.
Serve the slow cooker chili with a slice of cornbread on the side and an Arnold Palmer.
Notes
Estimated Cook Time (in slow cooker): 4-8 hours on low or 2-4 hours on high