In a large pot, over medium heat cook the bacon until almost crisp. Add the beef and brown. Add the brown beef and the bacon pieces to a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and spices. Put the cover on the slow cooker. Cook on low temperature setting for about 8 hours. Or you can cook on high temperature setting for an hour or so and put it to low temperature for a few more hours (just to let flavors simmer together)