Place all the ingredients, except the potatoes and cheese in the slow cooker on low for 3-4 hours or heat them together on the stove.
Top baked potatoes and sprinkle with shredded cheese, if desired.
Notes
Potatoes can be cooked in the slow cooker the night before: rub them with olive oil, season with salt, wrap in foil and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Reheat when ready to eat.