1 cup pinto beans — or kidney beans
3 cups water
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 cups onion — chopped
1 green bell pepper — seeded, chopped
1 pound lean ground beef
2 cups tomato — chopped
6 ounces unsalted tomato paste
3/4 cup water
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon vinegar
2 tablespoons garlic clove — finely minced
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon black pepper — freshly ground
1 bay leaf
Place beans and 3 cups water in saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook for 2 minut es. Do not drain. Set aside for 1 hour. Return beans to heat, adding water t o cover if necessary. Simmer for one hour or until beans are tender. Drain an d set aside . Heat the oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven. Add onion and green peppe r. Cook until onion is transparent. Add meat and brown. Pour off all fat. A dd beans and remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally. Remove bay leaf before serving. Note: You may substitute 3 cups no-salt-added canned kidney beans instead of d ried beans and water. Also, unsalted canned tomatoes can be substituted for the fresh tomatoes.