ARIZONA CHUCK WAGON BEANS

1 pound dried navy or pinto beans
6 cups water
1/4 pound salt pork, diced
1 large onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 large green bell pepper, chopped
1 1/2 pounds chuck steak, cubed
1 1/2 teaspoons salt (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon oregano, crumbled
1/4 teaspoon red pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce

Pick over beans and rinse well. Combine beans and water in a large kettle. Bring to boiling; cover; cook 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand 1 hour. Pour beans into slow cooker.

Brown salt pork in a large skillet; remove with a slotted spoon to cooker.

Saute onion, garlic and green pepper in pan drippings; remove with slotted spoon to cooker.

Brown beef, a few pieces at a time in pan drippings; remove to cooker with slotted spoon; stir in salt, oregano, red pepper, cumin and tomato sauce. Add more water, if necessary to bring liquid level above beans.

Cover and cook on low for 10 hours or on high for 6 hours, or until beans are tender.

Servings: 8