OVEN-BAKED BEEF AND BEANS

2 pounds beef stew meat
1 cup navy beans
6 cups water
2 tablespoons flour
2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 bay leaves
2 tablespoons bacon grease
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
2 onions
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon basil
1 garlic clove, minced

Sort and rinse beans. Bring beans and the 6 cups water to a boil. Simmer 2 minutes. Cover and remove from heat. Let stand at least 1 hour.

Trim all fat from beef and cut into 1-inch cubes. Combine flour, salt and pepper in a plastic bag; put in the beef cubes and shake to coat beef.

Brown the beef in the bacon drippings; drain off the fat.

Drain the beans, reserving 2 cups liquid. Combine beans, beef, reserved liquid and remaining ingredients.

Cover tightly and bake in 325-degree F oven for 2 1/2 hours or until meat and beans are done.

Servings: 8
Source: Jo Anne Merrill