Recipe: Beef and Beans (crock pot)

BEEF AND BEANS (BEEF 'N BEANS)

1 pound dried pinto beans
1/4 pound salt pork or bacon, diced
1 pound chuck steak (up to 2 lbs), cut in 1-inch cubes
1 cup water
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon red pepper (up to 1/4 tsp)
salt (to taste)

Soak beans in 6 cups of water overnight.

WHEN READY TO COOK:
Drain beans; set aside.

In skillet, brown salt pork and steak cubes together over medium-heat; drain well. Add to Crock-Pot with soaked pinto beans. Add remaining ingredients; stir well.

Cover and cook oh High for 2 hours, then on Low for 7 to 12 hours or cook entire time on High for 5 to 8 hours.

Note: Beans must be softened completely before combining with sugar and/or acid foods, because these have a hardening effect on beans and will prevent softening.

Servings: 8
Adapted from source: Rival Crock-Pot Slow Cooker Cuisine