Boil beans in water 2 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and soak 1 hour or overnight. Cook in same water until almost tender.
Brown meat in fat. Add onion, garlic, green pepper, tomatoes, and salt, and cook a few minutes.
Add meat mixture and chili powder to beans.
Place in a baking dish or bean pot, cover, and bake at 350° F. (moderate oven) about 2 hours. Uncover during the last half hour to brown the beans if desired.
Or cook the mixture slowly for about 1 hour in a covered kettle on top of the range. Stir occasionally.
Menu Suggestion
Serve with a large garden salad and fruit betty or apple dumplings.
For Variety
Cook the beans with a ham bone, omitting ground beef and chili powder. Or use 1 cup ham trimmings from a baked ham instead of beef.