Frontier Stew

1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 tablespoon bacon drippings
1 medium onion, peeled and chopped
1/4 cup green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 clove garlic, peeled and minced
1/4 cup chopped celery
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon granulated sugar
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 (16 ounce) can whole tomatoes, undrained
1 (16 ounce) can whole kernel corn, undrained
1 (32 ounce) can ranch-style beans, undrained
6 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
3 cups water

Brown ground beef in bacon drippings, separating meat with a fork as it cooks. Add onion, green pepper, garlic and celery; cook until vegetables are soft. Add chili powder, sugar, salt and pepper; mix well. Add tomatoes with their liquid, breaking them up with a knife or the back of a spoon. Add corn, beans, potatoes and water. Bring to a boil, stirring well. Reduce heat. Cover and simmer until potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally during cooking.

NOTE: Ranch-style beans are spicy pinto beans. They are available in many supermarkets across the country. If not available, use any brand of canned pinto beans, and, if desired, add chopped green chiles.