Frontier Stew

Ingredients

• 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

Instructions

1. Brown ground beef in bacon drippings, separating meat with a fork as it cooks.
2. Add onion, green pepper, garlic and celery; cook until vegetables are soft.
3. Add chili powder, sugar, salt and pepper; mix well.
4. Add tomatoes with their liquid, breaking them up with a knife or the back of a spoon.
5. 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.

Notes

* Ranch-style beans are spicy pinto beans. If not available, use any brand of canned pinto beans, and, if desired, add chopped green chiles.