Pioneer Soup

1 1/4 c. dry pinto beans (we used beans cooked in our pressure cooker)
3 c. cold water
1/2-1 lb. ground beef (we used bottled stew meat)
1/2 c. chopped onion
1/2 c. green pepper, finely sliced (we used yellow pepper)
1 can (16 oz.) whole kernel corn, undrained (we used left over corn from last nights dinner)
1 can (16 oz.) diced tomatoes, undrained
1/2 t. chili powder
1/4 t. salt
1/2 c. shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Travis also added sliced mini carrots and diced celery

In large saucepan, place washed and drained beans and cold water. Bring to a boil. cover and simmer 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand for 1 hour. Return to heat and simmer 1 hour 15 minutes. (we were able to skip this step by cooking the dry beans for 25 minutes in the pressure cooker). In skillet, cook ground beef, chopped onion and green pepper (celery and carrots) until meat is browned and vegetables are tender. Drain fat. (using bottled meat we basically just had to warm it and make sure the veggies were tender). Add meat mixture, corn, tomatoes, chili powder and salt to taste. Simmer 20 minutes. Combine 1 tablespoon flour with 2 tablespoons water. Stir into stew. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Stir in cheese.