Gordo's Frijoles Con Queso

Growing up on plain old beans and cornbread, this bean dish was far different and richer from any I had ever had as a kid. The recipe came from my Grandmother, but she may have gotten it from my uncle in New Mexico. At any rate, these beans are delicious and there is an added meat garnish that can be made to dress it up a bit. Adjust the seasonings on the garnish to suit your own tastes.

• Ready In: 4 hrs 10 mins
• Serves: 8-12
• Yields: 1 pot of beans

Ingredients

• 2  cups dry pinto beans
• 6  cups water
• 1⁄2 cup  lard
• 1⁄2 cup cheddar cheese (chopped or shredded)
•  salt (to taste)
• 1⁄2 lb hamburger
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1⁄2 teaspoon chili pepper (or to taste)
• 1  teaspoon chili powder (or to taste)
• 1  cup lettuce (torn or chopped)

Directions

1. Put beans and water in a large pot, cover and simmer, stirring often, until tender - about 2 1/2 hours.
2. About 1 1/2 into cooking time, add salt to taste.
3. If the beans need more water before they are done, add boiling water to the pot - do not add cold water!
4. When the beans are tender, there should not be much liquid in the pot.
5. If there is a lot of liquid, take some of it out and either save it in case you need it.
6. Add the 1/2 cup of lard to the now tender beans.
7. Simmer uncovered - very slowly - for 1/2 hour.
8. Watch it carefully and stir often.
9. If the beans get too dry, add some of the reserved liquid if you have any, or add a bit of water.
10. Add the cheddar cheese.
11. Cook until it melts.
12. Serve it up.
13. If you'd like, you can make the meat garnish as follpws:
14. Cook up the hamburger until browned.
15. Add the tomato sauce and spices.
16. Serve over the beans with the lettuce.
17. You can also add tortillas and make tacos.