Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   2      cups          Pinto beans, dried -- or red kidney or similar
                         beans, soak overnight and drain
   2      pounds        Beef, lean stewing -- cut into cubes
   2                    Bay leaves
   2      large         Onion -- sliced
   1      clove         Garlic -- finely chopped
   2      tablespoons   Oil
   5                    Tomato -- peeled, seeded and chopped, or 3 cups tomato sauce
   2      teaspoons     Salt
   1      tablespoon    Cornstarch -- or 2 tablespoons cornmeal
     1/4  teaspoon      Oregano, dried
     1/4  teaspoon      Sage, dried
     1/4  teaspoon      Ground cumin
   1 1/2  teaspoon      Pepper
   1      tablespoon    Chili powder

Preparation:

Put the beans and the meat in enough water to cover them, and bring to a boil. Add the bay leaves, onion and garlic, and continue cooking over moderate heat until the beans are tender--about two hours. Heat a skillet, then add the oil. Stir in the tomato, salt, cornstarch or cornmeal, herbs and seasonings. Mix them thoroughly and simmer for five minutes. Add the mixture to the beans and simmer for one more hour.