Gordo'S Frijoles Con Queso - cooking recipe

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)

Preparation

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