1 lb. dried beans (kidney, limas, great northern, pinto, etc.)
4 1/2 c. boiling water
8 oz. chorizo (sausages) or Italian hot or mild sausage
1 bell pepper
2 onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp. chili powder
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cumin
1 (15 oz.) tomato sauce
1 c. shredded Cheddar
4 oz. can green chili peppers, drained (optional)

Pour hot water over beans. Soak one hour. Brown chorizo (remove casing). Drain and reserve. Saute onion, bell pepper and garlic. Stir in beans and water. Add chili powder, salt and cumin. Simmer 1 1/2 - 2 hours or until beans are almost done. Stir in tomato sauce. Bake 1 - 1 1/2 hours at 350 degrees F. Stir. Top with cheese and bake 15 more minutes. Chili peppers can be added to casserole before baking, if "hotter" dish is desired.