Wash beans thoroughly and place them in a 2 qt saucepan.
Add cold water to a level of 2 to 3 inches above the beans and soak 12 to 18 hours.
Drain and discard water.
Combine beans with 5-½ cups of fresh water, and 2 teaspoons salt.
Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
Drain and discard water.
Brown ground beef, chopped onions, and peppers, if desired, in a skillet.
Drain off fat and add 3 teaspoons salt, pepper, chili powder, tomatoes, and drained cooked beans.
Simmer for 5 minutes.
Caution: Do not thicken.
Fill jars, leaving 1-inch headspace.
Adjust lids and process according to the recommendations in Table 1 or Table 2.
