heat until meat is browned, stirring to crumble. Drain

heat until meat is browned, stirring to crumble. Drain off drippings. Add next 6 ingredients; cook over medium heat 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add cheese and seasonings; slir until cheese melts. Reduce heat apd simmer, uncovered, for 1 hour Mid 20 to 80 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until liquid is almost gone. Pour into a lightly greased 13-x 9- x 2-inch baking dish; arrange biscuits on top. Bake at 400 degrees^r 10 to 13 minutes. Yield: 10 servings. Ham-and-bean soup 1 pound dried Great Northern beans 6 cups water 11/2 pounds ham, cubed 2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon dried whole thyme 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes 4 peppercorns 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 bay leaf 2 cups water 4 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered 3 carrots, scraped and cut into 1/2-inch slices 1 medium onion, finely chopped Sort and wash beans; place in a Dutch oven. Cover with water 2 inches above beans; let soak overnight. Drain beans. Combine beans, 6 cups water, and next 7 ingredients in a large Dutch oven; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 11/2 hours; add 2 cups water and vegetables to soup. Cover and simmer about 30 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Yield: about 1 gallon.