Bean And Macaroni Stew
A hearty bean and pasta stew featuring tomatoes, vegetables, and flavorful herbs, perfect for a comforting, nutritious meal suitable for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup coarsely chopped tomato ⓘ
- 3/4 cup uncooked medium macaroni shells ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 3/4 cups vegetable stock or hot water and 2 teaspoons vegetable or chicken bouillon granules ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can kidney beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can garbanzo beans, drained ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a 2-quart saucepan.
- Heat to boiling, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat.
- Cover and simmer about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of tomato juice or diced carrots to the stew. If you're short on time, you can substitute the dried basil with Italian seasoning. Feel free to use any type of pasta you have on hand; just adjust the cooking time as needed. This dish is also a great way to incorporate leftover vegetables into your meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty Bean and Macaroni Stew with a slice of crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Pineapple Limeade for a refreshing drink. For extra protein, consider adding grilled chicken or tofu on the side. This dish is perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or vegetable stock to the stew to maintain moisture and prevent it from drying out. Heat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for quick reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bean And Macaroni Stew contains roughly 455 calories, with 23g protein, 89g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (154% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (71% of the Daily Value), and protein (47% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 20g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans for this recipe?
Absolutely! Canned beans are a great time-saver and work perfectly in this stew. Just make sure to drain and rinse them before adding to the pot. This will help reduce the sodium content and improve the flavor of the dish.
Is this stew suitable for vegan diets?
Yes! This Bean and Macaroni Stew is naturally vegan as it contains no animal products. Just ensure to use vegetable stock and check any bouillon granules for plant-based ingredients. It’s a hearty option for anyone following vegan recipes.
How can I make this stew spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce. You can also stir in some cayenne pepper or use spicy sausage instead of the beans for a different flavor profile. Adjust the spice level to your preference!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).