Bean Gravy
A hearty, savory bean gravy with ground beef and tomato, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings with rich flavors and simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook ground beef and chopped onion until nearly done.
- Add the pork-n-beans, tomato juice, and a dash of garlic to the beef and onion mixture.
- Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding diced bell peppers or jalapeños to the beef and onion mixture. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you want to make it vegetarian, use lentils or mushrooms instead of meat. Adjust the garlic according to your taste, and feel free to add spices like cumin or chili powder for an extra kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the bean gravy over rice or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. For a complete dinner, consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. This dish also makes a great filling for burritos or as a topping for baked potatoes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. If the gravy thickens, add a splash of water or additional tomato juice to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bean Gravy contains roughly 183 calories, with 8g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (89% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 506mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).
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 make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the bean gravy a day ahead. Just follow the instructions and let it cool before storing it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a bit of liquid if needed.
What can I use instead of pork-n-beans?
If you don't have pork-n-beans, you can use any other type of canned beans like kidney beans or black beans. Alternatively, you can make your own bean mixture by simmering dried beans until tender and then adding them to the gravy.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add heat to your bean gravy, include diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper when cooking the beef and onions. You can also serve it with hot sauce on the side, allowing everyone to adjust the spice level to their 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).