Beans And Macaroni
Creamy beans and macaroni combine hearty flavors with savory pepperoni and aromatic vegetables, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 4-quart saucepan, sauté garlic in olive oil until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add sliced celery, sliced carrots, sliced pepperoni, oregano, red pepper, black pepper, and tomato paste to the saucepan.
- Add enough water to cover the vegetables.
- Cover and cook the mixture for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Add the cannellini beans (including liquid) and the ditalini macaroni to the saucepan.
- Cook until the macaroni is tender and the beans are heated through, about 10 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier dish, consider adding diced potatoes or spinach to the mixture. You can substitute ditalini macaroni with any small pasta like elbow macaroni or orzo. If you prefer a spicier kick, add more red pepper or a pinch of cayenne. For a vegetarian version, omit the pepperoni and add smoked paprika for flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this comforting dish hot, garnished with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. For a twist, try serving it alongside Zesty Corn And Sausage for a delightful flavor combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beans And Macaroni contains roughly 645 calories, with 19g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (63% of the Daily Value), iron (55% of the Daily Value), and protein (38% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 884mg per serving (38% 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 use different types of beans in this recipe?
Absolutely! While cannellini beans provide a creamy texture, you can substitute them with navy beans, chickpeas, or black beans. Just ensure the beans are cooked or canned to save time.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the dried pepperoni and consider using smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar depth of flavor. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
What can I serve with Beans and Macaroni?
This dish is versatile! You can serve it with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables. For an Italian twist, pair it with Italian Sausage Meal or a side of steamed broccoli.
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).