Beat-The-Holiday-Rush Beans
A hearty bean and ground turkey stew with rich flavors from ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and mustard, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or batch cooking. Savory and satisfying.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 5 to 6-quart pan, break the ground turkey into chunks; add chopped onion, minced garlic, and 1/2 cup of chicken broth.
- Stir often over medium-high heat until the liquid evaporates and the meat and onion start to brown.
- Add another 1/2 cup of chicken broth and stir to release the browned bits.
- Boil until dry as in the previous step.
- Repeat adding liquid and boiling dry until the meat and onion are well browned, about 2 or 3 more times.
- Stir in 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth, drained and rinsed kidney beans, lima beans, pinto beans, garbanzo beans, catsup, brown sugar, red wine vinegar, and ground dried mustard.
- Cover and simmer gently until flavors are blended, about 1 hour.
- Stir often during simmering.
- If making ahead, let cool, cover, and chill up to 3 days.
- Reheat before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, consider adding spices like cumin or smoked paprika to the turkey mixture. If you're short on time, pre-cooked or canned beans can be used instead of dried. You can also substitute ground turkey with ground beef or chicken if preferred. Adjust the catsup to your taste, or use barbecue sauce for a different twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Beat-The-Holiday-Rush Beans hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or a side salad for a complete meal. You can also serve it over rice or quinoa for a hearty dish. For an easy appetizer, consider pairing it with Baked Elegant Chicken Breasts for a well-rounded dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for a quick meal. This dish also freezes well, so consider making a double batch for future meals.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beat-The-Holiday-Rush Beans contains roughly 558 calories, with 35g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (72% of the Daily Value), protein (71% of the Daily Value), and iron (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 983mg per serving (43% 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! Feel free to mix and match your favorite beans or whatever you have on hand. Black beans or navy beans can also work well. Just ensure they are drained and rinsed if using canned beans to remove excess sodium.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the ground turkey and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more beans or vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for added texture and flavor.
How spicy is this dish, and can I adjust the heat?
This dish is not inherently spicy, but you can add heat by incorporating diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Adjust the spice level to your preference by starting with a small amount and tasting as you go. It's all about balancing the flavors!
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).