Beef Ragout(Health Conscious)
A hearty, flavorful beef ragout with tomatoes, kidney beans, and spices, perfect for comforting meals that satisfy and nourish with bold, warm flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. ground meat ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 3/4 cup wine ⓘ
- dash hot pepper ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 large tomatoes, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried oregano ⓘ
- black pepper ⓘ
- 2 (15 oz.) cans kidney beans, rinsed and drained ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat a skillet and sauté the ground beef until browned.
- Pour the contents of the skillet into a colander lined with paper towels and drain excess fat.
- Return the drained meat to the skillet.
- Add chopped onion and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes.
- Stir in water, wine, hot pepper, minced garlic, chopped tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes.
- Add rinsed and drained kidney beans and simmer for an additional 10 to 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a leaner version, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. If you prefer a richer flavor, substitute part of the water with beef broth. Adding a bay leaf during simmering can enhance the depth of flavor. For a spicier kick, increase the hot pepper or add jalapeños. Use fresh herbs if available instead of dried for a fresher taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the beef ragout over whole-grain rice or quinoa for a nutritious meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of Bean Sprout And Sauerkraut Salad for added crunch and freshness. Garnish each serving with fresh parsley or cilantro for extra flavor. A slice of crusty whole-grain bread can also complement this hearty dish.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the beef ragout to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems too thick.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef Ragout(Health Conscious) contains roughly 1038 calories, with 58g protein, 177g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (239% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and protein (115% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 854mg per serving (37% 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 a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the meat and onions in a skillet first, then transfer to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until flavors meld together.
What can I substitute for wine in this recipe?
If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with additional water or beef broth. For a bit of acidity, add a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to mimic the wine's flavor. This will still provide a delicious depth to the ragout.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground meat with a combination of lentils and mushrooms. You can also use vegetable broth instead of water and wine, and keep the spices for an equally hearty and satisfying ragout.
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).