Bountiful Bean Stew
A hearty bean stew combining tender kidney beans, sweet carrots, and melted Monterey Jack cheese, perfect for comforting dinners and suitable for a variety of flavor profiles.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rinse the red kidney beans.
- Cover the beans with water and boil for 2 minutes.
- Let the beans stand for 1 hour, then simmer, covered, for 50 minutes until tender.
- Add all the ingredients except the cheese to the pot.
- Simmer for 30 minutes until the carrots are done.
- Stir in the cubed Monterey Jack cheese just before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider sautéing the onions and carrots in a bit of olive oil before adding them to the pot. If you want a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. You can substitute black beans or pinto beans if red kidney beans are unavailable. For a vegetarian option, ensure all ingredients, especially the cheese, are vegetarian-friendly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Bountiful Bean Stew with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. A side salad, like Men Love It Salad, complements the stew perfectly. For added flavor, garnish with fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream. This dish also pairs beautifully with Veggie Pizza ('Sara's Favorite') for a balanced dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Bountiful Bean Stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. If the stew thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bountiful Bean Stew contains roughly 218 calories, with 7g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (84% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 513mg 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 use canned beans instead of dried beans?
Yes, you can use canned red kidney beans to save time. If using canned beans, simply rinse and drain them and add them to the pot in step 4, reducing the simmering time to about 15 minutes to heat through and allow the flavors to meld.
What can I do if the stew is too thick?
If your stew turns out too thick, simply add a little vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Stir well and let it simmer for a few minutes to incorporate the added liquid, ensuring the flavors remain balanced.
Can I make this stew ahead of time?
Absolutely! This stew actually tastes better the next day as the flavors deepen. Make it a day in advance, let it cool completely, then store in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stove or in a microwave when ready to serve.
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).