Brown Bean Chowder
Brown Bean Chowder offers hearty flavors with tender pinto beans, seasoned ground beef, and rich tomato puree, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the pinto beans in 3 quarts of water or more if needed until nearly tender.
- When the beans are nearly done, add 2 tablespoons chili powder and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt.
- While the beans are cooking, combine ground beef, chopped onions, and garlic; brown in a skillet on the stove or in a 350°F oven, stirring frequently until cooked through.
- Add tomato puree, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 tablespoon salt, and bread crumbs to the meat mixture; simmer for 15 minutes.
- Combine the meat mixture with the cooked beans.
- Adjust the thickness with additional water or seasonings with more chili powder as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier chowder, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef if you prefer a leaner option. If you don't have pinto beans, black beans or kidney beans work well too. Adjust the chili powder to your taste and feel free to add other spices like cumin for more depth, similar to what you might find in chili recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the brown bean chowder hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or green onions for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or a side salad for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside chili bake for a hearty dinner option, or enjoy with some crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chowder on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water if it has thickened too much. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Brown Bean Chowder contains roughly 277 calories, with 9g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 676mg per serving (29% 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 chowder vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this chowder vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and using vegetable broth instead of water for cooking the beans. Add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for additional texture and flavor.
How do I adjust the thickness of the chowder?
To adjust the thickness, add more water gradually until you reach your desired consistency. You can also thicken it by simmering it longer to reduce the liquid or by adding more bread crumbs for a heartier texture.
Can I freeze the brown bean chowder?
Absolutely! Cool the chowder completely and transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm it on the stove or in the microwave.
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).