Camp Beans
Camp Beans is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring tender pinto beans simmered with smoky ham, fresh vegetables, and a blend of spices. Perfect for outdoor gatherings or comforting family dinners, it combines robust flavors and simple ingredients for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak the dried pinto beans in water to cover in a soup pot overnight.
- Drain and rinse the soaked beans.
- Add water to cover the beans, then add chopped onion, chopped garlic, bay leaves, and chicken bouillon cubes.
- Simmer over low heat for 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Add canned tomatoes, chopped green bell pepper, chili powder, dry mustard, oregano, ham chunks, and brown sugar.
- Remove bay leaves before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Camp Beans, consider adding a splash of hot sauce or a diced jalapeño for heat. If you don't have chicken bouillon cubes, vegetable broth can be a great substitute. For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms. Soaking the beans overnight is crucial for optimal cooking and digestibility.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Camp Beans with cornbread or over rice for a hearty meal. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro can add a refreshing touch. Pair with a simple green salad or coleslaw for contrast. This dish also works well as a filling for burritos or tacos, making it versatile for any occasion.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Camp Beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Camp Beans contains roughly 319 calories, with 5g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (90% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (60% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. It also contributes 17g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 pinto beans to save time. Use about 3 cans, rinsed and drained. Skip the soaking step and reduce the cooking time to about 20-30 minutes, just enough to heat through and blend the flavors.
What can I substitute for ham in this recipe?
If you're looking for alternatives to ham, try using smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar flavor profile. Alternatively, you can add diced vegetables like mushrooms or tempeh for a hearty, vegetarian twist on this classic dish.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To spice up your Camp Beans, consider adding chopped jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or even diced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Adjust the chili powder to your taste as well, and serve with hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy extra heat.
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).