Easy Cheesy Kielbasa With Beans
A hearty, cheesy kielbasa and bean stew packed with smoky flavors and tender sausage, perfect for satisfying family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground chuck ⓘ
- 1 large green bell pepper, diced ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 lb. kielbasa sausage, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 2 (10 3/4 oz.) cans tomato soup ⓘ
- 1 (14 1/2 oz.) can diced tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) can diced tomatoes and green chiles ⓘ
- 4 (16 oz.) cans pinto beans ⓘ
- 4 (15 oz.) cans pork and beans ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook ground chuck, diced green bell pepper, and chopped onion in a stockpot over medium-high heat, stirring until the meat crumbles and is no longer pink.
- Remove from the pot and drain excess fat.
- Brown the sliced kielbasa sausage in the stockpot; drain and return to the pot.
- Add the cooked ground chuck mixture, tomato soup, diced tomatoes, green chiles, pinto beans, and pork and beans to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes.
- Stir in cheese until melted and well combined.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using smoked kielbasa or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. You can substitute ground turkey for the ground chuck for a leaner option. If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace the meats with extra beans and veggies. This dish can also benefit from a handful of shredded cheddar cheese stirred in at the end for extra cheesiness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this easy cheesy kielbasa with a side of crusty bread or over a bed of rice to soak up the savory sauce. It pairs beautifully with Texas Cornbread Salad for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for added color and freshness. For a fun twist, serve in bowls alongside Cheesy Triangles for a delightful dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl, covered with a lid or microwave-safe wrap, for about 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Cheesy Kielbasa With Beans contains roughly 1644 calories, with 17g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 169g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (55% of the Daily Value), protein (35% of the Daily Value), and calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 864mg per serving (38% 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! While pinto and pork and beans are recommended for their flavor, you can use black beans, navy beans, or any canned beans you prefer. Just ensure they are drained and rinsed to maintain the desired taste and texture.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Yes, to add some spice, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of hot sauce along with the diced tomatoes and green chiles. Adjust the heat to your taste, and feel free to top with sliced jalapeños for extra kick.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the dish up to the simmering stage, then cool it and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat on the stove until warmed through. This also allows the flavors to meld together even more.
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).