Grandma'S Spicy Beans
Grandma's Spicy Beans is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring tender pinto beans, seasoned vegetables, ground beef, and a hint of spice, perfect for comforting family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook pinto beans until almost done, then add seasoned salt and pepper. Add chopped bell pepper, chopped onion, chopped garlic, chopped celery, and bay leaf.
- Bring beans to a boil, then add browned walnut-sized balls of ground beef and continue cooking until beef is done.
- Add Ro-Tel and simmer until all ingredients are tender and flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of cumin or smoked paprika. If you want to make this dish vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. Soaking the beans overnight can help reduce cooking time. Remember to adjust the salt based on the seasoning in your Ro-Tel.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Grandma's Spicy Beans with cornbread or over rice for a hearty meal. They pair well with a fresh salad or coleslaw for a nice crunch. You can also enjoy them as a filling for tacos or burritos, making this dish versatile and satisfying. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside John'S Festive Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the mixture. Alternatively, you can microwave in a covered dish, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S Spicy Beans contains roughly 276 calories, with 8g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (184% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (152% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (78% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1290mg per serving (56% 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 dry beans?
Yes, you can use canned pinto beans for a quicker version. Simply rinse and drain them, then add them to the pot after sautéing the vegetables. Reduce the cooking time, as the beans are already cooked and just need to be heated through.
How spicy is this dish?
The spiciness of Grandma's Spicy Beans mainly comes from the Ro-Tel tomatoes. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use the mild version of Ro-Tel or reduce the amount you add. Alternatively, you can add fresh jalapeños for an extra kick.
Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To make this recipe in a slow cooker, soak the beans overnight, then drain and add them along with the other ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beans are tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
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).