Granny'S Bean Goulash
A hearty, flavorful bean goulash with smoky pork, ground beef, and vibrant vegetables, perfect for comforting family dinners and suitable for those who enjoy robust, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- After soaking beans overnight, boil with salt pork, bacon drippings, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Cook until beans are barely tender, about 1.5 hours.
- In a large skillet, brown hamburger, onion, green pepper, and celery.
- Cook until onions begin to turn transparent.
- Add garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet and cook for a few minutes.
- Add chopped tomatoes and cook about 10 minutes.
- Combine the browned vegetable mixture with the cooked beans and simmer until flavors meld.
- Cool the mixture, ladle into 1-quart freezer containers, label, and freeze.
- To serve, thaw the goulash and place in a Dutch oven.
- Simmer until the juice thickens, then serve with cabbage slaw and cornbread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting the salt pork with smoked bacon. If you're short on time, use canned pinto beans instead of dried, reducing the cooking time significantly. Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or zucchini for extra nutrition, and adjust the spices to your taste. This goulash can be paired with sides like the Yummy Swiss Cheese And Olive Appetizer.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the goulash hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese for added flavor. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp cabbage slaw and warm cornbread. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a light salad, such as Strawberry Spinach Salad With Strawberry-Poppy Seed Dressing, to balance the hearty dish.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the goulash to cool completely before transferring it to airtight freezer containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then simmer in a Dutch oven over low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Granny'S Bean Goulash contains roughly 272 calories, with 12g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (52% of the Daily Value), protein (25% of the Daily Value), and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 686mg per serving (30% 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 a different type of bean for this goulash?
Yes, you can substitute pinto beans with other varieties like kidney beans or black beans. Just ensure to soak and cook them according to their specific requirements. Each type will bring a unique flavor and texture to the dish.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of this goulash, you can omit the salt pork and hamburger, replacing them with a mix of mushrooms and lentils for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of water while cooking the beans for added depth of flavor.
What can I do with leftovers?
Leftover goulash can be creatively repurposed. Use it as a filling for burritos or nachos, or serve it over rice for a quick meal. Additionally, it can be added to soups for extra heartiness, making it versatile and delicious.
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).