Hearty Ribs And Beans
Hearty ribs and beans combine tender pork ribs with flavorful beans and vegetables, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers craving rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 3 to 3 1/2 lb. country style pork ribs ⓘ
- 15 oz. can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 envelope onion soup mix ⓘ
- 1/3 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. prepared mustard ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. hot sauce ⓘ
- 2 cans (16 oz.) small white beans, drained ⓘ
- 2 cans (16 oz.) red kidney beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups thinly sliced celery ⓘ
- 1 sweet red or green pepper, chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- Place ribs in a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
- Add 1/4 cup water, cover tightly, and cook in a 350°F oven for 1 1/4 hours.
- Remove ribs and drain on absorbent paper.
- Pour off cooking liquid, reserving it.
- Combine tomato sauce, onion soup mix, brown sugar, prepared mustard, and hot sauce in a small saucepan and cook slowly for 10 minutes.
- Remove excess fat from the cooking liquid, then add enough water to make 1 cup of liquid.
- Stir this into the sauce mixture.
- Combine white beans, red kidney beans, sliced celery, and chopped red or green pepper in a baking dish.
- Lay ribs on top or cut into bite-size pieces and mix into the beans and sauce.
- Cover tightly and bake in a 350°F oven for 30 to 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, marinate the ribs in the sauce mixture overnight before baking. You can substitute the country-style pork ribs with beef ribs for a different taste. If you prefer a spicier dish, consider adding more hot sauce or diced jalapeños. For a vegetarian option, replace the ribs with smoked tempeh and use vegetable stock instead of meat drippings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Hearty Ribs and Beans with a side of cornbread or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Chili With Pork And Beans for a hearty feast. Consider offering hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy an extra kick. A crisp coleslaw would also complement the richness of the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the ribs and beans in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 25-30 minutes. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hearty Ribs And Beans contains roughly 517 calories, with 39g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (79% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (58% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (40% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 964mg per serving (42% 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 this recipe calls for white and red kidney beans, you can experiment with other varieties like black beans or pinto beans. Just ensure that you drain and rinse them well to remove excess sodium and enhance their flavor.
What can I do if the sauce is too thick?
If the sauce turns out too thick, simply add a little water or broth to reach your desired consistency. Stir it well while heating to ensure that the flavors meld together. Adjust the seasoning if necessary to maintain the flavor balance.
Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the ribs first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the ribs are tender. This method will enhance the flavors and tenderness of the meat.
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).