Kidney Bean Dinner
A hearty kidney bean and ground beef stew with tomatoes and spices, perfect for a comforting family dinner or casual gathering, rich in flavor and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the kidney beans and tomatoes together.
- Simmer the bean and tomato mixture.
- Put 1/4 tablespoon margarine, butter, or lard in a skillet.
- Add ground beef and chopped onions; cook until browned, about 10 minutes.
- Add water and cover the skillet.
- Add finely chopped green pepper to the beans and tomatoes.
- Add the browned meat and onions back into the mixture.
- Simmer everything for half an hour.
- Add tomato soup and stir well before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding spices like cumin or chili powder to the beef while cooking. If you want a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with crumbled tempeh or lentils. For a fresh twist, toss in a handful of corn or diced carrots. Serve with crusty bread, which pairs beautifully with this hearty dish.
Serving Suggestions
This kidney bean dinner is delicious served over rice or with a side of cornbread. It also pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a more indulgent experience, serve it alongside cheesy garlic bread, or consider offering it as a filling for tortilla wraps.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply transfer to a saucepan and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes until heated through, adding a splash of water if the mixture appears dry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Kidney Bean Dinner contains roughly 407 calories, with 22g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (95% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (58% of the Daily Value), and protein (44% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 11g 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 freeze the kidney bean dinner?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stove or microwave until heated thoroughly.
What can I use instead of tomato soup?
If you don't have tomato soup, you can use crushed tomatoes or a homemade tomato sauce. Simply add a bit of broth or water to achieve a similar consistency and adjust the seasoning to taste. This substitution will maintain the dish's flavor profile.
Can I add other vegetables to the dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor. Just chop them finely and add them along with the onions to ensure they cook through and blend well with the other ingredients.
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).