Meaty Red Beans And Rice
Hearty red beans and rice with savory ground beef and flavorful tomatoes, perfect for comforting family dinners and easy weeknight meals with bold, satisfying flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the red beans in water until tender.
- Add chopped onion during the last hour of cooking the beans.
- Use leftover beans for the dish.
- Prepare rice separately according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef until browned.
- Add Ro-Tel tomatoes to the cooked beef and simmer for a few minutes.
- Serve the seasoned beef and tomato mixture over cooked rice with the beans.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a bay leaf or smoked paprika while cooking the beans. If you don't have red beans, kidney beans can be a good substitute. Adjust the heat by using diced green chilies instead of Ro-Tel tomatoes if you prefer a milder taste. Leftover beans can be repurposed in dishes like Stuffed Cabbage(Golumki) or enjoyed as a side.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty dish with a side of cornbread or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the meat and beans. For an extra kick, top with sliced jalapeños or a dollop of sour cream. This dish also pairs beautifully with Portuguese Beef Stew for a comforting meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm the dish in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to keep it moist. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meaty Red Beans And Rice contains roughly 486 calories, with 31g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (61% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), and iron (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 565mg per serving (25% 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 red beans instead of dried?
Yes, you can use canned red beans to save time. Just rinse and drain them, then add them during the last stages of cooking to warm through without overcooking.
What can I add to make it spicier?
To increase the spice level, consider adding cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture. You can also experiment with a splash of hot sauce before serving.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with a meat alternative like lentils or crumbled tempeh. Use vegetable broth for cooking the beans and skip the meat for a delicious vegetarian meal.
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).