Pinto Bean Goulash
A hearty and flavorful goulash featuring tender pinto beans, savory hamburger, and smoky wieners, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook pinto beans using your usual method.
- Saute hamburger, chopped onion, and chopped green pepper until the meat loses its red color.
- Combine cooked pinto beans with other ingredients in a slow cooker or large pot, excluding wieners.
- Cook at low temperature until about done.
- Add wieners and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of smoked paprika or cumin to the sautéed mixture. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the hamburger with textured vegetable protein or mushrooms. Feel free to adjust the heat by adding more hot sauce or using a spicier chili powder. Experiment with different types of beans, like black or kidney beans, for varied textures and flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Pinto Bean Goulash with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with American recipes like Colochi or a fresh garden salad for a balanced dinner. For added texture, top with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream. This dish is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the goulash in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pinto Bean Goulash contains roughly 178 calories, with 5g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (168% of the Daily Value) and potassium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1023mg per serving (44% 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 dried pinto beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can use dried pinto beans! Just soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding to the recipe. This will enhance the flavor and texture. Be sure to adjust the cooking time in the slow cooker, as dried beans require longer to cook compared to canned beans.
What can I substitute for wieners?
If you want to substitute wieners, consider using sliced smoked sausage or kielbasa for a similar flavor. For a vegetarian option, try adding plant-based hot dogs or even diced cooked tempeh. These alternatives will still provide a satisfying texture and enhance the overall dish.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of hot sauce or use a hotter variety. You can also incorporate finely chopped jalapeños or serrano peppers when sautéing the onion and green pepper. Adding extra chili powder or cayenne pepper can also elevate the spice level to your preference.
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).