Pinto Bean Pot Stew
A hearty and flavorful bean stew featuring tender pinto beans, savory ground beef, and a hint of ketchup for sweetness. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, it combines simple ingredients into a satisfying dish with bold flavors that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put pinto beans in water and cook until tender.
- Fry ground beef with chopped onion until browned.
- Add cooked beef and onion to the beans.
- Mix in ketchup, salt, and pepper.
- Cook until all ingredients are heated through and flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier dish, consider adding diced carrots or celery to the stew. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you prefer a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and add extra veggies like bell peppers or corn. Soaking the beans overnight can reduce cooking time significantly.
Serving Suggestions
This pinto bean pot stew pairs wonderfully with cornbread or a simple side salad for a complete meal. For a comforting touch, top with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream. It also goes well with avocado slices, making it a great choice for a cozy family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also use a microwave, heating in 1-minute intervals until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pinto Bean Pot Stew contains roughly 565 calories, with 10g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (117% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1149mg per serving (50% 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 pinto beans instead of dried?
Yes, you can use canned pinto beans to save time. Simply drain and rinse them before adding to the pot along with the cooked beef and onion. Reduce cooking time as you only need to heat the ingredients through.
Is it possible to make this stew in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To make this stew in a slow cooker, brown the ground beef and onion first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours for a delicious, easy meal.
What can I serve with this stew?
This stew is perfect with crusty bread or over rice for a filling meal. You might also enjoy it with a side of coleslaw or a fresh garden salad to balance the richness of the stew.
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).