Pinto Bean Ragout
A hearty and flavorful pinto bean ragout with smoky bacon, tender vegetables, and aromatic herbs, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for vegetarians if bacon is omitted.
Ingredients
- 1 slice bacon ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 medium carrot, cut into 1/4-inch slices ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic ⓘ
- 14-ounce can stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 16-ounce can pinto beans, rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook bacon in a large skillet until crisp.
- Drain on paper towels and crumble the bacon.
- Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of drippings from the skillet.
- Add chopped onion, carrot slices, salt, pepper, and thyme to the skillet.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, over medium heat until the onion is tender, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in tomato paste and minced garlic; cook for 1 minute.
- Add stewed tomatoes, pinto beans, and crumbled bacon to the skillet.
- Stir to combine and simmer for 5 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier dish, consider adding diced bell peppers or zucchini. If you want to make it vegetarian, you can substitute the bacon with smoked paprika for a similar flavor profile. You can also use canned beans of your choice if pinto beans aren't available. Experiment with spices like cumin or chili powder for an extra kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pinto bean ragout over cooked rice or alongside crusty bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Pork Chops With Sweet Potatoes for a satisfying dinner. Garnish with fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor. A side salad would also complement this dish nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent sticking. This ragout also freezes well; just thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pinto Bean Ragout contains roughly 1391 calories, with 41g protein, 298g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (299% of the Daily Value), and potassium (106% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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, but you'll need to soak and cook them beforehand. This will add extra time to your preparation. Typically, you'll want to soak them overnight and then simmer until tender before adding them to the ragout.
What can I substitute for tomato paste?
If you don't have tomato paste, you can use an equal amount of tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor will be slightly different, so adjust seasoning accordingly to maintain the dish's richness.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this pinto bean ragout is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat products. Just make sure that any ingredients, such as bacon or canned tomatoes, are labeled gluten-free if you have a severe gluten intolerance.
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).