Portuguese Beans
Portuguese Beans is a hearty, flavorful dish combining tender beans, savory meats, and vibrant vegetables with a touch of sweetness and tang from pineapple and vinegar. Perfect for gatherings or comforting family dinners, it offers a rich blend of spices and smoky flavors that satisfy every palate.
Ingredients
- 3 cans pinto beans
- 1 large red onion ⓘ
- 1 red bell pepper ⓘ
- 10 to 15 large mushrooms ⓘ
- 3 to 4 garlic cloves ⓘ
- 3 linguica ⓘ
- 2 lb. ground sirloin ⓘ
- 1 large can chunk pineapple ⓘ
- 1 large can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons red wine garlic vinegar ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons paprika ⓘ
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 can beer ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons mustard ⓘ
- 2 cups catsup ⓘ
Instructions
- Slice and sauté linguica in a large skillet.
- Add ground sirloin to the skillet and cook until browned.
- Pour off excess fat from the meat mixture.
- Sauté chopped onion, sliced mushrooms, chopped bell pepper, and minced garlic in the skillet.
- Add the sautéed vegetables to the meat and let simmer together.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large slow cooker or stew pot, combine all ingredients including beans, pineapple, tomato sauce, brown sugar, red wine garlic vinegar, paprika, Parmesan cheese, beer, mustard, and catsup.
- Simmer the mixture for 2 to 3 hours.
- Add 5 to 6 slices of bacon during the last hour of cooking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian version, substitute ground sirloin with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. If you prefer a smokier flavor, consider adding a dash of liquid smoke to the mixture. Don’t skip the sautéing step for the vegetables; it enhances their flavor and texture. A splash of red wine can also deepen the overall taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Portuguese Beans hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or additional Parmesan cheese. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside rice or quinoa. This dish also goes well with a refreshing salad like Go Go Salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Portuguese Beans contains roughly 744 calories, with 14g protein, 163g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (108% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (83% of the Daily Value), and vitamin D (50% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 717mg per serving (31% 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 beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can use dried pinto beans, but you'll need to soak and cook them beforehand. Typically, you'll want to soak them overnight and then boil until tender before adding them to the recipe. This will require additional time but can enhance the overall flavor.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the dish?
To adjust the sweetness, you can reduce the brown sugar amount or substitute with a sugar alternative like maple syrup or honey. Taste as you go, and remember that the sweetness can also be balanced with acidity from the vinegar or additional spices.
What can I serve with Portuguese Beans?
Portuguese Beans are versatile and can be served with various sides. Consider offering crusty bread for dipping, a side of rice, or a fresh salad for balance. A flavorful option is to pair it with Vegetarian recipes that feature light, crisp vegetables to complement the hearty beans.
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).