Quick And Easy Beans
A hearty, flavorful bean stew featuring ground beef, sausage, and ham, perfect for comforting family dinners and easy to prepare with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients together in a large pot.
- Add seasoning to taste.
- Simmer until beans are tender and flavors meld, about 2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the ground beef and ham slice before adding them to the pot. You can substitute dry pinto beans with canned beans for a quicker option, just reduce cooking time. Adding bell peppers or garlic enhances the taste. If you want a spicy kick, include jalapeños or chili powder, which works well with this hearty dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the beans with a side of cornbread or over rice for a complete meal. A fresh salad or steamed vegetables pair nicely to balance the richness. This dish is also great topped with shredded cheese or chopped green onions. It pairs beautifully with Grandma'S 'Beef Loaf' for a comforting meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the beans. You can also microwave in a covered dish, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick And Easy Beans contains roughly 695 calories, with 32g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (63% of the Daily Value) and iron (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1186mg per serving (52% 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 different types of beans for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute pinto beans with black beans or kidney beans. Just adjust the cooking time as some beans may cook faster than pinto. Ensure they are fully cooked and tender before serving.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef and sausage with plant-based meat alternatives or additional vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms. Use vegetable broth and omit any meat. Adjust seasonings to enhance the flavors.
What seasonings work best for this dish?
Seasonings like cumin, paprika, and black pepper complement the dish well. You can also add bay leaves while simmering for extra depth. Taste as it cooks and adjust according 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).