Red Beans With Tomato Sauce
Red Beans With Tomato Sauce is a hearty, flavorful dish combining tender red beans, smoky bacon, and a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings, its savory spices and tender beans create a satisfying vegetarian or meat-enhanced meal with bold, warming flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak dried red beans in water for 2 to 3 hours, then drain.
- Chop cooked bacon finely and place in a large saucepan with 2 quarts of water; cover.
- Bring to a boil and cook for 10 minutes.
- Add soaked beans, tomato sauce, chopped onion, red pepper pods, chopped garlic, bay leaf, cumin seeds, salt, and pepper to the saucepan.
- Cover and let simmer on low heat for 3 hours or until beans are tender, stirring often.
- Add more water or tomato sauce as needed during cooking.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider substituting the chopped bacon with smoked sausage. If you're short on time, canned red beans can be used instead; just reduce cooking time. To enhance the dish, add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of smoked paprika. If you want a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth instead of water.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the red beans with cooked rice or cornbread to soak up the flavorful sauce. A side of coleslaw or a simple green salad pairs well for a refreshing contrast. For a complete meal, consider serving with Hot Ham And Cheese Rolls for a comforting combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the beans in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or tomato sauce if they seem dry. Stir occasionally until heated through. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Red Beans With Tomato Sauce contains roughly 262 calories, with 9g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (449% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (55% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 658mg per serving (29% 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 fresh beans instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh red beans, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time. Fresh beans usually take less time to cook, so keep an eye on them and check for tenderness after about an hour of simmering.
What can I add for more flavor?
You can enhance the flavor by adding spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for heat. Additionally, experimenting with herbs such as thyme or adding a splash of vinegar before serving can elevate the dish.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish is perfect for meal prep as it keeps well in the fridge and flavors deepen over time. Just make sure to store in individual portions for easy reheating throughout the week.
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).