South Texas Beans And Rice
A hearty South Texas beans and rice dish packed with smoky sausage, tender ham, and flavorful tomatoes, perfect for comforting family meals or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sort and wash the dry pinto beans.
- Combine beans, water, ham hock, chopped onion, chopped garlic, and salt in a large pot.
- Cover and simmer for 45 minutes.
- Add sliced smoked sausage, Ro-Tel tomatoes, and uncooked rice to the pot.
- Cover and simmer for an additional hour.
- Remove the ham hock and shred the ham from the bone.
- Return the shredded ham to the bean mixture.
- Simmer until the beans and rice are tender and flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, soak the pinto beans overnight to reduce cooking time and enhance digestibility. If you're looking for a twist, consider substituting chorizo for the smoked sausage for added spice. You can also add bell peppers or jalapeños for extra flavor. For a vegetarian version, omit the ham hock and sausage, and use vegetable broth instead of water.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the South Texas Beans and Rice with warm cornbread or tortilla chips for a complete meal. A side salad or some pickled jalapeños can add a refreshing crunch. This dish pairs beautifully with Melissa'S Taco Salad for a vibrant spread. Consider garnishing with chopped cilantro or green onions for an extra burst of flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to prevent drying out and warm it on the stovetop over low heat until heated through. This dish also freezes well; simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of South Texas Beans And Rice contains roughly 720 calories, with 15g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 55g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1683mg per serving (73% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned beans instead of dry beans?
Yes, you can use canned pinto beans to save time. If using canned beans, skip the soaking and initial simmering step, and simply add them to the pot with the other ingredients. Reduce the cooking time to about 20-30 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.
What can I substitute for the ham hock?
If you don't have a ham hock, you can use smoked turkey leg or bacon for a similar flavor. For a vegetarian option, try adding liquid smoke or smoked paprika to give the dish a smoky depth without the meat.
Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To make this in a slow cooker, combine all the ingredients except the rice and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add the rice during the last 30 minutes of cooking to ensure it doesn't become mushy.
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).