Tent Dinner
A hearty and flavorful one-pot meal featuring smoked sausage, chicken gizzards and livers, lima beans, rice, and fresh vegetables. Perfect for a filling dinner that combines smoky, savory, and spicy flavors, making it ideal for outdoor gatherings or camping trips with its simple, rustic appeal.
Ingredients
- 1 pkg. smoked sausage, chunked
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 (16 oz.) cans lima beans ⓘ
- 1 lb. chicken gizzards
- 1 lb. chicken livers ⓘ
- 6 c. water ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. red pepper ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. bacon drippings ⓘ
- 1 bunch green onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 bunch celery, chopped
- 2 bell peppers, chopped ⓘ
- 1 lb. lean ground meat ⓘ
- 2 lb. hot bulk sausage ⓘ
- 2 c. rice (uncooked) ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook gizzards and livers in water with salt, Worcestershire sauce, and red pepper until tender, about 20 to 30 minutes.
- Remove gizzards and livers from broth, grind or chop them, and set aside.
- Save the broth for cooking the rice and other ingredients.
- In a large pot, heat bacon drippings and sauté chopped onions, celery, and bell peppers until tender.
- Add smoked sausage, hot bulk sausage, and lean ground meat; cook until browned.
- Stir in lima beans, chopped gizzards and livers, and seasonings.
- Add rice and pour in the saved broth, then bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until rice is cooked and flavors meld, about 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding smoked paprika or cayenne pepper in place of red pepper. You can substitute chicken gizzards and livers with additional smoked sausage or even diced ham if preferred. If using leftover rice, simply adjust the cooking time to ensure it heats through without becoming mushy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Tent Dinner hot, garnished with chopped green onions for a fresh touch. It pairs well with a side salad or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside Chicken Wings Pacifica for a delightful spread.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Stir occasionally until heated through. This dish can also be frozen for up to three months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tent Dinner contains roughly 704 calories, with 25g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (109% of the Daily Value), protein (50% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1872mg per serving (81% 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 in this recipe?
Absolutely! While lima beans are traditional, feel free to substitute with black beans, pinto beans, or even kidney beans for a different flavor and texture. Just ensure the beans are cooked or canned for convenience.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To amp up the heat, you can increase the amount of red pepper or add some diced jalapeños. Additionally, a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes at the end can enhance the spice level to your preference.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Tent Dinner?
Yes! You can replace all meats with plant-based proteins such as tempeh or seitan. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and add more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for added flavor. Adjust seasoning to taste for a delicious vegetarian meal.
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).