Are you looking for a delicious, healthy, and satisfying meal that's also easy to make? Look no further! This baked beans with ground turkey recipe is a fantastic option for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend lunch. It’s packed with protein and fiber, making it a perfect choice for a healthy meal. Forget those canned beans; this homemade version is bursting with flavor and incredibly easy to prepare. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
-
Brown the Ground Turkey: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
-
Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
-
Combine Ingredients: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, and chicken broth. Stir in the brown sugar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, dry mustard, and black pepper. Season with salt to taste.
-
Simmer and Bake: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. For a deeper, richer flavor, transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-45 minutes.
-
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the baked beans hot. They're delicious on their own, or you can serve them alongside cornbread, rice, or your favorite side dish.
Cooking Tips for the Best Baked Beans:
- Don't overcook the ground turkey: Overcooking can make it dry. Aim for a nice brown color without drying it out.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer less sweet beans, reduce the amount of brown sugar. Conversely, add more if you like them sweeter.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicier kick.
- Make it a slow cooker meal: For an even easier approach, transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Variations:
- Add other beans: Feel free to experiment with other beans like black beans or cannellini beans.
- Include vegetables: Add diced carrots, celery, or zucchini for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Use different meats: Substitute ground beef or sausage for the ground turkey.
- Make it vegetarian: Omit the ground turkey and add a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe provides a healthy and balanced meal. The nutritional information will vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used, but a single serving offers a good source of protein and fiber, contributing to feelings of fullness and sustained energy. For precise nutritional data, it is recommended to use a nutrition calculator based on your specific ingredients.
This baked beans recipe is a simple and satisfying way to enjoy a healthy and delicious meal. It's perfect for meal prepping, making it a great choice for busy weeknights. The adaptable nature of this dish makes it easy to customize to your preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy experimenting with different variations and creating your perfect bowl of baked beans!