Are you craving a comforting, flavourful meal that's ready in under an hour? Look no further! This hearty bean and hot dog bake is a delicious and satisfying dish perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. It's incredibly easy to make, packed with protein and fiber, and customizable to your liking. This recipe is a fantastic example of transforming simple ingredients into a truly delicious and healthy meal, making it an ideal addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and best recipes.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 hot dogs, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
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Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds a flavorful base for your delicious dish.
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Combine the beans and sauce: Add the kidney beans, pinto beans, diced tomatoes, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Add the hot dogs: Stir in the sliced hot dogs and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. This is a great way to incorporate protein into a healthy and easy recipe.
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Bake (optional): For a bubbly, cheesy topping, transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve and enjoy: Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired, and serve hot. This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner, a testament to the magic of homemade cooking.
Cooking Tips:
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
- Feel free to substitute other types of beans, such as black beans or chickpeas.
- If you don't have beef broth, you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth instead.
- To make this recipe even easier, use pre-chopped onions and garlic.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the hot dogs with vegetarian hot dogs or crumbled vegetarian sausage.
- Add Vegetables: Include other vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or zucchini for extra nutrients and flavor. Experiment with different additions to find your perfect combination.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
- Fiber: 10-15g
This easy bean and hot dog bake is a fantastic example of a healthy meal that doesn't compromise on taste. It's a perfect addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas, offering a delicious and satisfying culinary experience for everyone. Enjoy!