Are you craving a comforting, flavorful meal that's also quick and easy to make? Look no further! This small red beans and ground beef recipe is a delicious and satisfying dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend family gathering. It's packed with protein, fiber, and flavor, making it a healthy and delicious addition to your meal repertoire. This simple recipe is perfect for beginner cooks while offering enough depth of flavor to satisfy seasoned home chefs. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can small red 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 cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Brown the beef: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
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Sauté the aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Simmer the stew: Add the rinsed and drained small red beans, undrained diced tomatoes, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 20 minutes, or longer for a richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together.
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Serve and enjoy: Once the stew has simmered to your desired consistency, taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. This dish pairs perfectly with cornbread, rice, or a simple green salad.
Cooking Tips for the Best Small Red Beans and Ground Beef:
- For a thicker stew: If you prefer a thicker consistency, simmer the stew uncovered for the last 10 minutes of cooking time to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
- Spice it up: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preference. For a milder dish, omit it altogether or use a smaller amount. You can also experiment with other spices like smoked paprika or oregano.
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to this recipe, such as bell peppers, carrots, or celery. Add them along with the onions for best results.
- Make it a slow cooker recipe: This recipe can easily be adapted for a slow cooker. Brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Variations:
- Vegetarian option: Substitute the ground beef with 1 cup of cooked lentils or crumbled vegetarian crumbles for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for an extra spicy kick.
- Creamy twist: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving for a creamy finish.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fiber: 10-12g
This delicious and easy small red beans and ground beef recipe is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit your taste and dietary needs. It's a great way to enjoy a healthy and flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy!