Hearty Pinto Bean And Beef Stew – A Comforting Meal For Any Occasion!

I’m here to share my favorite Pinto Bean and Beef Stew recipe with you! I’ve been making this delicious dish for years, and it never fails to please. It’s a hearty meal that’s sure to fill you up and warm you up on a cold winter night. Plus, the combination of the pinto beans and beef creates an amazing flavor that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Pinto Bean And Beef Stew Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon dried cilantro
• 2 teaspoons dried Mexican oregano
• 1 cup dried pinto beans
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can petite diced tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup water, or more as needed
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt (such as Spike® seasoning)
• ½ cup diced green onions
• ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro, or more to taste
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice

Instructions

• Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
• Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
• Add the ground beef and cook until it is browned, about 8 minutes.
• Add the garlic, cumin, cilantro, and oregano and cook for 1 minute.
• Add the pinto beans, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, water, tomato paste, and seasoned salt.
• Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
• Add the green onions, cilantro, and lime juice.
• Simmer for an additional 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Serve hot. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

• (per serving)
• Calories: 298
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 22g
• Sodium: 496mg
• Cholesterol: 37mg

Why stews are comfort food

Stews have long been viewed as a form of comfort food; a warm, hearty dish that will satisfy both one’s physical and emotional needs. There is something about a bowl of stew that speaks to our human need for connection and a reminder of home. Stews have been a part of human cuisine for centuries and virtually every culture has their own version of this beloved dish. In many cases, the recipes are passed down through generations, creating a strong familial connection with the dish. This is the case with the classic Pinto Bean and Beef Stew, a dish that has been part of the American culinary landscape since the late 1800s.

The original Pinto Bean and Beef Stew recipe was a simple combination of beef, pinto beans, and basic seasoning. The ingredients were readily available to most households and could feed a family of four on a minimal budget. Over the years, the recipe has evolved to include variations such as chili powder, garlic, and tomatoes, but the basic idea of a hearty, comforting stew remains the same. The dish has become an integral part of American culture, providing comfort to generations of people who have enjoyed it.

In addition to its role as a comfort food, Pinto Bean and Beef Stew also has a strong cultural significance. In many parts of the United States, the dish is a staple in family gatherings, holidays, and other special occasions. It is a reminder of cherished family traditions and serves as a way to bring people together. For many, it is a way of honoring their ancestors who may have shared the same recipe for many generations.

The history of Pinto Bean and Beef Stew demonstrates the importance of comfort food in our lives. It is a reminder of the power of simple, hearty dishes to bring people together and create a sense of comfort and belonging. This timeless recipe continues to be a favorite around the world, providing comfort to generations of people in need of some warm, delicious sustenance.

Comparing cuts of beef

When preparing Pinto Bean and Beef Stew, understanding the differences between various cuts of beef is essential for achieving the desired flavor and texture. Depending on the cut of beef used, the stew can have a rich, beefy flavor, a tender texture, or both. Here we will explore the main types of beef cuts and how they might affect the flavor and texture of Pinto Bean and Beef Stew.

The most common cuts of beef used for stewing are chuck, brisket, short ribs, and shank. Chuck is a cut taken from the shoulder, and is often the least expensive option. It contains a large amount of connective tissue, which breaks down during cooking, resulting in a richer flavor and more tender texture. Brisket is a cut taken from the chest, and is usually more expensive than chuck. It has a slightly leaner texture than chuck and a slightly less beefy flavor. Short ribs are a cut taken from the rib area, and are usually the most expensive of the cuts discussed here. They contain fat marbling throughout the meat, which enhances the flavor and results in a very tender texture. Finally, shank is taken from the foreleg of the cow and is usually the toughest cut. It has a very strong beefy flavor, but requires longer cooking times to break down the connective tissue and achieve a tender texture.

When making Pinto Bean and Beef Stew, all of these cuts of beef can be used, but the desired flavor and texture of the stew will be affected. Chuck will give the stew a deeper beefy flavor and a more tender texture, while brisket will make the stew slightly leaner, yet still flavorful. Short ribs will give the stew a rich beefy flavor and a very tender texture, while shank will give the stew a strong beefy flavor, but require longer cooking times to achieve a tender texture.

Ultimately, the choice of cut of beef for Pinto Bean and Beef Stew is a matter of personal preference. Experiment with different cuts to find the one that best suits your individual tastes. With a little bit of knowledge and some experimentation, you can create a delicious and satisfying stew that is sure to please.

Health benefits of pinto beans

Nutritional Profile of Pinto Beans:

• A one-cup serving of cooked pinto beans contains 245 calories, 15.4 grams of dietary fiber, 15 grams of protein, and 0.8 grams of fat.
• Pinto beans are an excellent source of folate, providing 97.6 mcg of folate per one-cup serving.
• Pinto beans are also a good source of many vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, iron, and phosphorus.

Health Benefits of Pinto Beans:

• Pinto beans are high in dietary fiber, which can help reduce cholesterol levels and promote digestive health.
• The high levels of folate in pinto beans can help reduce the risk of birth defects, as well as protect against certain types of cancer.
• Pinto beans are a good source of plant-based protein, which can help with muscle maintenance and growth.
• The high levels of magnesium in pinto beans can help reduce blood pressure and prevent cardiovascular diseases.

Slow cooking for flavor

Slow cooking is a great way to enhance the flavor of Pinto Bean and Beef Stew. Here are some of the flavor-building benefits of slow cooking and how it can improve this classic dish:

• Low and slow heat: Slow cooking at a low temperature allows the flavors to develop over time and meld together, creating a rich and complex flavor.
• Concentrated flavors: As the liquid in the stew evaporates, the flavor of the ingredients become more concentrated, intensifying the flavor.
• Flavorful toppings: Adding toppings like cheese, sour cream, and crunchy tortilla strips can contrast the stew’s flavor and add texture.
• Seasonings: Slow cooking brings out the flavor of seasonings like garlic, cumin, and chili powder. Adding these seasonings at the beginning of cooking time gives them time to meld into the stew and enhance the flavor.
• Long cooking time: Slow cooking allows all of the flavors to simmer over a long period of time and deepen, creating an even more delicious stew.

These are just a few of the ways slow cooking can bring out the best flavors in Pinto Bean and Beef Stew. By combining these methods, you can create a meal that is full of flavor and sure to please everyone.

Creating a balanced meal

Pinto Bean and Beef Stew can be a healthy, balanced meal when served with the right accompaniments. The stew is rich in protein and fiber, making it a filling and nutritious dish. To make it a balanced meal, it should be served with a variety of other foods that provide a range of essential vitamins and minerals.

A great accompaniment to Pinto Bean and Beef Stew is a side of leafy greens. These can be cooked or served raw, depending on preference. Leafy greens are a great source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium. They are also low in calories, making them a healthy and nutritious addition to the meal.

Adding a serving of whole grains to the meal is also a great way to make sure it’s balanced. For example, quinoa is a high-fiber, nutrient-dense grain that is an excellent source of protein, B vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Quinoa is also gluten-free, making it an ideal grain for people with dietary restrictions.

To add a bit of sweetness to the meal, a piece of fruit can be served. Fruits are a great source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are also naturally sweet, so they can satisfy sweet cravings without adding unhealthy sugar.

To make sure the meal is balanced, it’s important to include a source of healthy fat. For example, adding a few tablespoons of olive oil to the stew can provide a good source of healthy fats. Or, for a vegan option, adding a few tablespoons of nut butter can also provide healthy fats, as well as protein and fiber.

Pinto Bean and Beef Stew can be a delicious and nutritious meal when served with the right accompaniments. By adding leafy greens, whole grains, fruit, and a source of healthy fat, the meal can be balanced and provide a range of essential vitamins and minerals.