Cooking beans with beef is a delicious and hearty dish. Here's a simple recipe for cooking beans with beef:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450g) dried beans (such as pinto beans, black beans, or kidney beans)
- 1 pound (450g) beef (such as stew meat, chuck roast, or ground beef)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 4 cups (946ml) beef or vegetable broth
- Water (as needed)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Optional seasonings (such as cumin, chili powder, paprika, or oregano)
- Optional toppings (such as chopped cilantro, sour cream, or grated cheese)
Instructions:
Prepare the beans: Rinse the dried beans under cold water and remove any debris or stones. Soak the beans overnight in a large bowl of water, or you can use the quick-soak method by bringing the beans and water to a boil and then letting them soak for 1 hour. Drain and rinse the beans before using.
Cook the beef: If using stew meat or chuck roast, cut the beef into small, bite-sized pieces. Heat the cooking oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides. If using ground beef, cook it until browned. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
Sauté the onions and garlic: In the same pot, add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté them until they become translucent and fragrant, usually around 2-3 minutes.
Combine the ingredients: Return the cooked beef to the pot with the onions and garlic. Add the soaked and drained beans. Pour in the beef or vegetable broth, and add enough water to cover the beans and beef by about an inch (2.5cm). Season with salt, pepper, and any additional spices or seasonings you prefer.
Simmer the beans: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot partially with a lid, leaving a small opening to allow steam to escape. Let the beans simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally and check the liquid level. If the beans absorb too much liquid, add more water or broth as needed.
Adjust the seasoning: Taste the beans and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. Add more salt, pepper, or spices if desired. You can also add a splash of lime juice or vinegar for a tangy flavor.
Serve and garnish: Once the beans are cooked to your desired tenderness, remove the pot from the heat. Ladle the beans and beef into bowls and garnish with optional toppings like chopped cilantro, sour cream, or grated cheese. Serve the dish with warm tortillas, rice, or cornbread, if desired.
This recipe can be adapted to your taste preferences and can be customized with additional vegetables or seasonings. Enjoy your delicious beans with beef!