Hearty Bean Stew Recipe
Cook Time: 2 hours
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Description:
This hearty dish, often known as Pasta Fagioli or Fazool, is a comforting stew that becomes even more delicious the next day. With its blend of savory flavors, it’s a favorite among many, and cooking the beans thoroughly helps to minimize any gassy aftermath. For a vegetarian twist, simply substitute olive oil and vegetable stock, making this dish versatile for any dietary preference. Enjoy it hot, or even cold!
Recipe Category: Stew
Keywords: Beans, European, For Large Groups, Easy, Inexpensive
| Ingredient Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 lb | Beef |
| 32 oz | Crushed Tomatoes |
| 28-32 oz | Onion (diced) |
| 1 | Red Bell Pepper (diced) |
| 1 | Celery (diced) |
| 1 lb | Mushroom (sliced) |
| 1 cup | Macaroni |
| 1 cup | Small Shell Pasta |
| 1 lb | Bacon (chopped) |
| 1 tsp | Basil |
| 1 tsp | Oregano |
| 1 tsp | Paprika |
| 1/2 tsp | Cayenne Pepper |
| 1 | Bay Leaf |
| 6 cups | Water (for soup) |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 413.8 |
| Total Fat | 33 g |
| Saturated Fat | 13.6 g |
| Cholesterol | 45.5 mg |
| Sodium | 77 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 21.4 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.9 g |
| Sugars | 1.4 g |
| Protein | 7.8 g |
Instructions:
- Begin by following the instructions on the bean package to reconstitute them, ensuring they’re ready for your stew.
- As you rinse the beans, remember to save the water from the last rinse; it adds depth to the soup.
- In a large pot, render the chopped bacon over medium heat until it becomes crisp but not burned, allowing the flavors to develop.
- Add the diced onion, celery, red bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms to the pot, cooking them together over low to medium heat until they are very soft and aromatic, about 8-10 minutes.
- Pour in the reserved bean water and stock, then add the beans along with the herbs and spices. Start with a moderate amount; you can always add more later.
- Let the mixture simmer over low heat for approximately one hour, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- After an hour, stir in the crushed tomatoes and taste your stew, adjusting seasonings as needed to reach your desired flavor.
- In a separate large pot, bring water to a boil for the pasta. Cook the macaroni and small shell pasta halfway, then drain and add them to the stew pot.
- Increase the heat to bring the stew to a boil, cooking the noodles until they are fully tender but not overdone, preserving the integrity of the beans.
- Be cautious not to boil the beans too long after adding the pasta; they should remain intact, providing a delightful texture in each spoonful.
Serve your Hearty Bean Stew hot, savoring the blend of flavors and the warmth it brings, whether it’s a chilly day or a cozy gathering with friends and family! Enjoy leftovers for an even richer experience, or relish it cold for a unique twist.
