Ham Chili Stew Recipe 🍲

Overview:

Ham Chili Stew is the perfect solution for utilizing leftover ham in a flavorful, hearty dish. It’s a quick and easy recipe that’s ready in just 45 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. This stew is packed with protein-rich beans, savory ham, and a medley of vegetables, creating a satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Plus, it’s highly customizable, so feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re a fan of spicy peppers or prefer a milder flavor, this recipe can be tailored to your liking. So let’s dive in and whip up a batch of delicious Ham Chili Stew!

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked ham, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 can great northern beans, drained and rinsed
1 can diced tomatoes
1 cup tomato sauce
1 cup water
1/2 cup black olives, sliced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon thyme
1 tablespoon beef bouillon granules
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cooked pasta (optional, for serving)

Instructions:

Saute Vegetables: In a Dutch oven or large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced red bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic. Saute until the vegetables are tender and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
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Add Ham and Beans: Once the vegetables are softened, add the diced cooked ham to the pot, along with the drained and rinsed kidney beans, pinto beans, and great northern beans. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
Pour in Tomatoes and Sauce: Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and water to the pot. Stir well to incorporate the liquids into the stew mixture.
Season and Simmer: Bring the stew to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Add the sliced black olives, salt, thyme, beef bouillon granules, and black pepper to the pot. Stir to evenly distribute the seasonings.
Simmer Uncovered: Allow the stew to simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help meld the flavors together and allow the stew to thicken slightly.
Optional Addition: For a twist on classic chili, you can add cooked pasta to the stew during the final minutes of simmering. This creates a hearty “chili mac” dish that’s sure to satisfy.
Serve and Enjoy: Once the stew is ready, ladle it into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with additional toppings such as shredded cheese, diced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream, if desired.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 346.8
Fat: 9.8g
Saturated Fat: 2.8g
Cholesterol: 31.7mg
Sodium: 1231mg
Carbohydrates: 45.4g
Fiber: 13.4g
Sugar: 9.3g
Protein: 22.4g

Recipe Notes:

Customize to Taste: Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your preferences. If you’re not a fan of olives or prefer fewer beans, simply omit or reduce the amounts accordingly.
Make it Spicy: For an extra kick of heat, add diced jalapenos or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the stew.
Storage: This Ham Chili Stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes well, so you can make a big batch and portion it out for future meals.

With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, Ham Chili Stew is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Serve it up for dinner tonight and watch as your family devours every last spoonful!