Mammaks Pinto Beans with Ground Beef: A Hearty Family Classic

Introduction

There are some recipes that instantly remind you of home, and for me, Mammaks pinto beans with ground beef is one of those. This comforting dish has been passed down in my family for generations, bringing warmth and satisfaction to the dinner table. My grandmother, who we affectionately called "Mammak," made this recipe every week, especially on Sundays after church. It was her way of bringing everyone together, and the savory aroma filling the kitchen always signaled a good meal was on the way.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Pinto beans, ground beef, and a handful of spices come together to create a dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a wholesome family dinner or something to meal prep for the week, this recipe fits the bill. Best of all, it’s budget-friendly and uses pantry staples that you probably already have at home.

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the steps to make Mammaks pinto beans with ground beef, share some tips and tricks, and offer ideas for side dishes to complement the meal. Let’s get started!

Recipe Overview

Name of the Recipe

Mammaks Pinto Beans with Ground Beef

Brief Description

This hearty and comforting dish features tender pinto beans slow-cooked with ground beef, onions, garlic, and a mix of savory spices. It's a perfect meal for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, served best with cornbread or rice on the side.

Ingredients List

• 1 lb dried pinto beans, rinsed and soaked overnight
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 bay leaf
• 6 cups beef broth or water
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: fresh cilantro, for garnish

Substitutions

If you prefer a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of beef. For a vegetarian version, skip the ground beef and add more beans, and consider using vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the beans: If you haven’t soaked your beans overnight, you can do a quick soak by bringing the beans to a boil in a pot of water for about 10 minutes. Turn off the heat, cover, and let them sit for an hour before draining.
2. Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Break it up as it cooks to ensure it’s evenly browned. Drain off excess fat and set the cooked beef aside.
3. Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
4. Combine ingredients in the slow cooker: Add the soaked beans, browned beef, sautéed onions and garlic, cumin, chili powder, bay leaf, and broth into a large slow cooker. Stir everything to combine.
5. Slow cook: Set the slow cooker on low and cook for 7-8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded together. Check the beans halfway through and add more broth if needed.
6. Season to taste: Once the beans are fully cooked, season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
7. Serve: Ladle the pinto beans and ground beef into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Enjoy with cornbread, rice, or a side of tortillas!

Cooking Times

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 7-8 hours on low, or 4-5 hours on high
• Total Time: 7.5-8.5 hours

Serving Suggestions

This dish is perfect on its own, but for a full meal, serve it with a slice of warm cornbread or over a bed of fluffy rice. You can also add a side of sautéed greens or a fresh garden salad for a well-rounded meal. If you're feeling indulgent, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 380
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 22g
• Fiber: 12g
• Sodium: 850mg

Storage and Reheating

Storage: This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Be sure to store the beans and beef in an airtight container to keep them fresh. The flavors continue to develop, so leftovers taste even better!

Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the beans in a pot over medium heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if needed. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?

Yes, you can use canned pinto beans as a time-saving option. If using canned beans, be sure to drain and rinse them, and reduce the cooking time in the slow cooker to 2-3 hours on low.

What’s the best way to thicken the bean mixture?

If your beans turn out too liquidy, you can mash some of the beans with a potato masher or the back of a spoon to thicken the dish. You can also let the beans simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes after cooking to reduce the liquid.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Absolutely! This recipe freezes well. Once cooled, store the beans and beef in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Conclusion

Mammaks pinto beans with ground beef is a timeless recipe that brings comfort and warmth to the table. Its savory flavors, combined with tender beans and well-seasoned ground beef, make it a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this dish is sure to please everyone around the table.

Try this recipe today and let me know how it turned out! Feel free to leave a comment below, share your thoughts, or even tweak the recipe to make it your own. Happy cooking!