Beef and Bean Hot Pot

Beef and Bean Hot Pot Recipe from the USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

The Beef and Bean Hot Pot is a hearty and comforting dish that combines tender beef, nutritious beans, and a variety of vegetables, all simmered together in a flavorful sauce. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner on a chilly evening, offering a satisfying blend of textures and tastes that appeal to both adults and children alike. With its easy preparation and wholesome ingredients, this hot pot is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

History

The concept of a hot pot has roots in many cultures, with variations seen across the globe. The Beef and Bean Hot Pot, as we know it, is a fusion of traditional stewing techniques, incorporating elements from Western and Eastern cuisines. This particular recipe has evolved over time, with each generation adding their own twist to the classic dish. It reflects a blend of simplicity and nourishment, emphasizing the importance of hearty meals that bring families together.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) boneless round steak, cut into 1 inch squares
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup beef broth
0.25 cup barbecue sauce
0.5 tsp garlic powder
0.13 tsp ground black pepper
1 cup sliced celery
1 10 oz (283 g) package frozen cut green beans
3 cup hot cooked rice

How to prepare

In a 10-inch skillet, cook the meat in vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it turns brown, which should take about 10 minutes.
Add the onion and cook for 3 minutes, or until it becomes tender-crisp. Stir in the broth, barbecue sauce, garlic powder, and pepper.
Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the meat becomes tender. Then, add the celery and green beans.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the vegetables become tender, which should take about 10 minutes.
Serve the dish over fluffy rice.

Variations

There are many ways to customize this hot pot to suit your taste. For a spicier version, add a teaspoon of chili flakes or a diced jalapeño. You can also substitute the green beans with other vegetables like carrots, peas, or corn. For a vegetarian version, replace the beef with mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the beef is tender and flavorful, brown it well on all sides before adding the liquids. This process, known as Maillard reaction, adds depth to the dish. For a thicker sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and add it to the pot during the last few minutes of cooking. Don't skip the simmering step, as it allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is best served hot, over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up the delicious sauce. For a lighter option, you can serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. A crusty piece of bread also makes a great accompaniment for dipping into the sauce.

Cooking Techniques

The key technique in this recipe is simmering, which allows the flavors to develop and the beef to become tender. Another important technique is browning the meat, which adds a rich flavor to the dish. Both techniques are simple yet essential for creating a delicious hot pot.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have round steak, you can use other cuts of beef suitable for stewing, such as chuck or brisket. Vegetable oil can be substituted with olive oil or any other cooking oil of your choice. If barbecue sauce is not available, you can use a mixture of ketchup and Worcestershire sauce as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a great option for meal prep. The flavors often improve after a day, as the ingredients have more time to meld together. Simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave when ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the hot pot in a large, shallow bowl to showcase the colorful vegetables and tender beef. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness. A side of rice or bread can be served separately, allowing guests to adjust their portions as desired.

Pairing Recommendations

A medium-bodied red wine, such as Merlot or Pinot Noir, pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the beef and beans. For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon complements the dish without overpowering it.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, place the desired amount in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, covered, for 2-3 minutes on high.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A single serving of Beef and Bean Hot Pot, without the rice, contains approximately 250 calories. This makes it a relatively low-calorie option for a main meal, especially when served with a side of vegetables instead of rice for those watching their calorie intake.

Carbohydrates

This Beef and Bean Hot Pot is relatively low in carbohydrates, with the main sources being the onions, celery, and green beans. The total carbohydrate content per serving is approximately 15 grams, making it a suitable option for those following a lower-carb diet. Serving the dish over hot cooked rice increases the carbohydrate content, so adjust the serving size of rice based on your dietary needs.

Fats

The total fat content in this recipe is moderated by the choice of lean round steak and the use of vegetable oil for cooking. The estimated fat content per serving is around 10 grams, with a mix of saturated and unsaturated fats. Opting for a lean cut of beef and controlling the portion size helps keep the fat content in check.

Proteins

Beef and Bean Hot Pot is an excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and growth. Each serving provides approximately 25 grams of protein, contributed by the beef and the beans. This makes the dish an ideal choice for individuals looking to increase their protein intake.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, thanks to the variety of vegetables included. Green beans and celery are good sources of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and fiber, while onions provide antioxidants and beef contributes iron and zinc. These nutrients play vital roles in maintaining overall health and well-being.

Alergens

The primary allergens to be aware of in this recipe are gluten (in the beef broth, depending on the brand) and soy (in the barbecue sauce). Always check the labels of store-bought ingredients for allergens. This recipe can be easily modified to be gluten-free by using gluten-free broth and sauce.

Summary

Overall, the Beef and Bean Hot Pot is a nutritious and balanced meal, offering a good mix of proteins, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. It's a versatile dish that can be adjusted to meet various dietary needs and preferences.

Summary

The Beef and Bean Hot Pot is a versatile, nutritious, and comforting dish that is perfect for a family dinner. With its rich flavors, high protein content, and array of vitamins and minerals, it offers a balanced meal that satisfies both the palate and the body. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with variations, this hot pot is sure to become a cherished part of your cooking repertoire.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Beef and Bean Hot Pot. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in the countryside. My grandmother, who was known for her incredible cooking skills, had received the recipe from a dear friend who had traveled to a far-off land and brought back the flavors of exotic spices and ingredients.

I was mesmerized as I watched my grandmother prepare the dish, her hands moving with grace and precision as she chopped the vegetables, seasoned the meat, and simmered everything together in a large pot. The aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, a tantalizing blend of savory beef, earthy beans, and fragrant herbs.

As I sat at the table, eagerly awaiting the first taste of the hot pot, my grandmother told me the story of how she had learned to make the dish. It was during her own travels many years before, when she had ventured to a bustling market in a distant city. There, she had met a kind old woman who had taken her under her wing and taught her the secrets of traditional cooking.

The old woman had shown my grandmother how to select the freshest ingredients, how to balance the flavors of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy, and how to cook with love and patience. My grandmother had soaked up every bit of knowledge like a sponge, determined to bring these new flavors and techniques back to our village.

And so, with each spoonful of the Beef and Bean Hot Pot, I felt a connection to my grandmother's past, to the women who had passed down these recipes through generations. It was a taste of history, a glimpse into a world beyond our small village, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.

Over the years, I have made the Beef and Bean Hot Pot countless times, each batch a little different, a little better than the last. I have added my own twist to the recipe, incorporating local ingredients and flavors that reflect my own heritage and experiences.

But no matter how many times I make it, the dish always brings me back to that first moment of wonder, of discovery and excitement. It is a reminder of the bond between generations, of the stories and traditions that are passed down from one cook to another.

And as I sit at the table now, surrounded by my own grandchildren, watching them eagerly dig into the steaming pot of Beef and Bean Hot Pot, I know that the recipe will live on, a cherished part of our family's culinary history. And I can only hope that one day, they too will feel that sense of wonder and connection as they learn to make it themselves.