If you want a warm, tasty meal that’s simple to make, try this One Pot Black Eyed Peas and Beef recipe. It’s comforting and full of flavor.
A Hearty and Flavorful Comfort Dish
Beans and ground beef combination is a simple and budget-friendly meal that you can make easily and quickly without any hassle. This dish is not only satisfying but also perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving something hearty and satisfying, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
I grew up using palm oil to cook black-eyed peas in a traditional Nigerian dish called Ewa Riro. This rich, red oil is a staple in many West African households and is integral to the flavors of our cuisine. We also use it to prepare other dishes like Efo Riro (a savory spinach stew), Okro Soup, and the classic Nigerian Stew. Palm oil not only adds a distinct, earthy flavor but also enhances the vibrant color and richness of these dishes. Its unique taste and health benefits make it an essential ingredient in my kitchen.
It’s okay if you want to try this recipe without palm oil; simply use olive oil or any other cooking oil of choice.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
1. One-Pot: This dish comes together in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze.
2. Nutritious and Filling: Black-eyed peas are not only delicious but also loaded with nutrients. They’re high in fiber, protein, and essential vitamins, making them a healthy addition to any meal. Paired with beef, this dish is a powerhouse of protein and flavor.
3. Versatile: This recipe is highly adaptable. You can add your favorite vegetables and change the spices as you like. You can also replace beef with chicken or a plant-based option. I used palm oil for an African flavor, but you can use olive oil or any cooking oil you prefer instead.
Ingredients
Black eyed peas: A protein-rich legume that adds a hearty texture and flavor to the dish.
Ground beef: Adds a savory flavor and a good source of protein.
Palm oil: Provides a rich and slightly nutty flavor to the sauce, you can use olive oil or any other oil of choice.
Onion: Adds a sweet and savory flavor to the dish.
Garlic: Adds a pungent and flavorful aroma to the sauce.
Tomatoes: Provide a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the sauce.
Bell pepper: Adds a sweet and slightly crunchy texture to the dish.
Cayenne pepper: Adds a spicy heat to the sauce.
Bouillon powder: Adds a savory flavor to the sauce.
Paprika: Adds a smoky and slightly sweet flavor to the sauce.
Thyme: Adds a herbaceous and slightly minty flavor to the sauce.
Habaneroes: Add a spicy heat to the sauce.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
How To Make Black-eyed peas and Beef
Rinse dried beans under cold water, removing debris.
In a large pot, combine the beans, bay leaves, and diced onions, covering with fresh water.
Boil and cook until tender, then drain. In another pot, heat palm oil and sauté chopped onion until translucent.
Add minced garlic and browned ground beef, cooking for 1 minute.
Mix in paprika, cayenne, thyme, salt, and seasoning, then add diced tomatoes and whole habaneros, cooking until softened. Stir in bell pepper and simmer for 3-5 minutes.
Combine with the cooked beans, adding water and adjusting seasoning as needed.
How to Store Leftovers
Allow leftovers to cool down to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing. Store in airtight containers or place them in the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below. Eat within 3-4 days. It also freezes well.
Thawing: When ready to eat frozen leftovers, thaw them safely in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating: Reheat leftovers thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned black-eyed peas? Yes, for a quicker option, canned black eyed peas can be used. Just ensure to adjust cooking times accordingly. Substitute for palm oil? olive oil or any other cooking oil of choice can be used, though the dish will lose a bit of its traditional flavor.
How do I reheat ? Heat over medium heat in a skillet or saucepan, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If using the microwave, place them in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and microwave on high in 1-minute intervals, stirring between intervals until heated through.
Can I customize the recipe for beans and beef? Absolutely! The recipe provided is just a basic guideline. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables, adjusting the seasonings to your taste, or incorporating different types of beans or meat substitutes.
Looking for a simple yet delicious meal? This beans and ground beef recipe is your go-to for a quick, nutritious dinner that the whole family will love.
Rinse the dried beans under cold water and remove any debris. Add the rinsed beans, bay leaves, and diced onions in a large pot and cover them with fresh water. Bring to a boil, and cook under medium heat. Cover and cook until they are tender. Drain and set aside.
In a separate large pot, heat the palm oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion to the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and browned ground beef, and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
Add paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, salt, and seasoning powder to taste. Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and whole habaneros and cook until softened.
Add bell pepper and simmer for 3 – 5 minutes. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the stew simmer, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together.
Pour it into the already cooked beans. Add some water to your liking, taste it, and adjust the seasoning as needed.
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