
Hearty Pinto Bean and Ham Casserole
Dive into this comforting and flavorful Pinto Bean and Ham Casserole, a delightful dish that combines tender pinto beans with savory ham, vibrant vegetables, and a golden cornbread topping. This casserole is not just a meal; it's a warm hug on a plate, perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. The history of this dish can be traced back to the Southern United States, where hearty ingredients were used to create filling meals that brought families together. Get ready to savor every bite of this deliciously satisfying casserole!
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- Egg (1, beaten)
- Milk (1/2 cup)
- Cornbread mix (1 package (about 8.5 oz))
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup)
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon)
- Cumin (1 teaspoon)
- Chili powder (1 tablespoon)
- Chicken broth (1 cup)
- Tomato sauce (1 cup)
- Green bell pepper (1, diced)
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
- Onion (1 medium, diced)
- Ham (1 cup, diced)
- Pinto beans (2 cans (15 oz each), drained and rinsed)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced ham until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add a splash of oil if necessary, then sauté the onion, garlic, and green bell pepper until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked pinto beans, tomato sauce, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Transfer the bean mixture to a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish.
- In a separate bowl, prepare the cornbread mix according to package instructions, incorporating the milk and beaten egg.
- Pour the cornbread batter over the bean mixture in the casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously on top of the cornbread batter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and cooked through.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Dietary Information
Servings: 6 • Dish Type: Casserole • Prep Time: 15 minutes • Cook Time: 35 minutes • Calories: 450 • Fat: 20g • Carbs: 50g • Protein: 25g • Sodium: 800mg • Sugar: 4g