Chorizo And Beans Stew

This Chorizo and Beans Stew is a hearty and flavorful dish, perfect for a cozy meal. Packed with the rich, smoky taste of chorizo and complemented by tender beans, sweet red capsicum, and a fragrant blend of spices, this stew is as satisfying as it is easy to make.

Simmered in a slow cooker, the ingredients meld together beautifully, creating a dish that’s full of depth and warmth. Serve with a sprinkle of feta and fresh parsley, and you’ve got a meal that’s both comforting and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Rich, Bold Flavors: The smoky, savory chorizo combined with spices like paprika, cumin, and oregano creates a deeply flavorful base that’s both hearty and satisfying. The balance of tangy red wine vinegar and sweet bell peppers adds layers of complexity to each bite.

Comforting and Hearty: The stew is packed with tender beans, making it filling and comforting—perfect for a cozy, satisfying meal, especially on chilly days.

One-Pot Convenience: With just one pan and a slow cooker involved, this recipe is incredibly easy to prepare. It’s a hands-off dish that lets you go about your day while the slow cooker works its magic, melding all the flavors together.

Customizable: This recipe is versatile—whether you like it spicy, mild, or with extra vegetables, you can tweak the ingredients to suit your preferences. It’s a great way to use pantry staples and whatever’s on hand.

Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of chorizo, beans, and tomatoes is a crowd favorite. It’s the kind of dish that will please a variety of tastes, from meat lovers to those who enjoy a hearty vegetarian stew with just a touch of sausage for flavor.

Perfect for Sharing: With its rich, stew-like texture and generous portions, this recipe is ideal for family dinners or sharing with friends. Serve with crusty bread or rolls to soak up all the delicious juices, and you’ve got a meal that feels like a warm hug.

Key Ingredients:

Chorizo: Smoky and flavorful sausage that infuses the stew with a rich, savory taste.

Pinto Beans: Tender and creamy beans that add heartiness and texture to the dish.

Crushed Tomatoes: A tangy, rich base that gives the stew its delicious, thick sauce.

Red Capsicum (Bell Pepper): Sweet and slightly smoky, balancing the savory flavors with freshness.

Garlic and Onion: Aromatic staples that form the foundation of the stew’s flavor.

Spices: Paprika, cumin, oregano, and bay leaf combine to create a fragrant, warming spice profile.

Red Wine Vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity to balance the richness of the chorizo and tomatoes.

How to make Chorizo And Beans Stew

Ingredients:

1 tbsp olive oil

3 chorizo sausages, cut into 1cm-thick slices

1 medium brown onion, thinly sliced

1 large red capsicum, thickly sliced

3 garlic cloves, crushed

1 tbsp Coles Brand Paprika

2 tsp ground cumin

1 dried bay leaf

2 tsp dried oregano

2 tbsp red wine vinegar

2 tbsp tomato paste

2 x 400g cans pintos beans, rinsed, drained

2 x 410g can crushed tomatoes

Instructions:

Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chorizo for 4-5 mins or until light golden. Use a slotted spoon to transfer chorizo to a 4.5L slow cooker.

Heat the pan over medium-high heat.

Cook the onion, capsicum and garlic, stirring, for 5 mins or until soft.

Add the paprika, cumin, bay leaf and oregano and cook, stirring, for 1 min or until fragrant.

Add the capsicum mixture, vinegar, tomato paste, beans and tomatoes to the slow cooker.

Cook, covered, on low for 4 hrs.

Sprinkle with fetta and parsley. Serve with rolls.

Notes:

Chorizo Selection: Use Spanish or Mexican chorizo depending on your flavor preference. Spanish chorizo is typically cured and smoky, while Mexican chorizo is fresh and spicier. If using Mexican chorizo, be sure to remove the casing before cooking.

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Beans: Pinto beans work well in this recipe, but you can substitute with other beans like black beans, kidney beans, or cannellini beans for a different twist.

Slow Cooker Tips: If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can make this stew on the stovetop. After adding the ingredients to the pot, simmer on low heat for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally until the flavors meld and the stew thickens.

Adjusting Spice Levels: If you like a spicier stew, you can add chili flakes or a chopped fresh chili along with the paprika and cumin. On the other hand, for a milder version, reduce the amount of paprika or choose a mild variety.

Vinegar: The red wine vinegar adds a nice tang to balance the richness of the chorizo. If you don’t have red wine vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar as alternatives.

Serving Suggestions: This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty rolls or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth. You can also serve it with a side of rice or a simple salad to round out the meal.

Storage: The stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes well—store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Garnishing: A sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley adds a burst of freshness and a creamy contrast to the savory stew. You can also try adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions;

Can I use a different type of sausage instead of chorizo?

Yes, if you prefer or cannot find chorizo, you can use other types of sausages such as Italian sausage or spicy sausage.

The flavor and spice level may vary, so choose one that suits your taste preferences.

Can I make this stew on the stovetop instead of using a slow cooker?

Yes, if you don’t have a slow cooker, you can prepare this stew on the stovetop.

After transferring the cooked chorizo to a separate dish, follow the remaining steps in a large pot or Dutch oven.

Simmer the stew over low heat, covered, for approximately 1-2 hours, or until the flavors meld together and the beans are tender.

Can I add vegetables or modify the recipe?

Certainly! You can customize the recipe by adding additional vegetables, such as diced carrots, celery, or corn, to the stew.

Feel free to experiment with different flavors and textures to suit your taste preferences.

How do I store and reheat the leftovers?

To store the leftovers, let the stew cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container.

Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. The stew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

To reheat, simply heat it in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Can I freeze this stew?

Yes, you can freeze the stew for later use. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags.

Freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw the stew overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can I use a different type of beans?

Yes, you can use different types of beans in this recipe.

If you don’t have pintos beans, you can substitute them with other white beans like Great Northern beans or navy beans.

Can I make this stew in advance?

Yes, you can make this stew in advance.

After cooking, let it cool to room temperature and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Can I adjust the spice level of the stew?

Certainly! If you prefer a spicier stew, you can add additional spices or chili flakes to increase the heat.

Conversely, if you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce or omit the spicy ingredients like paprika or chili.

What can I serve with Chorizo and Beans Stew?

This stew pairs well with a variety of sides.

In addition to rolls, you can serve it with crusty bread, rice, or cornbread.

It also complements a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables as a lighter option.