When you need something warm, comforting, and packed with flavour — this Bold & Beefy Bean Bowl delivers every time. It’s an easy, one-pot meal made with everyday pantry ingredients like minced beef, pre-cooked beans, and a beautiful blend of spices that give it depth and richness.
This bowl is perfect for weeknight dinners, Sunday meal preps, or feeding a hungry family. Serve it with hot rice, chapati, mashed potatoes, or eat it on its own — however you enjoy it, you’ll be going in for seconds!
Ingredient Roles Explained
- Cooking Oil: Used to sauté the aromatics (onions, garlic, and capsicum). It acts as the flavor base and helps carry the spices evenly throughout the dish.
- Onions: Aromatic base that adds sweetness and depth once cooked down. They help balance the acidity of the tomatoes and bring out the umami in the beef.
- Red Capsicum / Bell Pepper: Adds a sweet, slightly fruity note and enhances both the flavor and color of the dish. Also contributes a slight crunch and freshness.
- Garlic: A core aromatic that adds sharp, savory, and slightly spicy flavor. It builds a strong base of umami with the onions.
- Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor, adding richness, color, and body to the sauce. It’s slightly tangy and creates a thicker consistency.
- Fresh Tomatoes: They make up the bulk of the sauce. Fresh, slightly acidic and sweet, tomatoes balance the richness of the beef and the starchiness of the beans.
- Oregano: Adds an earthy, herbaceous note that complements the tomato and beef flavors. Gives the dish an amazing touch.
- Paprika Powder: Brings a mild smokiness and vibrant red color. It also enhances the overall depth of the spices without adding heat.
- Curry Powder: Adds warmth, complexity, and a fusion twist. It layers beautifully with the beef, tomatoes, and beans for a slightly spiced undertone.
- Garlic Powder: Boosts the garlic flavor throughout the sauce, ensuring it’s evenly distributed beyond the fresh garlic.
- Onion Powder: Amplifies the onion flavor and blends well with the other dry spices for a well-rounded seasoning profile.
- Sugar: Balances the acidity from the tomatoes and rounds off any bitterness from the spices or tomato paste. Just a little makes a big difference.
- Minced Beef: The main protein of the dish — hearty, meaty, and rich. It soaks up all the spices and adds savoriness and texture.
- Pre-cooked Beans: Beans add bulk, fiber, and a creamy, satisfying bite. They complement the beef and make the dish more nutritious and filling.
- Water or Beef Stock: Adds moisture and helps simmer the ingredients into a stew-like consistency. If using beef stock, it intensifies the savory flavor even more.
- Salt & Black Pepper (to taste): Essential for enhancing and balancing all the flavors. Black pepper adds a subtle kick, while salt brings everything together.
How to make beefy bean bowl
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and the red capsicum and cook until softened.
2. Add minced garlic. Stir and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in the tomato paste and the blended tomatoes, let them cook for 3-4 minutes.
4. Add all the spices — oregano, paprika, curry powder, garlic powder, onion powder, sugar, salt and black pepper. Mix well and let simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Add the minced beef and break it apart as it browns. Cook until it’s no longer pink.
6. Stir in the pre-cooked beans and add the water or beef stock gradually. Start with 1½ cups and add more if needed.
7. Cover and simmer on low for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors blend.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish as desired. Serve hot — with rice, chapati, mashed potatoes, or enjoy it straight from the bowl!
Watch the Full Video Tutorial!
Here is a quick video showing how I made this beefy bean bowl. You can also subscribe to my YouTube Channel for more recipe videos, kitchen tips & hacks!
More Beef Recipes You’ll Love:
Looking for more delicious beef recipes?! Check out some of my other recipes you’re sure to enjoy!
- Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta
- Easy Homemade Lasagna
- Asian Inspired Ground (Minced) Beef
- Minced beef stew with green peas (Bolognese sauce)
- Simple minced beef
- Sweet Barbeque Meatballs
- Meatballs in white sauce gravy
Beefy Bean Bowl
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and the red capsicum and cook until softened.
- Add minced garlic. Stir and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato paste and the blended tomatoes and allow to cook for about 3-4 minutes.
- Add all the spices — oregano, paprika, curry powder, garlic powder, onion powder, sugar, salt and black pepper. Mix well and let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add the minced beef and break it apart as it browns. Cook until it’s no longer pink.
- Stir in the pre-cooked beans and add the water or beef stock gradually. Start with 1½ cups and add more if needed.
- Cover and simmer on low for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors blend.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish as desired. Serve hot — with rice, chapati, mashed potatoes, or enjoy it straight from the bowl!
Notes
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