Four Bean and Bacon Meal

Hearty, smoky, and bursting with flavor, the Four Bean and Bacon Meal is the ultimate one-pot comfort dish perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers. This recipe combines the rich, savory essence of crispy bacon with a medley of four protein-packed beans—kidney beans, black beans, cannellini beans, and chickpeas—all simmered in a tangy tomato-based sauce infused with smoked paprika and a touch of brown sugar. Sautéed onions and garlic bring an aromatic depth, while a splash of apple cider vinegar adds just the right zing to balance the flavors. Ready in just 45 minutes, this versatile dish can be served on its own, over steamed rice, or alongside crusty bread to soak up every delicious bite. Perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd, it's a wholesome, satisfying choice packed with bold flavors and hearty textures!

Nutriscore Rating: 87/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 6 slices bacon
• 1 medium, diced yellow onion
• 2 cloves, minced garlic
• 1 15-ounce can, drained and rinsed canned kidney beans
• 1 15-ounce can, drained and rinsed canned black beans
• 1 15-ounce can, drained and rinsed canned cannellini beans
• 1 15-ounce can, drained and rinsed canned garbanzo beans (chickpeas)
• 1 15-ounce can canned diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, if needed)

Directions

Step 1

Place a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the bacon slices and cook until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the bacon and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels. Once cooled, crumble the bacon.

Step 2

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and garlic to the rendered bacon fat. Sauté over medium heat until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes. If there isn’t enough rendered fat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

Step 3

Stir in the smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper and cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.

Step 4

Add the drained and rinsed kidney beans, black beans, cannellini beans, garbanzo beans, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and tomato paste to the skillet. Stir well to combine.

Step 5

Pour in the chicken broth, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.

Step 6

Allow the dish to cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld together and the mixture thickens slightly.

Step 7

Stir in the crumbled bacon just before serving, reserving a small handful for garnish if desired.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or smoked paprika to your liking.

Step 9

Serve hot in bowls. This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or steamed rice.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2615.2 grams (2615.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2490

Total Fat 55.70g	71%
Saturated Fat 12.60g	63%
Polyunsaturated Fat 7.40g
Cholesterol 56mg	19%
Sodium 7477mg	325%
Total Carbohydrate 370.20g	135%
Dietary Fiber 118.00g	421%
Total Sugars 52.80g
Protein 137.10g	274%

Vitamin D 8IU	39%
Calcium 896mg	69%
Iron 43mg	237%
Potassium 7479mg	159%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 19.8%

Protein: 21.7%

Carbs: 58.5%