Description
Hoppin’ John is a flavorful Southern dish combining spicy ground pork sausage, savory ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and seasoned black-eyed peas simmered together. This hearty meal is traditionally served over rice, making it a comforting and filling option perfect for gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 1 lb ground hot pork sausage
- 1 lb ground beef
Vegetables
- 2 bunches green onions, chopped
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
- ½ green bell pepper, chopped
- ½ red bell pepper, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Other
- 2 (10-oz) cans diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
- 3 (15.5-oz) cans black-eyed peas, undrained
Instructions
- Brown the meats: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground hot pork sausage and ground beef thoroughly until no longer pink. Once cooked, drain off excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Add vegetables and legumes: Stir in the chopped green onions, celery, green and red bell peppers, minced garlic, diced tomatoes with green chiles (including the juice), and black-eyed peas with their liquid. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer to thicken: Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let the mixture simmer for 20 to 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and achieve a very thick consistency.
- Serve: Spoon the hot hoppin’ John mixture over cooked rice for a traditional and hearty serving.
Notes
- For a milder dish, substitute hot pork sausage with mild sausage or turkey sausage.
- Ensure to stir occasionally while simmering to prevent burning at the bottom.
- Using fresh black-eyed peas can be an alternative, but canned is convenient and quick.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat well.
- Serve with hot sauce on the side for added spice if desired.
