Zesty Pinto Beans, Green Chile and Beef Slow Cooker Recipe

Tender chunks of beef meld perfectly with slow cooker pinto beans in a comforting southwestern-style dish that promises deep, rich flavors.

Robust green chiles add a zesty kick to this hearty meal that simmers all day.

The slow cooking process allows each ingredient to develop complex, mouthwatering notes.

Lean beef becomes incredibly tender when braised with soft pinto beans and spicy peppers.

Ranch-style seasonings enhance the natural earthiness of the beans and meat.

Each bite offers a satisfying blend of protein and warm, inviting spices.

This one-pot wonder delivers a soul-warming meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 8 hours (low) or 56 hours (high)

Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 6

Pinto Beans & Beef Ingredient List

• Ground Beef: Rich protein powerhouse that adds hearty texture and deep flavor to the dish, choose lean cuts for healthier option.
• Stew Beef: Tender meat cubes perfect for slow cooking, select well-marbled pieces for maximum succulence.

• Onion: Foundational vegetable that provides sweet undertones and incredible depth, opt for yellow onions for classic southwestern flavor.
• Garlic: Powerful flavor enhancer that brings robust earthiness, fresh cloves deliver more intense taste than pre-minced varieties.

• Green Chiles: Adds southwestern kick and mild heat, select roasted varieties for smoky complexity.
• Cumin: Warm spice that delivers authentic southwestern profile, ground version provides most consistent flavor distribution.
• Chili Powder: Complex seasoning blend creating robust background notes, choose quality blends for balanced taste.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces subtle smokiness and rich color, Hungarian varieties offer most authentic flavor.
• Salt: Essential flavor amplifier, kosher or sea salt provide cleaner taste profile.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and brightness, freshly ground delivers most vibrant flavor.

• Beef Broth: Provides moisture and deepens overall taste, low-sodium versions allow better seasoning control.

• Cilantro: Fresh herb that adds bright finish, choose bright green leaves without wilting.
• Shredded Cheese: Creamy topping that adds richness, sharp cheddar works beautifully.
• Sour Cream: Cooling element that balances spices, full-fat versions offer best texture.

Tools for Your Slow Cooker Dinner

• Slow cooker: Essential for long, hands-off cooking of beans and beef.
• Large skillet: Necessary for browning ground beef and sautéing onions and garlic.
• Cutting board: Used for chopping onions and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's knife: Required for precise ingredient preparation.
• Measuring spoons: Help accurately measure spices like cumin and chili powder.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients in skillet and slow cooker.
• Can opener: Needed if using canned green chiles.

Let That Slow Cooker Do Its Thing

• Brown the Beef

Sizzle ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until it develops a rich, golden color. Toss in diced onions and crushed garlic, cooking until the onions turn soft and glassy.

• Layer Flavors in Slow Cooker

Transfer the beef mixture into your slow cooker. Sprinkle in pinto beans, zesty green chiles, and a handful of warm spices like cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Season generously with salt and pepper for a flavor punch.

• Liquid Magic

Pour beef broth over the ingredients, ensuring everything is comfortably swimming. Give everything a good stir to mix all the delicious elements together.

• Slow and Steady Cooking

Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic on low heat for 6-8 hours. If time is tight, crank it to high and cook for 4-5 hours until beans are super tender and beef is melt-in-your-mouth soft.

• Final Flavor Boost

Taste and tweak the seasonings. Add extra spices if needed to make the dish sing with flavor.

• Serve with Flair

Plate your hearty creation alongside warm tortillas or fluffy rice. Top with fresh cilantro, a sprinkle of cheese, or a cool dollop of sour cream for a crowd-pleasing meal.

Ideas to Elevate Your Pinto Bean Mix

• Texture Perfection: Soak dried pinto beans overnight to reduce cooking time and ensure a creamy, smooth texture that melts in your mouth.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dish up to 3 days in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for quick, hassle-free meals during busy weekdays.
• Protein Powerhouse Alternatives: Swap ground beef with shredded chicken, turkey, or plant-based protein crumbles for a versatile dish that suits different dietary preferences.
• Low-Sodium Solution: Use low-sodium beef broth and reduce added salt to create a heart-healthy version that doesn't compromise on flavor intensity.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust the heat by choosing mild or hot green chiles, or mix in different pepper varieties like jalapeños or poblanos to create your personalized spice profile.

Serve Up a Hearty Bowl

• Hearty Taco Night Twist: Transform this bean and beef dish into a build-your-own taco feast by serving with soft tortillas, crispy shells, diced tomatoes, and sliced avocados.
• Cozy Campfire Bowl: Create a rustic meal by topping the beans with crispy bacon bits, green onions, and a sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese for a comforting one-bowl dinner.
• Weekend Football Nacho Platter: Spread the beans and beef over a bed of tortilla chips, layer with melted cheese, jalapeños, and a drizzle of hot sauce for a crowd-pleasing game day appetizer.
• Mexican-Style Rice Bowl: Serve the rich bean and beef mixture over cilantro-lime rice, garnished with fresh salsa, a squeeze of lime, and chopped cilantro for a complete and satisfying meal.

Save It for Round Two

• Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare double the recipe and portion out extra servings into airtight containers. Refrigerated meals stay delicious for 4-5 days, making quick weeknight dinners a breeze.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Portion cooled bean and beef mixture into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-lock bags. Flat-stacked meals freeze wonderfully for up to 3 months, providing convenient future meals.
• Liquid Adjustment Tip: When reheating refrigerated or frozen beans, add a splash of beef broth to restore moisture and prevent dryness. Gently warm on stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
• Ingredient Separation Hack: Store garnishes like fresh cilantro, cheese, and sour cream separately in sealed containers. Keep these fresh in the refrigerator, adding them just before serving to maintain optimal texture and flavor.

Hearty Slow Cooker Pinto Beans, Green Chile And Beef Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired slow cooker pinto beans with green chile and beef blend hearty southwestern flavors into a comforting one-pot meal. Ranch hands and home cooks alike appreciate this rustic, protein-packed dish that satisfies deep hunger.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (400 g) dried pinto beans, rinsed and sorted
• 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
• 4 cups (1 liter) beef or chicken broth
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 (14.5 oz / 400 g) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (4 oz / 113 g) can diced green chiles
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup (240 ml) water
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup (10 g) chopped cilantro

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Instructions

1. Meat Preparation: Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until caramelized, then integrate finely diced onions and crushed garlic, sautéing until onions turn translucent and fragrant.
2. Slow Cooker Assembly: Transfer seasoned beef mixture into slow cooker, layering with freshly rinsed pinto beans, green chiles, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Gently pour beef broth to cover ingredients, ensuring complete submersion.
3. Cooking Process: Cover slow cooker and set to low temperature, allowing ingredients to simmer and meld for 6-8 hours. Alternatively, use high setting for 4-5 hours to expedite cooking, transforming pinto beans into a tender, richly flavored dish.
4. Final Touch and Serving: Conduct a taste test, adjusting seasonings as needed. Serve the robust creation alongside warm tortillas, fluffy rice, or golden cornbread. Elevate presentation with fresh cilantro, melted cheese, or a creamy sour cream garnish.

Notes

• Customize Meat Selection: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chorizo, or shredded chicken for varied protein profiles and dietary preferences.
• Enhance Bean Texture: Rinse canned beans thoroughly to reduce sodium and prevent excess starchiness, ensuring a cleaner, more refined bean consistency.
• Optimize Slow Cooking: Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain consistent temperature and prevent moisture loss, which could impact bean tenderness and overall dish development.
• Balance Spice Levels: Adjust green chile quantity based on heat tolerance; roasted mild green chiles provide depth without overwhelming spiciness, creating a more universally enjoyable flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours (low) or 56 hours (high)
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 9 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg