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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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