Hearty Slow Cooker Pinto Beans with Green Chile & Beef Recipe

Rich, hearty stews that burst with flavor often start with humble slow cooker pinto beans and beef simmering together.

Green chile adds a vibrant kick to this classic southwestern comfort dish.

Tender chunks of beef melt into perfectly cooked beans, creating a robust and satisfying meal.

The slow cooker works its magic, blending spices and ingredients into a deeply comforting blend.

Aromas of cumin, garlic, and roasted green chiles will fill your kitchen with warmth and anticipation.

Each spoonful promises a perfect balance of protein, spice, and earthy bean goodness.

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

Why This Pinto Bean Beef Dish Hits the Spot

• Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Easily swap ingredients or add toppings to suit personal taste preferences, making this recipe super adaptable for different palates.
• Nutrition-Packed Meal: Protein-rich beef and fiber-filled pinto beans create a hearty, balanced dish that keeps you satisfied and energized throughout the day.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Mild spices and familiar ingredients ensure even picky eaters will enjoy this wholesome, delicious meal that appeals to all ages.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Pinto Chili

• Ground Beef: Rich and hearty meat that adds depth to the dish.
• Pinto Beans: Creamy and protein-packed legume perfect for slow cooking.

• Onion, Green Chilies, Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Zesty and flavorful combination that brings warmth and texture.

• Beef Broth, Chili Powder, Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper: Spice blend that creates a robust and comforting flavor profile.
• Salt: Essential for enhancing overall taste.
• Fresh Cilantro: Bright and fresh herb for garnishing.

• Shredded Cheese, Sour Cream, Avocado: Delicious add-ons that provide extra creaminess and richness.

How to Make Pinto Beans With Green Chile Beef

Step 1: Brown Ground Beef and Onions

Grab a skillet and heat it up over medium flame.

Toss in ground beef and diced onions, cooking until the meat turns completely brown and onions become soft and translucent.

Make sure to drain away any extra fat after cooking.

Step 2: Transfer and Mix Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Move the beef and onion mixture into your slow cooker.

• Pinto beans
• Diced tomatoes with green chilies
• Diced green chilies
• Beef broth
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper

Step 3: Season and Blend Flavors

Give everything a good stir to distribute ingredients evenly.

Taste the mixture and adjust salt according to your preference.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Dish

Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic.

Cook on low setting for 6-8 hours or on high setting for 3-4 hours.

Occasionally stir the contents if you can.

Step 5: Final Touch and Serving

Right before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top.

Serve your hearty dish with cornbread, fluffy rice, or crispy tortilla chips.

Enhance the meal with toppings like shredded cheese, cool sour cream, or creamy avocado slices.

Tips for a Flavorful Slow Cooked Meal

• Remove all visible grease after browning beef to prevent a greasy, heavy dish and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing flavor profile.
• Adjust chili powder and green chilies according to personal heat preference, allowing flexibility for mild or spicy lovers without compromising the recipe's core taste.
• Optional additions like smoked paprika or a splash of beer can enhance the overall complexity and richness of the slow-cooked beans and beef.
• This recipe freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it perfect for batch cooking and quick weeknight dinners with minimal preparation.
• Easily substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version without losing the dish's signature southwestern essence.

How to Store and Heat Pinto Chili Easily

• Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Warm in microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of beef broth to maintain moisture. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
• Defrost overnight in refrigerator. Warm gently in skillet or microwave, stirring frequently to restore original texture and prevent drying out.

What Goes Well With Pinto Bean Beef Dish

• Elevate Flavor Companions: Zesty Margarita Pairing
• Craft a tangy margarita with fresh lime juice and tequila to complement the hearty, spicy beans and beef. The citrus notes will cut through the richness while matching the dish's southwest profile.
• Bold Wine Selection: Robust Red Match
• Choose a medium-bodied Zinfandel or Malbec with smoky undertones that mirror the smoked paprika and meaty flavors. These wines offer enough structure to stand up to the robust bean and beef combination.
• Textural Side Kick: Crispy Cornbread Sidekick
• Serve warm, slightly sweet cornbread with a crunchy exterior to contrast the soft, slow-cooked beans. Its buttery flavor and crumbly texture will absorb the dish's savory juices perfectly, creating a delightful eating experience.
• Cool Topping Contrast: Fresh Slaw Accent
• Prepare a quick, tangy coleslaw with lime, cilantro, and a touch of jalapeño to provide a bright, crunchy counterpoint to the rich, hearty main dish. The fresh, zesty slaw will refresh the palate between bites.

Easy Ways to Tweak This Slow Cooker Recipe

• Vegetarian Comfort Bowl: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a hearty meat-free version, maintaining the same robust flavor profile and protein content.
• Keto-Friendly Protein Feast: Swap pinto beans for cauliflower or zucchini, increase ground beef quantity, and add extra high-fat toppings like crispy bacon bits and full-fat sour cream to align with ketogenic dietary requirements.
• Low-Sodium Wellness Edition: Use low-sodium beef broth, omit added salt, substitute fresh tomatoes for canned green chilies, and incorporate more herbs like oregano and thyme to enhance natural seasoning without increasing sodium levels.
• Spicy Southwest Explosion: Boost heat by adding diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, or a splash of hot sauce, creating a fiery version that intensifies the traditional green chile and beef slow cooker recipe.

FAQs

• Can I use dried pinto beans instead of canned?

Yes, you can use dried pinto beans. Soak them overnight, drain, and rinse before adding to the slow cooker. Increase cooking liquid and cooking time accordingly.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The green chilies provide mild heat. For less spice, use mild green chilies. For more heat, add diced jalapeños or use hot green chilies.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your beef broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free. Check labels carefully.

• What if I don't have all the spices?

Use what you have. Chili powder and cumin are key. If missing some spices, the dish will still taste great. Feel free to substitute or reduce seasonings based on your pantry.

Slow Cooker Pinto Beans, Green Chile, And Beef Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty “slow cooker pinto beans, green chile, and beef” deliver southwest comfort in one soul-warming dish. Mexican-inspired flavors meld perfectly, creating a robust meal packed with spicy depth and tender meat that satisfies hungry appetites.

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Ingredients

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Slow Cooker Pinto Beans, Green Chile, and Beef

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 4 cups (960 milliliters) cooked pinto beans (or 2 cans, 15 ounces/425 grams each, drained and rinsed)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 can (10 ounces/280 grams) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 can (4 ounces/113 grams) diced green chilies
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) beef broth

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt, to taste

Garnish:

• 1/4 cup (15 grams) fresh cilantro, chopped

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Instructions

1. Crumble ground beef into a skillet and sauté with diced onions until meat is thoroughly browned and onions become translucent, then eliminate any accumulated grease.
2. Transfer the meat and onion mixture directly into the slow cooker, creating a robust flavor base.
3. Pour in pinto beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and additional green chilies to enhance the southwestern profile of the dish.
4. Incorporate beef broth and a blend of aromatic spices including chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and freshly ground black pepper to develop a complex, layered taste.
5. Gently mix all ingredients, ensuring each component is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
6. Season with salt, tasting and adjusting to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
7. Secure the slow cooker lid and allow the ingredients to simmer and meld together on low temperature for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, stirring periodically to prevent sticking.
8. During the final moments of cooking, fold in freshly chopped cilantro to introduce a bright, herbaceous note.
9. Ladle the hearty mixture into serving bowls and garnish with optional toppings like shredded cheese, cool sour cream, or creamy sliced avocado.
10. Accompany the dish with warm cornbread, fluffy rice, or crispy tortilla chips for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Enhance the beef’s flavor by seasoning it with salt and pepper before browning for deeper taste complexity.
• Drain the beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease and maintain a cleaner, more concentrated dish texture.
• Consider using low-sodium beef broth to control salt levels and accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter, healthier alternative protein options.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg