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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Transfer the meat and onion mixture directly into the slow cooker, creating a robust flavor base.
- Pour in pinto beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and additional green chilies to enhance the southwestern profile of the dish.
- 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.
- Gently mix all ingredients, ensuring each component is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Season with salt, tasting and adjusting to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
- 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.
- During the final moments of cooking, fold in freshly chopped cilantro to introduce a bright, herbaceous note.
- Ladle the hearty mixture into serving bowls and garnish with optional toppings like shredded cheese, cool sour cream, or creamy sliced avocado.
- 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