Slow Cooker Pinto Beans, Green Chile and Beef

Okay, friends, let me tell you about this dish. Slow Cooker Pinto Beans, Green Chile, and Beef is the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with that irresistible, cozy smell that makes you want to curl up with a bowl of comfort food. Imagine tender pinto beans simmered in a savory broth with just the right amount of heat from green chiles, and melt-in-your-mouth beef that’s been slow-cooked to perfection. It’s rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy to throw together—seriously, this one’s a game-changer.

The best part? You can set it and forget it. Your slow cooker does all the work while you go about your day, and when you come back, you’ve got a hearty, delicious meal waiting for you. Trust me, this one’s going to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Pinto Beans, Green Chile and Beef

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can whip up something delicious and comforting in no time. Or envision serving this at a party, where guests ask for the recipe before the night ends.

Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for exotic items; this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. It’s perfect for when you’re trying to stick to a budget but still want something hearty and satisfying.

Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. If you’re someone who usually avoids complex recipes, this one is for you. It’s designed to be foolproof, so you can enjoy cooking without stress.

Customizable: Easy to tweak with different flavors to suit your preferences. For example, if you love bold flavors, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika. Prefer something milder? You can adjust the seasoning to make it kid-friendly.

Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients

Let’s take a look at the ingredients that make this dish so comforting and flavorful. Here’s what you’ll need:

Pinto Beans: These little guys are the foundation of this dish. When slow-cooked, they absorb all the rich flavors, turning soft and creamy. They’re hearty, satisfying, and full of protein.

Beef: We’re using beef here for its rich, meaty flavor that infuses the dish as it cooks. You can go with beef stew meat or ground beef—either works wonderfully!

Green Chile: A must-have for that perfect kick. Green chiles add a mild heat and smokiness that takes this dish to the next level.

Garlic and Onion: These two flavor powerhouses are the aromatics that bring the base of this dish to life. They make everything smell amazing as they cook!

Spices: Think cumin, chili powder, and a little salt and pepper to bring everything together. These simple spices add so much depth of flavor.

Broth (Beef or Chicken): The cooking liquid is key to making sure everything stays juicy and flavorful. Beef broth is ideal, but chicken broth works well if that’s what you have on hand.

Tomato Paste: A small amount of tomato paste adds richness and depth to the overall flavor, giving the beans that deep, savory base.

Olive Oil: For sautéing your aromatics and searing the beef before it all goes into the slow cooker.

(Note: The full measurements are available in the recipe card above!)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Sear the Beef

Start by heating a little olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add your beef and season it with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sear the beef until it’s browned on all sides, about 5–7 minutes. This adds so much flavor to the dish, so don’t skip this step! Once it’s done, transfer the beef to the slow cooker.

Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and garlic. Sauté for a couple of minutes until they become soft and fragrant. This is where your kitchen starts to smell amazing! Once the onions and garlic are done, add them to the slow cooker with the beef.

Add the Beans and Spices

Now it’s time to add the star ingredients. Add your rinsed pinto beans to the slow cooker, followed by the green chiles, cumin, chili powder, and a bit of salt and pepper. Stir everything together to combine all those great flavors.

Pour in the Broth and Tomato Paste

Next, pour in your broth—just enough to cover everything, but don’t overdo it. Then add a couple of tablespoons of tomato paste. Stir everything until it’s well combined.

Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the beans are tender, and the beef is melt-in-your-mouth delicious. During the last hour of cooking, check to see if you need to add more liquid (it depends on how thick you like your beans). Feel free to add a little extra broth or water if needed.

Taste and Adjust

Before serving, taste your beans and adjust the seasoning. Maybe a little extra salt, pepper, or spice to suit your personal taste. Once it’s perfect, you’re ready to dish it up!

Serve and Enjoy

Scoop out a hearty serving of these beans and beef into bowls. You can garnish with some fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or a squeeze of lime if you’d like. Enjoy with your favorite sides like cornbread or rice!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 350 (approximate)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6–8 hours (slow cooker)
Total Time: 6–8 hours and 10 minutes

How to Serve Slow Cooker Pinto Beans, Green Chile and Beef

This dish is a meal all on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to make it extra special:

• Rice: Serve over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice to make it even heartier.
• Cornbread: A warm slice of cornbread is perfect for sopping up all the delicious juices.
• Tortillas: Soft flour tortillas make a great side to scoop up the beans and beef—perfect for a fun, family-style meal.
• Fresh Sides: A light, tangy salad with avocado, tomato, and lime can balance out the richness of the dish.
• Cheese and Sour Cream: A sprinkle of cheese and a dollop of sour cream can take it over the top!

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• Prep Ahead: If you’re short on time, you can brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic the night before. Just store everything in the fridge, and throw it in the slow cooker the next day.
• Spice It Up: If you like a little more heat, add some jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the mix.
• Dietary Adjustments: If you’re looking to make this dish a bit lighter, you can swap the beef for turkey or chicken, and use a low-sodium broth.
• Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. It also freezes well for up to 2 months.
• Double the Batch: This recipe freezes beautifully, so consider making a double batch. Having a homemade meal ready in the freezer can be a lifesaver on busy days.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute the beef with something else?
A1: Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage would work in place of the beef, just adjust the cooking time as needed.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes! This dish is perfect for make-ahead meals. Prepare it in the slow cooker, store it in the fridge, and reheat when you’re ready to serve.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge and reheat.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! This dish freezes really well. Just portion it out into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warm. If it’s too thick after freezing, just add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Definitely! Just make sure your slow cooker is big enough to handle the extra ingredients. Cooking time may need slight adjustments.

Q7: Is this recipe suitable for a specific diet?
A7: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, and with a few tweaks, it can easily be made dairy-free or lower in sodium.

Q8: What side dishes go well with this recipe?
A8: Try pairing it with cornbread, rice, or a fresh green salad for the perfect meal.

Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this Slow Cooker Pinto Beans, Green Chile and Beef! Trust me, this is one dish you’re going to want to make again and again.

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