Cozy Green Chile Beef & Pinto Beans Slow Cooker Recipe

Crafting a hearty slow cooker pinto beans, green chile, and beef dish promises comfort in every spoonful.

Southwest flavors dance through this one-pot wonder, bringing warmth to your kitchen.

Robust beef chunks mingle with creamy beans and zesty chiles, creating a symphony of taste.

Minimal prep work means maximum enjoyment for busy home cooks seeking satisfying meals.

Tender meat falls apart at the touch of a fork, promising pure culinary bliss.

Each bite carries the rich essence of traditional southwestern cooking.

Why Slow Cooker Pinto Beans, Green Chile & Beef Work

• Craft Hearty Comfort: Slow cooker magic transforms simple ingredients into a soul-warming meal that hugs your taste buds with rich, robust flavors.
• Simplify Meal Prep: Minimal chopping and one-pot cooking make this recipe a lifesaver for busy families, letting you toss ingredients and walk away while deliciousness develops.
• Customize Your Feast: Versatile dish welcomes creative toppings like cheese, sour cream, or avocado, allowing everyone to personalize their plate and satisfy individual cravings.
• Budget-Friendly Goodness: Packed with affordable protein-rich beans and ground beef, this recipe stretches your grocery budget without compromising on taste or nutrition.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Pinto Beans with Beef

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat that adds rich flavor and substantial protein to the dish.

• Pinto Beans: A classic bean that provides creamy texture and earthy taste to the slow cooker meal.

• Onion, Garlic Powder: These ingredients build a deep, savory flavor base for the dish.
• Chili Powder, Cumin, Smoked Paprika: These spices contribute warmth, depth, and a complex southwestern-style flavor profile.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and enhances the overall seasoning.

• Beef Broth: Provides moisture and intensifies the meaty flavor of the dish.
• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Adds tangy moisture and a mild spicy kick.
• Diced Green Chilies: Contributes a fresh, slightly spicy green chile flavor.

• Fresh Cilantro: Offers a bright, fresh herb note to finish the dish.
• Shredded Cheese, Sour Cream, Avocado: These toppings add richness and additional layers of flavor.

• Cornbread, Rice, Tortilla Chips: These accompaniments provide a perfect base or crunchy complement to the bean and beef mixture.

Step-by-Step Slow Cooker Pinto Beans, Green Chile, Beef

Step 1: Brown the Protein

Heat a skillet over medium flame and cook ground beef with diced onions until the meat transforms to a deep brown color and onions become translucent. Drain off any excess fat to keep the dish light and clean.

• Ground beef
• Diced onions

Create beautiful caramelization for maximum flavor development.

Step 2: Build Flavor Layers

Transfer the beef and onion mixture into your slow cooker.

Add remaining ingredients to create a hearty, robust base.

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

Stir everything together ensuring each ingredient gets coated with delicious spices.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and let magic happen. Cook on low setting for 6-8 hours or high setting for 3-4 hours.

Occasional stirring helps distribute heat and flavors evenly.

Step 4: Elevate and Serve

Right before serving, sprinkle fresh cilantro for a bright, herbal touch.

Plate with your favorite accompaniments like warm cornbread, fluffy rice, or crispy tortilla chips.

• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Sliced avocado

Enjoy this comforting, southwestern-inspired meal that warms both body and soul.

Tips to Make Slow Cooker Pinto Beans Taste Amazing

• Drain beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease in the final dish, ensuring a cleaner, more appetizing texture.
• Add extra green chilies for a bolder, spicier flavor profile that will wake up your taste buds.
• Soak dried pinto beans overnight if using fresh beans to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner protein option without sacrificing rich, hearty flavors.
• Let the slow cooker work its magic by resisting the urge to lift the lid too often, which can increase cooking time and reduce moisture.

Variations to Enhance Slow Cooker Pinto Beans and Beef

• Vegetarian Chile Verde: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced firm tofu, maintaining the same spice profile and slow cooker method for a meat-free version.
• Spicy Chicken Variation: Swap ground beef with shredded chicken breasts, using same green chile and bean base for a lighter protein option.
• Keto-Friendly Beans Replacement: Substitute pinto beans with cauliflower or zucchini chunks to reduce carbohydrates while keeping the rich green chile flavor intact.
• Low-Sodium Alternative: Use low-sodium beef broth, omit added salt, and replace canned tomatoes with fresh diced tomatoes to control sodium content without compromising taste.

What to Serve with Slow Cooker Pinto Beans and Beef

• Zesty Beverage Match: Crack open a cold Mexican lager like Modelo Especial or Dos Equis to cut through the hearty richness of the beans and beef. The crisp, light beer balances the spicy green chile flavors perfectly.
• Cornbread Companion: Whip up a skillet of golden, slightly sweet cornbread to soak up the delicious bean and beef sauce. Its crumbly texture and subtle sweetness complement the savory, spicy main dish wonderfully.

Proper Storage for Slow Cooker Pinto Beans with Beef

• Transfer cooled beans and beef to an airtight container, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pack the dish in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date and contents.
• Place desired portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed to 165°F.

FAQs

• Are pinto beans nutritious?

Pinto beans are packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like iron, magnesium, and folate. They’re a heart-healthy food that helps lower cholesterol and stabilize blood sugar.

• Can I use canned pinto beans instead of dried?

Yes, canned pinto beans work perfectly. Just drain and rinse them before adding to the slow cooker. They’ll save time and still provide great flavor and texture.

• What type of ground beef is best for this recipe?

Choose lean ground beef (90/10 or 85/15) to reduce excess fat. This ensures the dish isn’t greasy while maintaining rich beef flavor.

Slow Cooker Pinto Beans, Green Chile, And Beef Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty slow cooker pinto beans, green chile, and beef promise a southwest flavor explosion that warms souls and satisfies hunger. Robust ingredients blend seamlessly, delivering comfort and spice in one delicious Mexican-inspired meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 4 cups (680 grams) cooked pinto beans

Vegetables and Chilies:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 can (10 ounces / 280 grams) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 can (4 ounces / 113 grams) diced green chilies
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 2 cups beef broth
• 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

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly brown ground beef with onions in a skillet over medium heat until meat is fully cooked and onions turn translucent. Remove excess grease to prevent oily texture.
2. Transfer meat and onion mixture into slow cooker, creating a hearty base for the dish.
3. Pour pinto beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, additional green chilies, and beef broth into the slow cooker. These ingredients will build complex flavor profiles.
4. Integrate chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper throughout the mixture. Gently stir to distribute seasonings evenly.
5. Taste the liquid and adjust salt levels according to preference. Ensure balanced seasoning before cooking.
6. Secure slow cooker lid and set temperature to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Allow ingredients to meld and develop deep, rich flavors.
7. Periodically stir contents to prevent sticking and promote even cooking if possible.
8. During final 15 minutes of cooking, fold in fresh chopped cilantro for bright, herbaceous notes.
9. Ladle into serving bowls and complement with optional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or sliced avocado for added texture and richness.
10. Pair with warm cornbread, fluffy rice, or crispy tortilla chips to complete the meal.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to reduce excess fat and create a cleaner, healthier dish without compromising flavor.
• Adjust spices gradually, tasting as you go to prevent overpowering the natural flavors of beans and beef.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for lower-fat or vegetarian alternatives that maintain the recipe’s robust taste profile.
• Avoid lifting the lid too frequently during cooking to maintain consistent temperature and prevent moisture loss.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 295 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg