This Slow Cooker Pinto Beans, Green Chile, and Beef recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy days. With tender pinto beans, savory beef, and a touch of heat from green chiles, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that can be served over rice, with tortillas, or as a standalone meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of these ingredients on hand already.
Hearty and Filling: The combination of beans and beef makes it a satisfying and nourishing meal.
Easy to Make: Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
Versatile: Enjoy it with rice, in burritos, or simply with a side of cornbread.

Ingredients

For the Slow Cooker Pinto Beans, Green Chile, and Beef

Pinto beans: The base of this dish, providing heartiness and protein.
Ground beef: Adds richness and savory flavor to the dish.
Green chiles: Impart a mild heat and fresh flavor to the beans and beef.
Onion: Brings sweetness and depth to the dish.
Garlic: Adds aromatic flavor and enhances the overall taste.
Beef broth: Provides a rich and savory base for the beans and beef to cook in.
Diced tomatoes: Adds a slight acidity and sweetness to balance the flavors.
Cumin: A warm spice that complements the beans and beef.
Chili powder: Brings a smoky, spicy flavor to the dish.
Salt and pepper: To taste, enhancing the flavor of the beans and beef.
Olive oil: Used to sauté the ground beef and vegetables.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
Add onion and garlic to the beef, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the onion softens.

Step 2: Assemble in the Slow Cooker

Transfer the beef mixture to the slow cooker.
Add the pinto beans, green chiles, diced tomatoes, beef broth, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine everything evenly.

Step 3: Slow Cook

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded together.
Stir occasionally, and check if more salt or seasoning is needed toward the end of cooking.

Step 4: Serve

Serve the pinto beans, green chile, and beef over rice, with tortillas, or on their own. Garnish with cilantro, cheese, or sour cream if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 350
Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 800mg
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 9g
Sugar: 3g
Protein: 23g

FAQ

Q1: Can I use dried pinto beans instead of canned beans?
A1: Yes, you can use dried pinto beans. Just be sure to soak them overnight or cook them in boiling water for 1-2 hours before adding them to the slow cooker.

Q2: Can I make this recipe spicy?
A2: Yes, you can add more green chiles, or even some jalapeños for extra heat. Adjust the chili powder to your spice preference as well.

Q3: Can I use chicken or turkey instead of beef?
A3: Yes, ground chicken or turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef.

Q4: How long will leftovers last?
A4: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the dish for up to 3 months.

Q5: Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
A5: Absolutely! You can add bell peppers, corn, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrients.

Q6: Can I use vegetable broth instead of beef broth?
A6: Yes, vegetable broth can be used to make this recipe vegetarian or simply for a different flavor base.

Q7: Can I cook this on high in the slow cooker?
A7: Yes, you can cook this on high for 3-4 hours if you’re in a hurry. However, cooking on low allows the flavors to develop more fully.

Q8: Can I serve this as a dip?
A8: Yes, this dish can be served as a dip with tortilla chips for a fun, hearty appetizer.

Q9: Can I add cheese to the dish?
A9: Yes, adding shredded cheese on top of the beans and beef while serving would be a great addition. Try cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a spicy cheese like pepper jack.

Q10: What can I serve this with?
A10: You can serve this with rice, cornbread, or tortillas. It’s also great as a topping for baked potatoes or over a salad.

This Slow Cooker Pinto Beans, Green Chile, and Beef dish is an easy, comforting meal with rich flavors and a bit of spice. It’s perfect for a family dinner, meal prep, or a hearty lunch!