Slow Cooker Pinto Beans, Green Chile and Beef

If you’re looking for an easy, hearty, and flavorful meal that requires minimal effort, look no further than Slow Cooker Pinto Beans, Green Chile, and Beef. This delicious dish combines tender pinto beans, spicy green chiles, and savory beef, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping meals for the week, this recipe is sure to impress. Plus, it’s packed with protein, fiber, and a rich, spicy flavor that will keep you coming back for more!

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

1. Easy to Make: With the help of a slow cooker, this recipe practically cooks itself. Simply combine the ingredients, set it, and let the slow cooker do the work for you!
2. Rich, Savory Flavor: The combination of pinto beans, green chile, and beef creates a mouthwatering dish that is both hearty and flavorful. The spices infuse the beans and beef as they cook, making each bite satisfying.
3. Affordable Ingredients: This recipe uses inexpensive ingredients like pinto beans, ground beef, and green chiles, making it an economical meal for any budget.
4. Perfect for Meal Prep: Whether you’re making a big batch for dinner or prepping lunch for the week, this recipe stores well in the fridge and reheats beautifully.
5. Customizable: Adjust the level of heat to suit your preferences by adding more or less green chile, or switch up the type of meat for variations on this dish. You can even make it vegetarian by skipping the beef and adding extra vegetables.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Pinto Beans, Green Chile, and Beef

• 1 lb ground beef (or stew beef, cubed)
• 2 cups dried pinto beans, rinsed and sorted
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 4 cups beef broth (or water)
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions for Making Slow Cooker Pinto Beans, Green Chile, and Beef

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion softens and becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. If using stew beef, brown the cubes on all sides before adding the onion and garlic.
2. Add the Ingredients to the Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned beef, onions, and garlic to your slow cooker. Add the rinsed pinto beans, green chiles, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour in the Liquid: Add the beef broth (or water) to the slow cooker. Stir everything to combine, ensuring the beans are fully covered with the liquid.
4. Cook the Beans: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Let the beans cook for 6-8 hours, or until the beans are tender and the beef is fully cooked. If you’re in a rush, you can cook it on high for about 4-5 hours.
5. Final Adjustments: Once cooked, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or spices to your liking.
6. Serve: Serve your slow cooker pinto beans, green chile, and beef with a side of warm tortillas, rice, or cornbread. Garnish with fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Pinto Beans, Green Chile, and Beef

• Soak the Beans: For extra tenderness and to reduce cooking time, soak your pinto beans in water for 4-6 hours or overnight. Drain them before adding to the slow cooker.
• Adjust the Spice: If you prefer a milder dish, use a smaller amount of green chile or opt for a mild version. For more heat, add extra green chile or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Vegetarian Option: To make this dish vegetarian, skip the ground beef and add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or sweet potatoes for added flavor and texture.

Nutritional Benefits of Pinto Beans, Green Chile, and Beef

• Protein: Beef provides a substantial amount of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Fiber: Pinto beans are a great source of fiber, which supports digestive health and helps keep you feeling full longer.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Green chiles are rich in vitamin C, while the beef and beans provide essential minerals like iron and potassium.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Pinto Beans, Green Chile, and Beef is a simple, delicious, and versatile meal that’s perfect for busy days. Whether you enjoy it as a comforting dinner or a hearty lunch, this dish is sure to please. The slow cooker makes it easy to set it and forget it, and the result is a flavorful, satisfying meal that everyone will love. Try it today and enjoy the warmth and comfort of a home-cooked meal with minimal effort!

Serving and Storage Tips for Slow Cooker Pinto Beans, Green Chile, and Beef

Serving Tips:

1. Pairing with Sides: This dish is perfect when paired with a variety of sides. Try serving it with:
   • Warm flour tortillas or corn tortillas for a taco-style meal.
   • Rice (white, brown, or cilantro-lime rice) for a complete and filling plate.
   • Cornbread for a comforting, slightly sweet contrast to the savory beans and beef.
   • A side of guacamole, salsa, or sour cream for added flavor and creaminess.
2. Garnishes: Top your pinto beans with flavorful garnishes like:
   • Fresh cilantro for a burst of color and freshness.
   • Shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack) to melt on top for richness.
   • Sliced jalapeños if you prefer extra heat.
   • A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to cool things down.
3. Make it a Bowl: You can serve this dish in a bowl for a cozy, one-dish meal. Add a sprinkle of chopped onions, shredded lettuce, and a squeeze of lime for a Tex-Mex inspired bowl.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration:
   • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This makes it perfect for meal prep or leftovers for lunch the next day.
2. Freezing:
   • To extend the life of your Slow Cooker Pinto Beans, Green Chile, and Beef, you can freeze it. Let the dish cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.
   • When ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat directly from frozen in a pot on low heat until warmed through.
3. Reheating:
   • Reheat leftovers on the stove over medium heat, adding a bit of broth or water to loosen the beans if necessary.
   • You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave, covered, in short bursts until heated through. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy this hearty meal multiple times throughout the week with minimal effort!

1. Can I use canned pinto beans instead of dried beans? Yes, you can use canned pinto beans instead of dried beans for a quicker cooking time. If using canned beans, drain and rinse them before adding to the slow cooker. You can reduce the cooking time to about 3-4 hours on low since the beans are already cooked. Just be sure to adjust the liquid as needed.

2. Can I make this recipe without beef? Absolutely! You can make a delicious vegetarian version of this dish by omitting the beef. For extra protein, try adding another type of beans, such as black beans, or include a plant-based meat substitute. Vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or sweet potatoes also work great to add texture and flavor.

3. How can I make the dish spicier? To make this dish spicier, add extra green chile, or incorporate other spicy ingredients like jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce. You can adjust the heat level to your taste, so feel free to experiment with different spices and peppers to find the perfect balance.

4. Can I cook this on high in the slow cooker instead of low? Yes, you can cook this dish on high in the slow cooker. If using the high setting, reduce the cooking time to 4-5 hours. Keep an eye on the beans to make sure they don’t overcook, as cooking times can vary depending on the size and type of your slow cooker.

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