Savory Slow Cooker Pinto Beans, Green Chile, and Beef Recipe

Warm, hearty comfort food comes alive with this slow cooker pinto beans, green chile, and beef recipe that promises deep, satisfying flavors.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated these robust ingredients that blend seamlessly into a rich, soul-warming dish.

Tender beef melts into creamy beans, while vibrant green chiles add a perfect kick of spice.

Families gather around steaming bowls, eager to savor each delectable spoonful of this classic southwestern-inspired meal.

Weeknight dinners transform with minimal effort and maximum taste.

This recipe delivers a no-fuss approach to creating a memorable meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Let your slow cooker work its magic and prepare to be delighted by an irresistible culinary experience.

Why Slow Cooker Pinto Beans Are So Good

• Crazy Simple Assembly: Dump all ingredients directly into the baking dish without complicated mixing or precise measuring techniques.
• Perfect for Dessert Lovers: Combines tangy lemon pie filling with rich cream cheese and sweet cake mix for a decadent flavor explosion.
• Zero Culinary Skills Required: Absolutely no advanced baking knowledge needed – just layer ingredients and let the oven do the magic.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Great for potlucks, family gatherings, weekend treats, or when you want a quick dessert that looks impressive without extensive effort.

What’s Needed for Pinto Bean Beef Chili

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat that adds rich flavor and protein to the dish.
• Pinto Beans: A classic bean that provides a creamy texture and additional protein.

• Onion: Adds a sweet and savory base flavor to the recipe.
• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies, Diced Green Chilies: Bring a zesty and slightly spicy kick to the slow cooker dish.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper: A blend of spices that creates a deep and complex flavor profile.
• Beef Broth: Adds moisture and intensifies the overall meaty taste.
• Salt: Helps to balance and enhance the other seasonings.
• Fresh Cilantro: Provides a bright, fresh herb note to finish the dish.

Steps for Cooking Pinto Beans and Beef

Step 1: Sizzle and Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion together. Keep stirring until the beef turns completely brown and the onion becomes soft and translucent.

Carefully drain out any extra grease from the pan.

Step 2: Layer Flavor Makers in Slow Cooker

Gently transfer the beef and onion mixture into the slow cooker.

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

Step 3: Blend and Taste

Stir all ingredients thoroughly, ensuring everything is well combined. Taste the mixture and sprinkle salt to enhance the overall flavor profile.

Step 4: Slow and Low Cooking

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

If possible, give the mixture an occasional gentle stir to distribute heat and flavors evenly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, consider adding fresh chopped cilantro for a bright, herbal touch.

Serve the hearty dish hot alongside cornbread, fluffy rice, or crispy tortilla chips. For extra indulgence, top with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or creamy avocado slices.

Notes for Creamy Pinto Bean Chili Lovers

• Remove excess grease from ground beef to prevent a greasy texture and reduce unnecessary calories in the final dish.
• Customize heat by choosing mild or hot green chilies, or adding extra chili powder for more kick without overwhelming the beans.
• Allow slow cooking to blend spices deeply, which helps develop a rich, complex taste profile throughout the entire dish.
• Chop cilantro right before serving to maintain its bright flavor and vibrant green color for maximum freshness.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or pepper jack to enhance the overall taste and texture of the meal.

Ways to Change Up Pinto Bean and Beef

• Vegetarian Bean Stew: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra firm tofu, keeping the same spices and cooking method for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Low-Sodium Southwestern Beans: Use low-sodium beef broth, omit added salt, and increase herbs like oregano and fresh cilantro for flavor depth without sodium.
• Spicy Green Chile Pinto Beans: Add diced jalapeños, increase chili powder, and include a dash of cayenne for heat lovers seeking an extra kick in the recipe.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Bowl: Confirm all ingredients are certified gluten-free, serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional grains, and top with dairy-free cheese alternatives for dietary restrictions.

Sides to Serve With Pinto Bean Chili

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a bold, spicy Zinfandel or Syrah that complements the rich beef and green chile flavors, cutting through the hearty dish with its tannic structure.
• Enhance with Crisp Lager: Choose a Mexican-style lager like Modelo Especial or Pacifico, which offers a clean, refreshing contrast to the robust bean and meat mixture, cleansing the palate between bites.
• Serve Alongside Cornbread Squares: Prepare buttermilk cornbread with a touch of honey, creating a sweet and crumbly side that balances the spicy and savory notes of the slow cooker dish.

Storing Pinto Beans for a Quick Meal

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• Are pinto beans healthy?

Pinto beans are packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like iron and magnesium. They support heart health, help control blood sugar, and promote digestive wellness.

• Can I use canned pinto beans instead of dried beans?

Yes, you can substitute canned pinto beans. Drain and rinse them before adding to the slow cooker. Just reduce the cooking liquid slightly since canned beans are already cooked.

• What if I want to make this recipe spicier?

Add extra green chilies, a dash of cayenne pepper, or include some diced jalapeños to increase the heat level. Adjust according to your personal spice tolerance.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just verify that your beef broth and spices are certified gluten-free to ensure complete dietary compliance.

Slow Cooker Pinto Beans, Green Chile, And Beef Recipe

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4.9 from 13 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty Southwestern Slow Cooker Pinto Beans, Green Chile, and Beef delivers rich, comforting flavors straight from Mexican-inspired kitchens. Tender beef and creamy beans melded with spicy green chiles promise a soul-warming meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 4 cups (680 grams) cooked pinto beans

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 can (10 ounces/284 grams) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 can (4 ounces/113 grams) diced green chilies
• 1/4 cup (15 grams) fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Spices and Liquids:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) 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. In a skillet over medium heat, sear ground beef and diced onion until meat is fully cooked and onions become translucent, approximately 7-8 minutes. Carefully drain accumulated fat.
2. Transfer beef and onion mixture into the slow cooker, creating a robust base for the hearty dish.
3. Pour pinto beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, additional diced green chilies, and beef broth into the slow cooker. Incorporate chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper for a deeply layered flavor profile.
4. Thoroughly blend all ingredients, ensuring even distribution of spices and seasonings. Adjust salt levels to personal taste preference.
5. Secure slow cooker lid and set temperature to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Gently stir contents periodically to prevent ingredient settling.
6. During final 15 minutes of cooking, fold in freshly chopped cilantro for a bright, herbaceous note.
7. Ladle the rich, aromatic mixture into serving bowls. Complement with cornbread, steamed rice, or crispy tortilla chips.
8. Enhance serving with optional garnishes like shredded cheese, cool sour cream, or creamy diced avocado for added texture and richness.

Notes

• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease in the final dish and ensure a cleaner, more concentrated flavor profile.
• Use low-sodium beef broth to control salt levels, allowing you to adjust seasoning precisely during cooking.
• For a leaner version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles without compromising the rich, hearty texture.
• Enhance spice levels by adding a diced jalapeño or a splash of hot sauce for those who enjoy extra heat in their meal.

• 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: 254 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 410 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 21 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg