Slow cooking is a loved way that brings flavor and ease , letting you make hearty meals with little work . By letting ingredients simmer for hours , you get deep taste and tender bites you cant get by quick cooking . One dish showing this is Slow Cooker Pinto Beаns, Green Chile, and Beef , a strong mix that warms your heart .
This recipe isnt just food ; it’s a cozy friend for your dinner plan . Full of protein fiber and bold taste , it feels like a hug after a long day , perfect for family nights or a chill night in . The blend of pinto beаns , savory beef , and zesty green chiles makes a flavor party that’s also good for you .
Here we’ll talk about why Slow Cooker Pinto Beаns, Green Chile, and Beef is awesome , from picking the right parts to tips for prep and cooking . You’ll see it’s easy to make and you can change it to your liking , so it becomes a go-to meal in your kitchen . Let’s jump in and see how to bring this tasty comfort food to your table !
Understanding the Ingredients
When making a tasty dish like Slow Cooker Pinto Beаns, Green Chile, and Beef , the stuff you pick matters a lot . Here’s a look at the main parts that give this meal its big flavor and nutrients , starting with the beаns .
Pinto Beаns
Pinto beаns are key here , not just for taste but for their good nutrients . They’re full of protein and fiber , so they keep you full and give energy that sticks around . Their creamy feel soaks up all the other flavors too , making a nice base .
When you pick dried pinto beаns , choose ones that look the same size and color , and skip any with spots or cracks . Rinse them before soaking to wash off dust or grit . Soaking overnight cuts cook time and makes them easier on your tummy , so the meal is nicer to eat .
Green Chile
Green chiles give this dish its zing . You can use fresh or canned ones ; each type has its own vibe . Fresh chiles like poblano or Anaheim give a bright taste and a mild heat , while canned chiles (often roasted) add a smoky depth .
You can mix both kinds to get fresh and smoky notes . The green chiles bring heat and a bit of complexity that levels up the beans and beef .
Beef
The cut of beef you pick changes the texture and taste . Chuck roast is great because it gets super tender and juicy when slow cooked , adding rich beefiness . Or use ground beef if you want something faster , it also mixes well in the pot .
Remember different cuts cook for different times . Chuck roast needs more hours to get soft , while ground beef cooks quicker , ideal for busy nights .
Other Key Ingredients
Besides pinto beаns, green chiles, and beef , you’ll add onions and garlic for sweetness and depth . Spices like chili powder and cumin boost warmth and round out the flavor .
Finally, beef broth or water gives the liquid needed to mash the tastes together . Each part helps make the best comfort food that’s full of flavor and really satisfying .
Preparation
Getting your ingredients ready is a big step for Slow Cooker Pinto Beаns, Green Chile, and Beef . A bit of planning and prep means cooking goes smooth and fast .
Soaking Pinto Beаns
Soaking the pinto beаns matters because it cuts down cooking time and makes them easier to digest . Put them in a big bowl and cover with several inches of water . Let them soak for 6-8 hours or overnight if you can . Then drain and rinse well before they go in the slow cooker .
Prepping the Ingredients
Chopping onions and garlic can take time , but you can speed it up . Use a sharp knife to dice onions fast , and a garlic press to smash garlic in seconds . If you have fresh green chiles , pull out stems and seeds , then chop to your heat taste . For canned chiles , just drain and toss them in .
With everything chopped and ready , you’re all set for the fun part—cooking !
Cooking Instructions
Now that your ingredients are ready , let’s cook ! Follow these steps to make Slow Cooker Pinto Beаns, Green Chile, and Beef .
Ingredients List
- 1 cup pinto beаns (dry, soaked)
- 2-3 green chiles (fresh or canned)
- 1 pound ground beef (or 2 pounds chuck roast)
- 1 onion, diced
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth or water
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Step 1 : Sauté the meat and veggies (optional) . If you use ground beef , heat a pan over medium-high . Add beef , onions , and garlic . Cook till beef is brown and onions are soft . If you use chuck roast , skip this step and add it raw to the slow cooker .
Step 2 : Mix everything in the slow cooker . Add soaked beаns , cooked beef mix (or roast) , green chiles , chili powder , cumin , and enough broth or water . Stir so it’s all blended .
Step 3 : Set the cooker . For low heat cook 6-8 hours , for high heat 3-4 hours . If you use chuck roast go longer so it gets tender .
Step 4 : Check for doneness and fix seasoning . After cooking time test the beаns to see if they’re soft . If they’re still firm , cook 30 more minutes . Taste and add salt and pepper if you need .
Serving Suggestions
You can serve Slow Cooker Pinto Beаns, Green Chile, and Beef :
- Over rice to make a full meal .
- With warm tortillas to soak up the sauce .
- Topped with sour cream , cheese , or cilantro for extra taste .
Nutritional Information
This dish isn’t just cozy food ; it also gives you good nutrition . Per serving :
- Calories : ~350-400
- Protein : 20-25g
- Fiber : 10-15g
- Fat : 10-15g (depends on beef cut)
- Carbs : 30-35g
Pinto beаns are full of protein and fiber , good for your heart and steady energy . With beef , it’s a balanced meal with vitamins and minerals to keep you well .
Tips for Success
Here are some tips so your dish turns out great :
- If beans are too hard , make sure they were soaked enough and add more liquid while cooking .
- Spice it up if you like ; add more chili powder or hot sauce for a kick .
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days . To keep longer , freeze portions in freezer bags .
Variations
Try these twists :
- Vegetarian : Swap beef for veggies or plant-based meat .
- Extra spice : Add jalapeños or cayenne for more heat .
- Other beans : Use black beans or kidney beans for a new spin .
FAQs
How long to cook pinto beans with beef in slow cooker ?
On low it’s 6-8 hours , on high 3-4 hours . Use the longer time if you cook chuck roast .
Can I use canned pinto beans instead of dried ?
Yes , but canned beans are already cooked . Add them in the last hour so they warm and take on flavor .
How do I make it spicier ?
Add jalapeños , cayenne pepper , or a few dashes of hot sauce .
How to store leftovers ?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge up to 4 days . For longer , freeze in bags and reheat when ready .
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Pinto Beаns, Green Chile, and Beef shows off comfort food at its best , mixing ease with hearty taste . For family dinners or meal prep , this dish will satisfy you . Try your own tweaks and enjoy the warm, tasty results !
Call to Action
Tell us what changes you made or how it turned out ! Drop a comment below and share this yummy recipe with friends and family on social media .
Slow Cooker Pinto Beans, Green Chile, and Beef
Equipment
- 1 slow cooker minimum 6-quart capacity
- 1 cutting board
- 1 measuring cups
- 1 measuring spoons
- 1 stirring spoon
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups dried pinto beans Soak overnight or for at least 6 hours.
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 10-ounce can diced green chiles Include the liquid.
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup corn Frozen or canned.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- chopped cilantro Optional for garnish.
- avocado Optional for garnish.
Instructions
- Rinse the pinto beans in cold water and sort through them to remove any debris. Soak them overnight in water, or at least for 6 hours.
- In a skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- In the slow cooker, combine the soaked pinto beans, beef broth, diced green chiles (with their liquid), diced onion, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
- Add the cooked ground beef to the slow cooker and mix everything together.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the beans are tender and the flavors melded.
- In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the corn to the slow cooker and stir well.
- Once it's done cooking, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro and avocado if desired.
