You know, there’s something magical about slow cooking, isn’t there? The way the aromas fill your kitchen, and the anticipation builds as you wait for that hearty meal to come together. My favorite slow cooker dish has to be these slow cooker pinto beans with green chile and beef. They’re not just a meal; they’re a warm hug on a plate! Just picture it: tender pinto beans simmering alongside savory ground beef and zesty green chiles, all enveloped in a rich, flavorful broth. It’s comforting, it’s filling, and trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser!
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want something delicious without spending all day in the kitchen. I love how you can set everything up in the morning and simply let the slow cooker do its magic. Plus, the best part? It’s gluten-free, making it a great option for everyone at the table. So grab your slow cooker, and let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups pinto beans: These little gems are the star of the show! Make sure to rinse and soak them overnight for that perfect tenderness.
- 1 pound ground beef: Use lean ground beef for a hearty, savory flavor that pairs wonderfully with the beans.
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles: These add a fantastic kick and a touch of Southwest flair. You can find them in the canned vegetable aisle.
- 1 onion, chopped: A medium yellow onion works best here. It adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is a must! It elevates the flavors and brings everything together beautifully.
- 4 cups beef broth: You can use homemade or store-bought, but make sure it’s low-sodium if you’re watching your salt intake.
- 1 teaspoon cumin: This spice is key for that earthy flavor. It really complements the beans and beef!
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t skimp on seasoning—taste as you go to get it just right!
How to Prepare Slow Cooker Pinto Beans Green Chile and Beef
Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making these slow cooker pinto beans with green chile and beef! I promise, it’s simpler than you might think, and the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting for you. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready to go!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Rinse and soak the pinto beans: The night before you want to cook, rinse your 2 cups of pinto beans under cold water. Then, place them in a bowl and cover with plenty of water to soak overnight. This helps soften the beans and cut down on cooking time!
- Brown the ground beef: When you’re ready to cook, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add your 1 pound of ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent, about 5–7 minutes. Make sure to break up the beef as it cooks. Oh, the smell is heavenly!
- Drain the excess fat: Once the beef is cooked, carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet. You want to keep that delicious flavor, but too much fat can make the dish greasy.
- Combine in the slow cooker: Now, transfer the beef mixture into your slow cooker. Add the soaked (and drained) pinto beans, diced green chiles, beef broth, cumin, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Set it and forget it: Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for about 4 hours. I usually go for low; it gives the flavors time to mingle and develop. Just imagine how good your kitchen will smell!
- Check for tenderness: About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, check the beans for tenderness. They should be soft and creamy, but not mushy. If they need more time, just let them cook a bit longer!
And there you have it! A hearty, comforting dish that practically cooks itself. Just serve it up with some rice or warm tortillas, and you’re in for a treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can set everything up and let your slow cooker do the magic while you go about your day!
- Hearty flavor: The combination of pinto beans, beef, and zesty green chiles creates a rich and satisfying dish that warms you from the inside out.
- Nutritious ingredients: Packed with protein and fiber, this meal is not only filling but also good for you—what’s not to love?
- Gluten-free option: Perfect for those with dietary restrictions, this dish can be enjoyed by everyone at the table without any worries.
Tips for Success
Alright, my friend, here are some of my top tips to make sure your slow cooker pinto beans with green chile and beef turn out absolutely perfect every single time!
- Soak your beans: Don’t skip the soaking step! It not only helps with cooking time but also gives you that tender texture we all crave. Just make sure to rinse them well before soaking to get rid of any dirt!
- Adjust seasoning: Everyone’s taste buds are different, so be sure to taste your dish about an hour before it’s done. You can always add a little more salt, pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce if you like it spicy!
- Check for tenderness: Beans can vary in cooking time depending on how long they’ve been stored, so keep an eye on them! If they’re not quite tender when you check, just let them cook a bit longer. They’ll be worth the wait!
- Play with flavors: Feel free to get creative! Add some chopped bell peppers, a bay leaf, or even a splash of Worcestershire sauce to deepen the flavor. Cooking is all about experimenting!
- Let it rest: Once it’s done cooking, let your dish sit for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This helps all the flavors meld together beautifully.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making a slow cooker masterpiece that everyone will rave about. Enjoy the process—cooking should be fun!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values for a serving of these delicious slow cooker pinto beans with green chile and beef. Keep in mind, these are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 20g
- Sugar: 2g
This dish is not only hearty and satisfying but also packed with protein and fiber, making it a nutritious choice for any meal. So, you can enjoy every comforting bite without any guilt!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s chat about how to keep those delicious leftovers from your slow cooker pinto beans with green chile and beef! Trust me, you’ll want to savor every last bite, and storing them properly is key to maintaining that hearty goodness.
First off, once your dish has cooled down a bit, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. I love using glass containers because they keep everything fresh and are microwave safe. You can store your pinto beans in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just make sure to seal them tightly to keep those flavors locked in!
If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze the beans! Just portion them into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving a little space for expansion. They’ll stay good in the freezer for about 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Now, when it comes to reheating, you have a couple of options. For a quick meal, pop them in the microwave! Just transfer your desired portion to a microwave-safe bowl, cover it with a damp paper towel (to prevent splatters!), and heat on high for about 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through. You might need to add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen them up if they’ve thickened a bit.
If you prefer the stovetop, just pour the beans into a saucepan, add a little broth or water to help with the consistency, and heat over medium-low until warmed through. Give them a good stir to mix in that moisture.
And there you have it! Enjoy your leftovers just as much as the first day, and don’t forget, they taste even better the next time around as those flavors continue to meld. Yum!
FAQ Section
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you’d like to use dried pinto beans, just make sure to soak them overnight as mentioned in the recipe. They’ll cook beautifully in the slow cooker and absorb all those fantastic flavors!
What if I don’t have green chiles?
No worries! You can substitute with diced jalapeños for some heat, or even a can of diced tomatoes with green chiles for that extra flavor. Feel free to get creative with what you have on hand!
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Bell peppers, corn, or even zucchini would be great additions. Just chop them up and throw them in with the rest of the ingredients. The slow cooker can handle it, and it’ll make your dish even more colorful and nutritious!
How do I know when the beans are done?
Check them about 30 minutes before you plan to serve. They should be tender and creamy, not mushy. If they need more time, just let them cook longer—slow cooking is all about patience!
Is it okay to double the recipe?
Yes! You can absolutely double the ingredients, just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate it. The cooking time may vary slightly, so I recommend checking the beans for tenderness a little later than usual.
Slow Cooker Pinto Beans Green Chile and Beef for Cozy Nights
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty dish of pinto beans cooked slowly with green chiles and beef.
Ingredients
- 2 cups pinto beans
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse and soak pinto beans overnight.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef with onion and garlic.
- Drain excess fat from the beef mixture.
- Add the beef mixture, soaked beans, green chiles, beef broth, cumin, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
- Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Check beans for tenderness before serving.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve with rice or tortillas.
- This dish freezes well.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: slow cooker pinto beans green chile and beef
