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Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Add the browned beef to your slow cooker. To the slow cooker, also add the rinsed pinto beans, diced green chiles, chopped onion, minced garlic, and all the seasonings: cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything to combine.
Step 3: Add the Liquid
Pour the beef broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker, making sure everything is well-covered with liquid. This is crucial for the beans to cook properly and absorb all the flavors.
Step 4: Slow Cook the Dish
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded together. If you find the mixture is too thick, feel free to add a bit more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the beans are tender and the beef is cooked through, give the dish a final stir. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. You can also serve this dish with warm tortillas or over rice for a complete meal.
Tips for Making the Best Slow Cooker Pinto Beans, Green Chile, and Beef
- Soaking the Beans: While soaking the pinto beans is optional (you can skip this step and just rinse them), soaking them overnight can help reduce cooking time and improve the texture. If you prefer using canned pinto beans, you can substitute them for dried beans, but reduce the cooking time accordingly.
- Add Extra Heat: If you like your dish with a little more spice, add some jalapeño slices, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the slow cooker for an extra kick.
- Make it a One-Pot Meal: You can easily turn this dish into a full meal by serving it with rice, cornbread, or tortillas. It also pairs wonderfully with a side of sautéed vegetables or a fresh salad.
- Add Veggies: Feel free to bulk up the dish with additional vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or diced tomatoes. These additions will make the dish even heartier and more nutritious.
- Adjust Consistency: If the dish is too thick, simply add more broth or water. If it’s too thin, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking to let some of the liquid evaporate.
Creative Ways to Serve This Dish
This Slow Cooker Pinto Beans, Green Chile, and Beef is not just a great stand-alone dish—it’s also incredibly versatile! Here are a few creative ways to serve it:
- Tacos: Spoon the mixture into soft or hard taco shells, and top with cheese, sour cream, avocado, and cilantro.
- Burrito Bowls: Serve the beans and beef over rice, and add toppings like guacamole, salsa, and shredded lettuce.
- Chili Bowls: Serve the beans and beef in a bowl with cheese, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream for a hearty chili-style meal.
- Nachos: Spread the mixture over tortilla chips, sprinkle with cheese, and bake for a few minutes until the cheese is melted. Top with jalapeños, sour cream, and salsa.
Why This Dish is Perfect for Busy Days
The beauty of this Slow Cooker Pinto Beans, Green Chile, and Beef recipe is how easy it is to make. Once you add everything to the slow cooker, it requires very little attention. You can go about your day while the slow cooker does all the work, and in a few hours, you’ll have a flavorful, comforting dish ready to enjoy.
Plus, it’s budget-friendly and great for feeding a crowd or making leftovers for the next day. It’s a win-win!
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Pinto Beans, Green Chile, and Beef recipe is the ultimate comfort food. It’s a delicious combination of tender beans, savory beef, and the smoky heat of green chiles—all cooked together to create a hearty, flavorful dish. Whether you’re looking for a simple dinner, a dish for a party, or a satisfying meal to serve during the colder months, this slow cooker recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Give it a try today, and enjoy the rich, savory flavors that only a slow cooker can deliver.
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