Slow Cooker Pinto Beans, Green Chile and Beef

Here’s an easy Slow Cooker Pinto Beans, Green Chile, and Beef recipe — a set-it-and-forget-it meal with tons of flavor and minimal effort.

🥘 Slow Cooker Pinto Beans, Green Chile & Beef

Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 6–8 hours on low or 3–4 on high

🛒 Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or stew beef, cubed)

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups dried pinto beans, rinsed and sorted (no need to soak if slow cooking all day)
  – or substitute 3 (15 oz) cans pinto beans (drained & rinsed)

• 1 (4–7 oz) can diced green chiles

• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juice

• 4 cups beef broth (or water + bouillon)

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1 tsp chili powder

• ½ tsp oregano

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• Optional: ½ tsp smoked paprika or chipotle powder

🥄 Optional Add-ins:

• 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)

• 1–2 diced potatoes

• 1 small zucchini, chopped

• Fresh cilantro, lime juice, shredded cheese for garnish

🍲 Directions:

If using dried beans:

1. Brown the Beef (recommended for flavor):
   In a skillet, cook the ground beef (or brown the stew beef). Drain fat.
   (Optional: Sauté onion and garlic in the same pan for extra depth.)

2. Add to Slow Cooker:
   Add browned beef, onion, garlic, dry pinto beans, green chiles, tomatoes, broth, and spices to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.

3. Cook on LOW for 7–8 hours (or HIGH for 4–5 hours) until beans are soft and flavors meld.

If using canned beans:

• Reduce broth to 3 cups.

• Skip step 1 if you’re short on time — just add all ingredients directly to the slow cooker.

• Cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours.

4. Before serving:
   Taste and adjust seasoning. If using stew beef, shred or cut into smaller pieces.

5. Serve:
   Ladle into bowls and garnish with cheese, cilantro, or a squeeze of lime. Serve with tortillas or cornbread.