Slow Cooker Pinto Beans, Green Chile & Beef

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🫘 Slow Cooker Pinto Beans, Green Chile & Beef

Tender beef • creamy beans • roasted green chile warmth

Serves: 6–8
Cook time: 6–8 hours (slow cooker)

📝 Ingredients

🔸 Beef:

  • 1.5–2 lbs (700–900 g) beef chuck roast or stew beef, cut into chunks
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional but amazing)

🔸 Beans:

  • 2 cups dry pinto beans, rinsed
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1–2 jalapeños, diced (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust later)

🔸 Green Chile:

  • 1 (15 oz) can fire-roasted diced green chiles
  • OR 1 cup fresh roasted Hatch green chile, chopped

🔸 Liquids:

  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional for richness)

🔸 Optional Add-ins:

  • 1 cup corn
  • 1 can Rotel
  • ½ teaspoon chipotle powder
  • Fresh cilantro for serving
  • Sour cream on top

🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Brown the Beef (Optional but worth it)

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet.
  2. Season beef with salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika.
  3. Brown the chunks on all sides over medium-high heat (5–7 mins).
  4. Add to slow cooker.

This step adds deep flavor — but you can skip and toss beef straight in.

2️⃣ Add the Beans & Veggies

To the slow cooker, add:

  • Pinto beans
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Jalapeños
  • Oregano
  • Chili powder
  • Cumin
  • Salt

Stir lightly.

3️⃣ Add Green Chiles + Liquids

Pour in:

  • Diced green chiles
  • Beef broth
  • Water
  • Lime juice
  • Tomato paste

Mix gently to combine.

4️⃣ Slow Cook

Cook on:

  • LOW for 8–10 hours (best texture)
    OR
  • HIGH for 5–6 hours

Beans should be creamy and soft.
Beef should fall apart with a fork.

If the mixture is too thick → add a little warm water.
Too thin → simmer uncovered 20–30 minutes.

5️⃣ Taste & Adjust

Add:

  • More salt
  • More lime
  • More chile heat
    …to your preference.

6️⃣ Serve

Serve steaming hot with:

  • Warm tortillas
  • Rice
  • Cornbread
  • Sour cream
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Avocado slices

This will make your house smell insane in the best way.

⭐ Tips for Perfection

  • No soaking the beans needed — slow cooker handles it.
  • Chuck roast gives the most tender result.
  • Add 1 tsp brown sugar for deeper chili flavor.
  • Add 1 small cinnamon stick during cooking for subtle warmth (Mexican-style).

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