Slow Cooker Pinto Beans with Green Chile and Beef: The Ultimate Southwestern Comfort Dish

If there’s one dish that captures the heart of slow-cooked comfort, it’s Slow Cooker Pinto Beans with Green Chile and Beef. This hearty, flavorful recipe brings together smoky spices, tender beef, and creamy beans — all simmered low and slow for hours to perfection. It’s the kind of meal that warms the soul, fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas, and leaves everyone asking for seconds.

Whether you’re craving a weeknight dinner that cooks itself or a game-day dish with bold Southwestern flair, this easy slow cooker pinto bean recipe is a must-try.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Recipe

This dish delivers comfort food satisfaction with minimal effort. Here’s why it’s a keeper:

• One-pot simplicity: Toss everything into your slow cooker and let it work its magic.
• Rich, layered flavor: The green chiles add mild heat and tang, perfectly balancing the hearty beef and beans.
• Budget-friendly: Made with affordable pantry staples like dry pinto beans and ground beef.
• Perfect for meal prep: Great for leftovers, burrito fillings, or freezer meals.
• Protein-packed: A wholesome meal full of fiber and protein to keep you full longer.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 ½ cups dry pinto beans (rinsed and soaked overnight)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred)
• 3 cups beef broth (or water + bouillon)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for browning beef)

Optional Garnishes

• Chopped cilantro
• Diced red onion
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Lime wedges
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt

Instructions

1. Soak the Beans (if using dry):
   Rinse pinto beans and soak them overnight in plenty of water. Drain before using.
2. Brown the Beef:
   Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat.
3. Add Aromatics:
   Stir in onions and garlic, cooking for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Transfer everything to your slow cooker.
4. Combine Ingredients:
   Add soaked pinto beans, green chiles, diced tomatoes, broth, and spices to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
5. Slow Cook:
   Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until beans are tender and flavors meld beautifully.
6. Adjust Seasoning:
   Taste and add extra salt, pepper, or chili powder if needed.
7. Serve and Garnish:
   Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes—cilantro, cheese, onions, and a squeeze of lime.

Slow Cooker Pinto Beans with Green Chile and Beef

A hearty, smoky slow cooker dish featuring tender pinto beans, savory beef, and mild green chiles simmered to perfection.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 8 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 bowls

Course: Dinner, Main Dish

Cuisine: Mexican, Southwestern

Calories: 310

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1.5 cups dry pinto beans soaked overnight
• 1 onion diced
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 can diced green chiles (4 oz)
• 1 can fire-roasted diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.5 tsp chili powder
• 0.5 tsp oregano
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil for browning beef

Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Skillet
• Mixing spoon
• Knife and cutting board

Method

 

1. Rinse and soak pinto beans overnight; drain before use.
2. Brown ground beef in a skillet with olive oil until cooked through. Drain fat.
3. Add onions and garlic, sautéing until fragrant.
4. Transfer beef mixture to slow cooker. Add beans, green chiles, tomatoes, broth, and spices.
5. Cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours until beans are tender.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm with garnishes.

Notes

For extra creaminess, stir in sour cream or shredded cheese before serving.

Tips for the Best Flavor

• Use fire-roasted tomatoes: They add a smoky depth that enhances the beefy richness.
• Don’t skip browning the beef: This caramelization step brings out savory umami notes.
• Soak beans overnight: It improves texture and helps them cook evenly.
• Add a splash of hot sauce: For an extra kick of heat, especially if you like spice-forward dishes.
• Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream before serving for a smooth, velvety finish.

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the beef and add more beans or lentils, plus extra green chiles for a spicy twist.
• Tex-Mex Style: Add corn, black beans, and shredded cheese right before serving.
• Chili Crossover: Stir in tomato paste and extra chili powder for a thicker, more chili-like consistency.
• Pressure Cooker Shortcut: Use an Instant Pot and cook on High Pressure for 35 minutes with a natural release.

Serving Suggestions

This slow cooker dish is versatile enough to serve in many ways:

• Over steamed white rice or cilantro-lime rice for a classic combo.
• Inside tacos, burritos, or enchiladas for a hearty filling.
• With warm tortillas or cornbread for the perfect dipping duo.
• On top of baked potatoes or sweet potatoes for a fusion twist.

Pair it with a crisp side salad, roasted vegetables, or Mexican street corn for a balanced, flavorful meal.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months in portioned containers.
• Reheat: Microwave or warm on the stovetop with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.

Fun Fact: The Legacy of Pinto Beans in Southwestern Cuisine

Pinto beans are one of the oldest cultivated crops in the Americas, prized for their earthy flavor and creamy texture. In the Southwest, they’re a staple in everything from cowboy beans to Mexican-style stews. When paired with green chiles—a hallmark of New Mexico’s cuisine—they create a flavor that’s bold, rustic, and authentically regional.

This recipe honors that tradition while adding a hearty beef twist for today’s busy cooks.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Approximate values (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 310
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 8g
• Sodium: 450mg