Pinto Beans, Green Chile, and Beef Soup
This Slow Cooker Pinto Beans, Green Chile, and Beef soup is the ultimate comfort dish, combining hearty ingredients that simmer into a flavorful, warming meal.
With ground beef, green chilies, and tender pinto beans, every bite is packed with bold flavors that will have you coming back for more.
Perfect for chilly evenings or when you want a cozy, satisfying meal, this dish is simple to make yet delivers a deep, rich taste that pleases the entire family.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner gathering or just craving something comforting, this soup is sure to impress. The combination of beef, beans, and green chiles creates a unique and savory experience that is easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy.
Plus, it’s a slow-cooked meal, allowing all the ingredients to meld perfectly together. Serve it with a side of cornbread or a dollop of sour cream, and you’ve got yourself a winning dinner.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
4 cups cooked pinto beans (or 2 cans, 15 oz each, drained and rinsed)
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel)
1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
2 cups beef broth
1 teaspoon chili powder
Instructions
Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. As the beef cooks, break it apart with a spoon or spatula until it’s fully browned.
Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside. In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant, then combine it with the browned beef.
Transfer the beef and onions into your slow cooker. Add the cooked pinto beans or the canned beans that have been drained and rinsed.
Follow with the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies and the diced green chilies. Pour in the beef broth.
ensuring that all ingredients are covered. Stir in the chili powder, which will give the soup its signature warmth and depth.
Set the slow cooker to low and let it simmer for 6–8 hours. This will allow the flavors to blend and the beans to become tender.
If you’re in a hurry, you can set it to high for 3–4 hours, but slow cooking will give the best results.
Once the cooking time is up, taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed. If you’d like more heat, add a bit of extra chili powder or some hot sauce.
If you prefer a thicker soup, mash a portion of the beans with a spoon or immersion blender to create a creamier texture.
Serve the soup hot, and garnish with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, shredded cheese, or chopped cilantro. Pair it with a side of crusty bread or cornbread for a complete meal.
For those who want to add a little extra flair to the dish, a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving adds a nice zesty touch.
Enjoy the warmth of this hearty meal that brings all the flavors of comfort food into one bowl!
How to Make
Start by browning your ground beef in a skillet. This helps develop a deep, savory flavor as the meat cooks and caramelizes a bit.
Once browned, make sure to drain off any excess fat to prevent the soup from becoming greasy. This step will ensure that the soup is flavorful but not too heavy.
Next, sauté the onions in the same skillet until they’re soft and slightly golden. This step intensifies the flavor of the onions and brings out their sweetness.
which will complement the richness of the beef. Once the onions are ready, combine them with the browned beef in the slow cooker.
The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity. Once the beef and onions are in the slow cooker, just add the cooked or canned pinto beans.
These beans are the backbone of the soup, offering texture and a neutral base to absorb all the other flavors.
The canned tomatoes with green chilies and additional diced green chilies bring a kick of heat and acidity that balances out the richness of the beef.
Pour in the beef broth and stir in chili powder. This will not only add seasoning but also deepen the overall flavor of the soup.
It’s important to ensure the broth covers the ingredients so they cook evenly and absorb the flavors. From here, you can set your slow cooker on low and let it work its magic for 6-8 hours.
During the cooking time, the beans will soften and take on the flavors of the beef and spices. If you have time.
let the soup slow cook for as long as possible; the longer it cooks, the more flavorful it will be. Stir occasionally if you can, but it’s not essential.
If you’d like to change the texture, mashing some of the beans creates a thicker, creamier consistency. This gives the soup a more velvety texture and can help thicken it up without adding extra ingredients.
When it’s time to serve, check the seasoning again, and if desired, adjust with salt, pepper, or more chili powder for extra heat.
Once everything tastes perfect, ladle it into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes like cheese, sour cream, or fresh herbs.
Variations
One variation of this soup is to add a bit of corn for sweetness. You can throw in some frozen or canned corn during.
the last hour of cooking to give it a slight crunch and a hint of sweetness that complements the savory ingredients.
If you’re looking to make the soup spicier, add some diced jalapeños along with the green chiles. This extra heat will enhance the chili powder and bring a bold, fiery kick to the soup.
For a more substantial meal, consider adding potatoes to the soup. Simply peel and dice a couple of potatoes and add them at the beginning of the cooking process.
They will soak up the flavors of the broth and beef, creating a heartier dish that’s even more filling.
Vegetarians can substitute the ground beef with plant-based alternatives such as lentils or a meatless crumbles option.
By using vegetable broth instead of beef broth, you can create a completely plant-based version that’s still satisfying and full of flavor.
For an even richer flavor, stir in a bit of heavy cream or half-and-half right before serving. This will create a creamy.
comforting texture that’s perfect for those who enjoy creamy soups. You can also add shredded cheese to the soup for extra richness.
If you want to add more greens to the dish, spinach or kale are great additions. Add them in during.
the last 30 minutes of cooking, and they will wilt nicely into the soup, providing extra nutrients without overpowering the other flavors.
To change the flavor profile entirely, try adding some smoked paprika or chipotle peppers.
These ingredients will infuse the soup with a smoky, earthy flavor that will give it a different twist and make it even more flavorful.
Tips
When browning the beef, try not to rush the process. Let it cook until it’s fully browned and caramelized, as this will create a deep, savory flavor in the soup.
If you have time, you can also brown the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause steaming instead of browning.
If you’re using dried pinto beans, make sure to soak them overnight and cook them before adding them to the soup.
This will ensure they are tender and ready to absorb the flavors of the broth. If you’re short on time, canned beans work just as well and will save you the extra step.
To thicken the soup without mashing the beans, consider adding a tablespoon of cornstarch or flour mixed with water.
This will help give the soup a thicker, more stew-like consistency without affecting the flavor.
If you prefer a milder version of the soup, you can use mild green chilies or reduce the amount of chili powder.
Alternatively, adding a little sugar can balance out the heat, giving it a gentler, sweeter profile.
For added flavor, you can toast the chili powder in the skillet before adding it to the slow cooker.
Toasting the spices brings out their natural oils and intensifies the flavor, giving the soup an extra depth.
To keep the soup warm for longer, consider using a thermal slow cooker or transferring the soup to a heatproof container that retains warmth. This way, you can enjoy the soup for hours even after it’s done cooking.
When storing leftovers, let the soup cool down completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
This will help prevent any moisture from building up and will keep the soup fresh for a few days in the refrigerator.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Pinto Beans, Green Chile, and Beef soup is the perfect comfort food for those cold nights when you need something hearty and satisfying.
With its bold flavors and simple ingredients, it’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Whether you keep it classic or add a few twists, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
So, the next time you’re craving a warm, filling meal, let this soup take center stage. Its combination of beef
beans, and green chiles delivers the ultimate comforting experience—one that will warm you from the inside out.