A deeply savory and comforting one-pot meal, this slow cooker dish brings together creamy pinto beans and tender beef with mild, smoky green chile flavors. As the ingredients simmer gently over many hours, they develop delicious depth and richness that makes this ideal for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy weekends. The slow cooking process allows the beans to soften fully and the beef to become fall-apart tender, while the combination of spices and chiles infuses every bite with warmth and character.
Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Ingredients
Note: All measures and components are based strictly on the original recipe provided.
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut into generous bite-sized pieces — the marbling in chuck roast melts slowly for the richest flavor.
- 2 cups dried pinto beans, carefully rinsed and picked over to remove any debris — beans are the heart of this dish, lending creaminess and body.
- 1 medium onion, peeled and chopped into small pieces — this brings sweet aromatic depth.
- 3 to 4 cloves of garlic, finely minced — garlic adds a fragrant, savory base note.
- 2 cups green chile (roasted Hatch style or good-quality canned), diced — this provides gentle heat and Southwestern flavor.
- 6 cups beef broth (use water as an alternative if desired) — the broth becomes a rich, flavorful base as it cooks.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin — cumin’s earthy warmth complements the beans and chili.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder — adds subtle smoky spice.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika — enhances deep, wood-smoked flavor tones.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano — for its herbal brightness.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste — seasoning that brings all other flavors together.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for searing the beef) — browning the meat can boost richness.
Instructions
Below is a fully detailed, step-by-step guide to prepare this deeply flavorful slow cooker recipe:
- Prepare the Pinto Beans:
Begin by rinsing your dried pinto beans under cool running water. Look through them to remove any stones or wrinkled beans. Once rinsed, soak them in a bowl of cool water for several hours or overnight — this helps them cook evenly and achieve a tender texture when slow-cooked. After soaking, drain the beans thoroughly and set them aside. - Trim and Chop the Beef:
Take your beef chuck roast and trim off any large pieces of excess fat if needed. Chop the meat into bite-sized chunks, making sure they are roughly uniform so they cook evenly. Place the cut beef onto a clean plate or bowl. - Brown the Beef (Optional but Recommended):
If you want an added layer of rich flavor, heat the olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef pieces in a single layer, being careful not to crowd the pan. Let them sear without moving for several minutes until a deep brown crust forms, then turn and brown the other sides. This caramelization enhances the dish’s savory profile. Once browned, transfer the beef pieces to your slow cooker.
- Add Aromatics to the Slow Cooker:
Scatter the finely chopped onion and minced garlic over the beef in the slow cooker. These aromatics will slowly release their sweet and savory essences as they cook, infusing every part of the dish. - Incorporate the Beans and Green Chile:
Add the soaked and drained pinto beans to the slow cooker, spreading them evenly among the beef and onions. Next, sprinkle in the diced green chile. The chiles introduce a mild, earthy heat without overwhelming spice. - Season and Add Liquids:
Sprinkle the ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper over the mixture. Pour the beef broth over the ingredients, ensuring that the beans and beef are fully submerged. The broth will slow-cook into a rich and flavorful base. - Slow Cook to Tender Perfection:
Place the lid securely on the slow cooker. Set the cooker to low heat and let it simmer gently for approximately 8 hours. This slow, patient cooking allows the beans to soften completely and the beef to become fork-tender, while the spices and chile meld into a deeply satisfying flavor. Avoid lifting the lid frequently — maintaining a stable temperature helps the beans cook evenly. - Final Taste and Seasoning Adjustments:
Once the beans are tender and the beef is melt-in-your-mouth soft, taste the broth and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add a bit more salt or pepper if desired. The aroma at this stage should be rich and inviting. - Serve Warm:
Spoon the beans and beef into bowls, ladling plenty of the rich broth over the top. This dish pairs wonderfully with warm tortillas, cornbread, or a simple side of rice. The comforting, hearty flavors make it perfect for cold nights or as a crowd-pleasing centerpiece at a family meal.