Slow cooker pinto beans with green chiles and beef is a delicious and hearty dish. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
1 lb. dried pinto beans see directions for soaking overnight
3 lbs. beef sirloin
2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
3 beef bouillon cubes
1 poblano pepper diced
1 cup red onion diced
2 tsp. garlic minced
2 bay leaves
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. dried oregano
green chile
1/4 tsp. cumin
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 cup beer can use additional water instead
4 cups water
1/8 tsp. salt to taste; add at the end
Options for Serving
tortilla chips
Monterey Jack cheese shredded
Instructions:
Preparing the Beans
The night before you are ready to cook this, add the pinto beans to the slow cooker.
Cover with a few inches of water.
Do not turn on the slow cooker, let the beans soak overnight in the water.
Preparing the Beans and Beef
In the morning drain the water off the pinto beans.
In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, add the oil.
Once hot, brown the sirloin on all sides. Set aside.
Add the beef bouillon cubes, poblano pepper, green chile, onion, garlic, bay leaves, pepper, oregano, cumin, and cayenne pepper to the slow cooker along with the drained beans.
Pour in the water and beer, stir.
Add in the browned beef.
Cover and cook on LOW for 10 hours without opening the lid during the cooking time.
When the cooking time is up, remove the bay leaves and discard.
Remove the sirloin, shred. Set aside for a moment.
Degrease the pinto beans by laying paper towels over the top of the beans, and pull up quickly.
Discard the paper towels.
Take about 1 cup of the beans and some broth out into a small bowl, using a fork or a potato masher, mash up those beans, add them back into the slow cooker with the rest of the beans.
Add the shredded meat back in, stir well.
Season with salt to taste.
Serve with tortilla chips and shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
Nutrition Information:
Calories: 562kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 46g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 117mg | Sodium: 550mg | Potassium: 1424mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 90IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 108mg | Iron: 7mg
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use canned pinto beans instead of dried ones?
Yes, you can substitute canned pinto beans for dried ones.
If you choose to do this, you won’t need to soak the beans overnight.
Simply drain and rinse the canned beans and add them to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients.
Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as canned beans won’t require as much time as dried ones.
What can I use as a beer substitute in this recipe?
If you prefer not to use beer, you can substitute it with beef broth or additional water.
This will still provide a flavorful base for your dish.
What type of green chile should I use, and how much?
You can use your preferred type of green chile, such as Hatch green chiles or Anaheim peppers.
The amount can vary based on your spice preference.
Generally, 1 to 2 diced green chiles is a good starting point.
Adjust to your taste for more or less heat.
Can I use a different cut of beef instead of sirloin?
Yes, you can use other cuts of beef, such as chuck roast or stew meat, in place of sirloin.
Slow cooking will help tenderize the meat, so choose a cut that you enjoy for a stew-like texture.
What other toppings or garnishes can I add to enhance this dish?
To customize your meal, consider adding toppings like chopped fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
These additions can complement the flavors of the dish and add freshness.
Do I need to soak the pinto beans overnight, or can I use a quick soak method?
While soaking pinto beans overnight is recommended for better texture and reduced cooking time, you can use a quick soak method if you’re short on time.
To quick soak, bring the beans and water to a boil, then remove from heat, cover, and let them sit for about an hour before proceeding with the recipe.
Can I use a different type of meat instead of beef sirloin?
Yes, you can use other cuts of beef or even pork if you prefer.
Choose cuts suitable for slow cooking, like stew meat or chuck roast, and adjust the cooking time as needed for your chosen meat.
How spicy will this dish be with green chiles and cayenne pepper?
The spiciness will depend on the type and amount of green chiles you use and your tolerance for heat.
Adjust the quantity of green chiles and cayenne pepper to your desired level of spiciness.
Remember that poblano peppers tend to be milder than some other chili varieties.
What can I do with leftovers, and how should I store them?
Leftover Slow Cooker Pinto Beans, Green Chile, and Beef can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat it in the microwave or on the stove.
You can also freeze the leftovers for longer storage.
When reheating, you may want to add a bit of water or broth to maintain the desired consistency.
