Slow Cooker Beef Beans (Print Version)

A comforting blend of beef, pinto beans, and green chiles slow-simmered for rich, satisfying flavor.

# Ingredients:

Meat and Aromatics

01 - 1 lb ground beef
02 - 1 medium onion, diced

Beans and Vegetables

03 - 4 cups cooked pinto beans (or 2 cans, 15 oz each, drained and rinsed)
04 - 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
05 - 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies

Liquids

06 - 2 cups beef broth

Spices

07 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
08 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
09 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
11 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
12 - Salt, to taste

Garnish

13 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and fully cooked and the onion softens. Drain excess fat.
02 - Transfer beef and onion mixture to slow cooker. Add pinto beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, diced green chilies, and beef broth.
03 - Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper over the mixture. Stir to combine thoroughly.
04 - Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Stir occasionally if possible to distribute flavors evenly.
05 - Adjust salt to taste. Just before serving, stir in chopped fresh cilantro if desired. Serve hot.

# Notes:

01 - Using canned pinto beans reduces prep time. For best flavor, allow slow cooking to tenderize and develop depth.