Hearty • Spicy • Protein-Packed
A comforting, slow-simmered dish with tender pinto beans, lean beef, and roasted green chiles. Perfect over rice, cauliflower rice, or as a standalone bowl.
🌿 Ingredients
Protein & Beans
- 1½ lb (680g) lean beef stew meat or chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups dried pinto beans, rinsed and sorted
- 1 (4 oz) can green chiles (mild or hot, depending on preference)
- Optional: ½ lb turkey sausage sliced for extra protein
Vegetables & Flavor
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- Optional: pinch of cayenne for heat
Liquid Base
- 4 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth
- 1 cup water (adjust to desired thickness)
- 1 tbsp lime juice (added at the end for brightness)
🔥 Instructions
- Prep beans
- Optional: soak dried beans overnight or use the quick-soak method (boil 5 minutes, cover, 1 hour).
- Drain and rinse before adding to the slow cooker.
- Brown the beef (optional but flavorful)
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown beef cubes for 3–4 minutes per side. Transfer to slow cooker.
- Add remaining ingredients
- Combine pinto beans, onion, garlic, bell pepper, green chiles, spices, broth, and water in the slow cooker. Stir gently.
- Cook low and slow
- Cover and cook on LOW 7–8 hours or HIGH 4–5 hours, until beans are tender and beef is cooked through.
- Finish
- Stir in lime juice before serving.
- Optional: garnish with chopped cilantro, diced avocado, or a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
💪 High-Protein Tips
- Use lean beef + optional turkey sausage for maximum protein
- Add ½ cup protein-rich Greek yogurt or cottage cheese on top when serving for creaminess
- Swap part of the beef for chicken breast if you prefer white meat
🍽 Serving Suggestions
- Over cauliflower rice for low-carb
- With quinoa for extra protein and fiber
- As a hearty soup with cornbread on the side
📊 Nutrition (Approximate per serving, 6 servings)
- Calories: 380–420 kcal
- Protein: 38–42g
- Carbs: 25–28g
- Fat: 12–14g
- Fiber: 10–12g
