Pinto Beans, Green Chile and Beef Soup

Here’s a hearty and flavorful Pinto Beans, Green Chile, and Beef Soup recipe. It’s perfect for cool evenings or when you want something comforting and Southwestern-inspired.

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🌶️ Pinto Beans, Green Chile, and Beef Soup

🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes

⏳ Cook Time: 1.5–2 hours (or faster with canned beans)

🍲 Servings: 6–8

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🧂 Ingredients:

For the soup:

• 1 lb ground beef or stew meat (like chuck), browned

• 1 yellow onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 cups cooked pinto beans (or 2 cans, drained and rinsed)

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with green chiles or plain)

• 1½ cups roasted green chiles, chopped (Hatch green chiles if available)

• 4 cups beef broth (or more, for desired consistency)

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)

• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 1 tbsp olive oil or beef fat (for sautéing)

Optional add-ins:

• 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)

• ½ tsp oregano or Mexican oregano

• Dash of cayenne or hot sauce for heat

Toppings (optional):

• Chopped cilantro

• Sour cream or crema

• Shredded cheese

• Crushed tortilla chips

• Diced avocado

• Lime wedges

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🔪 Instructions:

1. Brown the beef:

   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat.

   • Add ground beef or stew meat, season lightly with salt and pepper, and brown until cooked through. Remove and set aside if using stew meat (for browning in batches).

2. Sauté aromatics:

   • In the same pot, add onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.

   • Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

3. Combine ingredients:

   • Add beef back to the pot, then stir in pinto beans, diced tomatoes, green chiles, cumin, chili powder, paprika, and beef broth.

   • Add corn or oregano if using.

4. Simmer:

   • Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.

   • Cover and cook for 30–40 minutes (or 1–1.5 hours if using stew meat, until tender).

   • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more spice.

5. Serve:

   • Ladle into bowls and garnish with your choice of toppings.

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📝 Tips:

• Slow Cooker Version: After browning beef and sautéing onions/garlic, add everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours.

• Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth and swap beef for diced potatoes or extra beans.

• Freezer Friendly: Cools and freezes well for up to 3 months.