A Pinto Beans, Green Chile, and Beef Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for a cozy meal. The combination of tender pinto beans, spicy green chile, and savory beef creates a comforting soup that’s filling and satisfying. Here’s a simple recipe to make it:
Pinto Beans, Green Chile, and Beef Soup Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or cubed stew beef)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed (or use cooked pinto beans)
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies (or more to taste for extra heat)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (or use fresh tomatoes, diced)
- 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter flavor)
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or any cooking oil)
- Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, or lime wedges
Instructions:
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Cook the Beef:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef (or cubed stew beef) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon if using ground beef. If using stew beef, cook until the meat is browned on all sides.
- Drain any excess fat if necessary.
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Sauté the Vegetables:
- Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
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Add the Seasonings:
- Stir in the cumin, chili powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes to let the spices bloom.
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Add the Beans and Liquids:
- Add the pinto beans, diced green chilies, and diced tomatoes (with their juice) to the pot.
- Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
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Simmer the Soup:
- Once the soup comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30-45 minutes, uncovered. This allows the flavors to meld together and the beans to soften further (if they were pre-cooked, just simmer until heated through).
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Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or spices if needed. If you like it spicier, add extra green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
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Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot with optional toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro, or a squeeze of lime.
Tips:
- For extra flavor: You can add a little bit of smoked paprika or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky kick.
- Use fresh green chiles: If you have access to fresh New Mexico green chiles or Anaheim peppers, you can roast and peel them for a more authentic, rich flavor.
- Make it heartier: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the pinto beans with a potato masher before serving, or add a small handful of cornmeal to thicken it.
This Pinto Beans, Green Chile, and Beef Soup is flavorful, filling, and perfect for cooler days or any time you want a comforting, hearty meal. Enjoy!
