Easy Pinto Beans And Ground Beef Recipe

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Craving a hearty, comforting meal that’s both delicious and easy to make? Look no further! This pinto beans and ground beef recipe is a classic dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. It’s packed with flavor, protein, and fiber, making it a satisfying and nutritious option for the whole family.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses pantry staples that you likely already have on hand.
  • Quick and Easy: It comes together in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
  • Versatile: Customize it to your liking with different spices, toppings, and variations.
  • Budget-Friendly: Pinto beans and ground beef are affordable ingredients, making this a great option for feeding a crowd on a budget.

Ingredients You'll Need

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced avocado

How to Make Pinto Beans and Ground Beef

  1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the Spices: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant.
  4. Combine the Ingredients: Add the rinsed and drained pinto beans, diced tomatoes (undrained), and beef broth to the skillet. Stir to combine.
  5. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together.
  6. Season to Taste: Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the mixture is too thick, add a little more beef broth to reach your desired consistency.
  7. Serve: Serve hot, topped with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or diced avocado.

Tips and Variations

  • Add Some Heat: For a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño to the skillet along with the spices.
  • Use Different Beans: Feel free to substitute other types of beans, such as kidney beans, black beans, or cannellini beans.
  • Make it Vegetarian: Omit the ground beef and add extra vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or zucchini for a vegetarian version.
  • Slow Cooker Option: This recipe can easily be adapted for the slow cooker. Simply brown the ground beef and sauté the onions and garlic as directed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Serving Suggestions

This pinto beans and ground beef recipe is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with:

  • Cornbread
  • Rice
  • Tortilla chips
  • A side salad

Get Cooking!

Ready to try this easy and delicious pinto beans and ground beef recipe? Gather your ingredients and get cooking! This is a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

Looking for more easy dinner recipes? Check out our other popular dishes here!