Green Chili with Pinto Beans

Introducing a delightful dish that’s sure to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds: Green Chili with Pinto Beans! This hearty recipe combines tender pork loin with the vibrant flavors of hatch green chiles and pinto beans, creating a comforting meal perfect for any occasion.

With a touch of spice from jalapeños and a rich broth, it’s ideal for cozy dinners or gatherings with friends. Serve it up with warm tortillas or over rice, and you’ll have a delicious, filling feast everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

People will love this Green Chili with Pinto Beans recipe because it brings together rich, savory flavors in one comforting dish.

The combination of tender pork, zesty Hatch green chilies, and fresh jalapeños gives it a bold southwestern kick, while the creamy pinto beans add a hearty and satisfying texture.

The use of tapioca flour helps thicken the broth, making each spoonful feel hearty and filling.

It’s a simple yet flavorful recipe that’s perfect for warming up on cool evenings or serving at casual gatherings, offering both spice and depth in every bite.

Key Ingredients:

Pork loin: Provides a tender, savory base for the chili.

Hatch green chilies: Adds a smoky, mildly spicy flavor that defines this dish.

Jalapeño pepper: Brings an extra kick of heat.

Pinto beans: Offers a creamy, hearty texture to balance the spiciness.

Chicken broth: Forms the flavorful base of the soup.

Tapioca flour (or cornstarch): Helps thicken the broth for a satisfying consistency.

Green Chili with Pinto Beans

Ingredients

2 tablespoon olive oil

2 lbs boneless pork loin, cut into 1-inch cubes

1 cup chopped onion

5 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup tapioca flour, (can also use cornstarch)

1 28-oz can diced tomatoes

2 28-oz cans chopped hatch green chilis

1 fresh jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced

1 teaspoon salt , to taste

32 oz chicken broth

2 cans Bush’s Best Pinto Beans

Instructions

Drizzle and heat olive oil in a stockpot. Add pork cubes and lightly brown.

Stir in minced garlic and chopped onion. Add the tapioca flour and stir well to coat the meat. Cook over medium heat, stirring for 2-3 minutes.

Add the tomatoes, green chilies, jalapeño, and salt.

Pour in the chicken broth. Stir in the pinto beans and mix well. Bring to a boil.

Cover and simmer for 1 hour.

Add more salt or hot sauce as desired.

Notes:

Pork Substitutions: If you prefer, you can substitute boneless pork loin with other meats like chicken or beef, adjusting cooking times as necessary.

Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the amount of jalapeño and salt to suit your spice preference. Adding hot sauce at the end allows for a customizable heat level.

Beans Variations: While this recipe calls for Bush’s Best Pinto Beans, you can use any canned pinto beans or even dried beans (just be sure to soak and cook them beforehand).

Thickening: The tapioca flour (or cornstarch) helps to thicken the chili. If you prefer a thinner consistency, reduce the amount or skip it altogether.

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Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, omit the pork and use vegetable broth along with your favorite veggies for added texture and flavor.

Storage: This dish keeps well in the fridge for several days and can also be frozen for up to three months, making it great for meal prep.

Serving Suggestions: Pair with warm tortillas, cornbread, or over rice for a complete meal. Toppings like sour cream, cheese, or fresh cilantro can add a nice finishing touch.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 1 cup

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of meat instead of pork loin?

Yes, you can substitute other meats like chicken or beef if you prefer.

Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the meat is fully cooked.

Are hatch green chilis spicy?

Hatch green chilis can vary in spiciness.

Some are mild, while others can be quite hot.

Taste a small piece of the chili before adding it to gauge its spiciness, and adjust the amount based on your heat preference.

Can I use fresh green chilis instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh green chilis if they are available.

Roast and peel them before chopping.

The flavor may be slightly different from canned chilis, but it can add a fresh twist to the dish.

Is tapioca flour necessary, or can I use cornstarch instead?

You can use cornstarch as a substitute for tapioca flour.

Both work as thickeners in the recipe.

Use them interchangeably based on your preference and what you have on hand.

What can I serve with Green Chili with Pinto Beans?

This dish can be served with a variety of sides, such as rice, tortillas, crusty bread, or even a simple salad.

You can also garnish it with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or cilantro to enhance the flavors.

What is the difference between tapioca flour and cornstarch, and can I use either in this recipe?

Tapioca flour and cornstarch are both used as thickeners in cooking.

They are generally interchangeable in most recipes, including this one.

You can use either based on your preference or what you have available.

How spicy will this dish be with the addition of jalapeño and green chilis?

The spice level can vary depending on the type of jalapeño and green chilis used.

If you want a milder dish, you can reduce the amount of jalapeño or choose milder green chilis

. Taste the dish as you cook and adjust the spice level to your liking.

Can I make this recipe in advance and reheat it?

Yes, you can make this dish in advance and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

In fact, many stews and chili-type dishes, like this one, often taste even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld.

What are some optional toppings or garnishes for this Green Chili with Pinto Beans?

Some popular toppings and garnishes include shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a squeeze of lime.

These additions can enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.

What sides go well with Green Chili with Pinto Beans?

This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, such as rice, tortillas, cornbread, or a simple green salad.

The choice of side dishes can complement the flavors and make it a complete meal.