Homemade Chile Beans with Onion and Cheese

Homemade Chile Beans with Onion and Cheese is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. Made with tender pinto beans, seasoned with savory garlic salt, cumin, and red chile powder, and combined with a rich hamburger and onion mixture, this recipe brings comfort food to the next level.

Slow-cooked to perfection in a crockpot, the beans absorb all the delicious flavors, while the addition of tomatoes and spices adds depth.

Topped with cheese, it’s a satisfying meal on its own or as a side to complement any southwestern dish. Enjoy the warmth and richness of this homemade classic!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Rich, Flavorful Taste: The combination of pinto beans, ground beef, and a blend of spices like red chile powder, cumin, and garlic salt creates a savory and aromatic dish with deep, comforting flavors.

Slow-Cooked Perfection: Cooking the beans in a crockpot allows them to become tender and absorb all the flavors from the beef and spices, making each bite incredibly satisfying.

Hearty and Filling: This dish is packed with protein from the ground beef and fiber from the beans, making it a fulfilling and nutritious meal.

Versatile: It’s easy to customize—serve it as a main dish, a side dish, or even as a filling for tacos or burritos. You can also top it with cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro for added richness.

Comfort Food: The warmth, texture, and rich flavors make this a perfect dish for cozy family meals, gatherings, or a weeknight dinner. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy!

Key Ingredients:

Pinto beans: The base of the dish, providing a hearty and creamy texture.

Ground beef (hamburger): Adds protein and savory richness to the beans.

Red chile powder: Brings a smoky, spicy kick to the dish.

Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor that complements the beans and meat.

Garlic salt and regular salt: Enhances the overall flavor with a savory, aromatic depth.

Diced tomatoes: Provide a touch of sweetness and acidity to balance the richness of the beans and meat.

Onion: Adds sweetness and a savory note to the beef mixture.

Flour: Helps thicken the beef and onion mixture, making the dish more hearty.

Homemade Chile Beans with Onion and Cheese:

Ingredients:

2 cups pinto beans (cleaned and soaked for at least 2 hours)

2 tablespoons garlic salt

2 tablespoons regular salt

1/2 teaspoon cumin

1 pound ground beef (hamburger)

1 small onion (diced)

3 tablespoons red chile powder (preferably Albuquerque red chile)

1 tablespoon flour

1 can petite diced tomatoes

Instructions:

Prepare the Beans:

Place the cleaned and soaked pinto beans in a crockpot.

Add 8 cups of water, garlic salt, and salt. Stir well.

Set the crockpot to high and cook the beans for 5 hours.

Cook the Hamburger and Onion:

In a skillet, fry the ground beef with the diced onion until the beef is browned and the onions are soft.

Once cooked, add 1 tablespoon of flour to the meat and onion mixture. Stir for a couple of minutes to cook off the flour and thicken the mixture slightly.

Add the Chile and Tomatoes:

Add the red chile powder, cumin, and can of petite diced tomatoes to the beef and onion mixture.

Stir everything together and cook for another minute.

Combine with the Beans:

Carefully add the seasoned hamburger and onion mixture into the crockpot with the beans.

Take a little juice from the beans and pour it into the skillet where the beef was cooked. Scrape any browned bits from the pan and add them to the crockpot for extra flavor.

Stir everything well to combine.

Cook for Another Hour:

Place the lid back on the crockpot and let everything cook for an additional 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serve:

Once done, taste the beans and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, and enjoy!

Notes:

Soaking the Beans: Be sure to soak the pinto beans for at least 2 hours before cooking. This helps reduce cooking time and ensures the beans are tender and well-cooked.

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Red Chile Powder: If you prefer a milder flavor, you can adjust the amount of red chile powder to your taste. Alternatively, use a different type of chili powder or smoked paprika for a different flavor profile.

Crockpot Cooking: The slow cooking process in the crockpot allows the beans to absorb all the flavors from the meat, tomatoes, and spices, making the dish more flavorful. If you’re in a rush, you can cook the beans on the stovetop, but the flavor won’t develop as deeply.

Meat Variations: If you prefer a leaner option, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the hamburger. You can also add other vegetables, like bell peppers, for additional flavor and texture.

Consistency Adjustments: If the beans seem too thick after cooking, you can add a bit more water or broth to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too watery, let it cook uncovered for a little longer to reduce the liquid.

Cheese Topping: For a richer flavor, top the beans with shredded cheese such as cheddar or Monterey Jack just before serving. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cilantro for extra freshness.

Leftovers: This recipe makes great leftovers! The flavors only improve as it sits, and you can easily reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. It’s also perfect for meal prepping.

Serving Suggestions: These chile beans make a delicious side dish or main course. Serve with warm tortillas, cornbread, or over rice for a complete meal. They also pair well with tacos, burritos, or as a topping for baked potatoes.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use canned pinto beans instead of dried?

Yes, you can use canned pinto beans instead of dried. If you use canned beans, skip the soaking and initial cooking time in the crockpot.

Simply add the canned beans (drained and rinsed) to the slow cooker with the other ingredients, and let it cook for about 2-3 hours on low to allow the flavors to meld together.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dish is great for making ahead.

You can prepare it in the crockpot, refrigerate it, and then reheat it the next day.

The flavors often deepen and improve after sitting for a while, making it an excellent dish for meal prep or to serve later.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or even corn for more flavor and texture.

Simply chop the vegetables and add them with the meat and seasonings during the cooking process for added nutrition and flavor.

Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level depends on the amount of red chile powder and the type of chili powder you use.

If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of red chile powder or substitute it with mild paprika.

You can also omit or reduce the amount of chili in the recipe if you want to lower the heat.

What can I serve with chile beans?

Chile beans are versatile and pair well with a variety of sides.

Serve them with warm tortillas, cornbread, or over rice for a complete meal.

You can also add a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese, or chopped cilantro on top for extra flavor.

They’re also great as a filling for tacos or burritos!

Can I cook this recipe on the stovetop instead of in a crockpot?

Yes, you can! If you’re short on time, you can cook the soaked beans on the stovetop in a large pot.

Add the soaked beans, water, garlic salt, and regular salt, and simmer them for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until they are tender.

Once the beans are cooked, follow the rest of the steps for frying the beef and adding the seasonings.

How long should I cook the beans if I haven’t soaked them?

If you haven’t soaked the beans, they will take longer to cook.

You can still cook them in the crockpot, but it may take 6-7 hours on high or 10-12 hours on low.

Alternatively, you can cook the beans on the stovetop for 2.5 to 3 hours, checking periodically for tenderness.

Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork.

You can also use a meat-free option like crumbled tempeh or a plant-based ground meat alternative for a vegetarian version of the dish.

How can I make this recipe less salty?

To reduce the sodium content, you can use low-sodium garlic salt, salt, and broth.

You can also rinse the canned tomatoes before adding them to remove some of the added salt.

Taste the beans before serving and adjust seasoning accordingly.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, this recipe freezes well.

After it has cooled, transfer the chile beans to an airtight container or freezer bag.

It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and heat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.