Name: Carne Molida with Pinto Beans & Green Chile
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef — Creates the rich, savory base of the skillet.; 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed — Add creamy texture and make the dish even more filling.; 1 cup roasted green chile, chopped — Provides smoky, roasted chile flavor and is one of the defining ingredients in the recipe.; 1 small yellow onion, diced — Adds aromatic flavor and subtle sweetness.; 2 cloves garlic, minced — Brings savory depth to the beef and sauce.; 1 cup diced tomatoes — Adds tomato flavor, acidity, and texture.; ½ cup tomato sauce — Creates a richer sauce that coats the ground beef and beans.; ½ cup beef broth or water — Adds moisture and helps the ingredients simmer together.; 1 tbsp olive oil — Used to soften the onion and begin building the flavor base.; 1 tsp ground cumin — Adds warm, earthy flavor.; 1 tsp chili powder — Brings mild chile flavor and additional depth.; ½ tsp smoked paprika — Reinforces the smoky character of the roasted green chile.; ½ tsp dried oregano — Adds a savory herbal note.; ½ tsp salt — Enhances the flavors throughout the skillet.; ¼ tsp black pepper — Adds gentle peppery warmth.; 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped — Provides a fresh herbal finish just before serving.

Ingredients

Scale

Here’s everything you’ll need and what each ingredient contributes to the dish.

1 lb ground beef — Creates the rich, savory base of the skillet.
1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed — Add creamy texture and make the dish even more filling.
1 cup roasted green chile, chopped — Provides smoky, roasted chile flavor and is one of the defining ingredients in the recipe.
1 small yellow onion, diced — Adds aromatic flavor and subtle sweetness.
2 cloves garlic, minced — Brings savory depth to the beef and sauce.
1 cup diced tomatoes — Adds tomato flavor, acidity, and texture.
½ cup tomato sauce — Creates a richer sauce that coats the ground beef and beans.
½ cup beef broth or water — Adds moisture and helps the ingredients simmer together.
1 tbsp olive oil — Used to soften the onion and begin building the flavor base.
1 tsp ground cumin — Adds warm, earthy flavor.
1 tsp chili powder — Brings mild chile flavor and additional depth.
½ tsp smoked paprika — Reinforces the smoky character of the roasted green chile.
½ tsp dried oregano — Adds a savory herbal note.
½ tsp salt — Enhances the flavors throughout the skillet.
¼ tsp black pepper — Adds gentle peppery warmth.
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped — Provides a fresh herbal finish just before serving.

Instructions

This hearty skillet comes together in a few simple steps.

Step 1: Cook the Onion

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the diced yellow onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef and minced garlic to the skillet.

Cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking the beef apart into small crumbles with a wooden spoon or spatula.

Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned.

If the beef releases a large amount of grease, carefully drain the excess before continuing.

Step 3: Add the Seasonings

Stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.

Cook for approximately 30 seconds, stirring continuously, until the spices become fragrant and coat the ground beef.

Step 4: Add the Tomatoes and Green Chile

Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth or water.

Add the chopped roasted green chile and stir everything together thoroughly.

Step 5: Simmer the Sauce

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Cook uncovered for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

During this time, the sauce will begin to thicken while the ground beef absorbs the tomato, chile, and spice flavors.

Step 6: Add the Pinto Beans

Stir in the drained and rinsed pinto beans.

Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue simmering for another 5–8 minutes.

Stir occasionally until the beans are completely heated through and the mixture has developed a thick, hearty consistency.

Step 7: Finish with Cilantro

Stir in the chopped fresh cilantro.

Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or green chile if desired.

Step 8: Serve Hot

Spoon the carne molida into bowls or serve directly from the skillet.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes

Nutrition

Serving Size: 6
Calories: 375 per serving