Last Updated on July 23, 2025 by Casia Valdés
When you crave something comforting but not heavy, Green Chili Stew With Pinto Beans delivers big flavor in a light, satisfying bowl. Roasted green chiles, pinto beans, warm coriander, and a rich broth create a stew that’s both cozy and refreshing—ideal for winter warmth or a breezy summer evening with tortillas on the side.
Table of Contents
What Makes This Green Chili Stew Special
This isn’t your typical red chili—it’s bright and vibrant, full of roasted green chile flavor, hearty beans, and fragrant spices like toasted coriander. With an option for lean ground beef or a vegetarian version, it adapts to your dietary preferences without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Serves 4:
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1 tsp coriander seeds
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1 tbsp olive or vegetable oil
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1 lb lean ground beef (optional; omit for vegetarian)
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½ medium onion, finely minced
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3 large garlic cloves, minced
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4–6 cups chicken or vegetable stock (adjust based on chile quantity)
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1–3 cups roasted, peeled, chopped green chile (Anaheim, Hatch, or pasilla)
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2 cups cooked pinto beans (canned or homemade)
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¼ to ½ tsp salt, to taste
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Toppings: grated cheese, minced onion
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Sides: warmed flour or corn tortillas, or cornbread
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Toast the Coriander
Warm a Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add coriander seeds and toast, shaking the pot until aromatic and lightly golden—about 2–3 minutes. Grind using a spice mill or mortar and pestle to release fresh flavor.
Step 2: Sauté Meat and Aromatics
Add oil to the pot. If using beef, add and brown, breaking into small pieces. Then stir in minced onion and garlic, cooking for about 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Broth
Pour in 4 cups of stock and add roasted green chiles plus about ½ tsp of ground coriander. Stir and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for 15 minutes. Add more stock if using 3 cups of chile or if a looser stew is preferred.
Step 4: Add Beans and Season
Fold in the 2 cups of cooked pinto beans. Simmer for another 10 minutes, allowing flavors to blend and beans to heat through. Taste and add ¼ to ½ tsp salt, adjusting to your preference.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Ladle into bowls, topping with grated cheese and minced onion. Serve with warm tortillas or cornbread for dipping.
Why You’ll Love This Stew
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Vibrant but soothing: Bright green chile and beans make a perfect harmony.
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One-pot ease: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
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Flexible protein: Use beef or keep it plant-based.
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Seasonal versatility: Light enough for summer, hearty in winter.
Expert Tips
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Homemade chiles shine: Roast fresh Hatch or Anaheim chiles for true flavor.
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Toasting spices: Roasting coriander seeds intensifies their aroma.
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Control heat: Choose chile variety or amount based on your spice preference.
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Balance consistency: Adjust stock for a brothy or thicker stew as desired.
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Color and flavor boost: Add a squeeze of lime or sprinkle of fresh cilantro before serving.
Variations to Try
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Vegetarian version: Skip beef and use vegetable broth only—just as tasty!
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Bean mix-up: Combine pinto and black beans for a richer texture.
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Added veggies: Stir in chopped zucchini, corn, or diced potatoes in step 4.
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Cheesy flair: Stir in cream cheese or Monterey Jack for creaminess.
Serving Suggestions
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Tortilla tacos: Spoon stew into tortillas—add avocado and cilantro.
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With cornbread: Classic pairing to dip and scoop.
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Over rice: Serve stew over rice for a substantial dinner.
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Soup style: Thin with broth and turn it into a brothy meal.
Storage & Reheating
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Fridge: Freeze in airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freeze: Freeze without cheese; thaw before reheating.
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Reheat: Warm gently over low heat with a splash of stock to refresh.
Final Thoughts
This Green Chili Stew With Pinto Beans is all the comfort of a mild stew, brightened by green chile and beans, and easy enough to make any night of the week. With flexible protein options and hearty flavor, it’s the kind of recipe that feels satisfying and nourishing—no matter the season. Invite warmth to your table and enjoy every bowl.
Green Chili Stew With Pinto Beans
Ingredients
Method
- Warm a Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add coriander seeds and toast, shaking the pot until aromatic and lightly golden—about 2–3 minutes. Grind using a spice mill or mortar and pestle to release fresh flavor.
- Add oil to the pot. If using beef, add and brown, breaking into small pieces. Then stir in minced onion and garlic, cooking for about 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Pour in 4 cups of stock and add roasted green chiles plus about ½ tsp of ground coriander. Stir and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for 15 minutes. Add more stock if using 3 cups of chile or if a looser stew is preferred.
- Fold in the 2 cups of cooked pinto beans. Simmer for another 10 minutes, allowing flavors to blend and beans to heat through. Taste and add ¼ to ½ tsp salt, adjusting to your preference.
- Ladle into bowls, topping with grated cheese and minced onion. Serve with warm tortillas or cornbread for dipping.
