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Pinto Bean Chili

Hearty Pinto Bean Chili with chili cheese quesadillas—a Mexican comfort food feast!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Additional Time 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients
  

For the Chili (4 servings):
  • 1 lb dried pinto beans
  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 3 celery ribs chopped
  • 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups water plus soaking water
  • 2 Tbsp chili powder
  • 2 Tbsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp sugar
  • 1 28‑oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tsp cider vinegar
  • tsp salt
For the Chili Cheese Quesadillas:
  • 2 4-oz cans chopped green chiles
  • 12 6‑inch flour tortillas
  • 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 3 tsp canola oil
Optional Toppings: corn off the cob, chopped red onion, sliced jalapeño, sour cream

Method
 

Part A: Make the Pinto Bean Chili
    Soak the Beans
    1. In a Dutch oven, add dried beans and fresh water covering them by an inch or two. Bring to a boil for 2 minutes, then cover and let stand for 1 hour. Drain and rinse.
    Brown Meat & Veggies
    1. Return pot to medium heat. Add ground beef, onion, and celery; cook until the meat is no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
    Create the Base
    1. Sprinkle flour evenly and stir to coat the meat and veggies. Gradually add 4 cups of water.
    Season & Simmer
    1. Stir in the pinto beans, chili powder, cumin, and sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1½ hours, or until beans are tender.
    Finish the Chili
    1. Add crushed tomatoes, cider vinegar, and salt. Heat through, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust spices if needed.
    Part B: Make Chili Cheese Quesadillas
      Prepare Tortillas
      1. Spread ~1 Tbsp chopped green chiles over half of each tortilla, then sprinkle ¼ cup cheese on top. Fold tortillas in half.
      Cook Quesadillas
      1. Heat 1 tsp canola oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook quesadillas, adding more oil as needed, flipping once, until each side is golden and the cheese melted.
      Serve Hot
      1. Cut each quesadilla into two wedges.