Homemade Refried Beans (Slow Cooker Recipe)
Slow cooker homemade refried beans are an easy, hands off way to make a creamy, flavorful side using a few ingredients you probably have on hand. They cook low and slow for rich flavor and a smooth texture, making them perfect for tacos, burritos, or easy weeknight meals.
If you love the idea of homemade refried beans but don’t want to stand at the stove, this slow cooker version makes it almost effortless.
Everything goes right into the crockpot, and from there it’s mostly hands off while the flavors develop throughout the day.
The result is a batch of beans that are soft, creamy, and full of flavor without needing a lot of extra work.
It’s a great option for busy days when you still want something homemade but need dinner to practically cook itself.
Whether you’re planning taco night or just want to have a versatile side ready to go, slow cooker homemade refried beans are an easy recipe that fits right into a busy routine.
Ingredients
To make these you’ll need:
- Onion– A large yellow onion, peeled and halved.
- Pinto beans– Dried pinto beans, rinsed well.
- Jalapeno pepper– Seeded and diced. You can use a quarter to a half of the pepper depending on how much heat you like.
- Garlic– Minced.
- Seasoning– Salt, pepper, and ground cumin
- Water
- Broth– Chicken broth or vegetable broth if you want to keep it vegetarian.
How to Make
These homemade refried beans are so easy thanks to the slow cooker.
Just add the onion, beans, jalapeno, and seasonings to the bowl of your slow cooker.
Pour in the water and broth and give everything a good stir.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 8 hours, adding more liquid if needed.
After 8 hours, carefully strain off and save the liquid from the slow cooker.
Mash the beans with a potato masher until they reach your desired consistency, stirring in some of the reserved liquid if needed.
Serve and enjoy!
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 to 5 days.
Reheat them in the microwave until warmed through.
Tips and Tricks
- Some slow cookers may run hotter than others. This is why you may need to add additional liquid as the beans cook. You shouldn’t need to add more than a cup total in liquid though. If you find you need more than a cup, turn the temperature to low instead.
- Adjust the seasoning to suit your tastes.
- These are only mildly spicy. For more heat, add more jalapeno.
What to Serve with Homemade Refried Beans
Homemade refried beans in the slow cooker round out so many family friendly meals.
Make them today and enjoy!
Looking for ideas to serve with refried beans?
Here are some favorites:
- Air Fryer Steak Fajitas
- Creamy Poblano Chicken
- Instant Pot Spanish Rice
- The Best Homemade Guacamole
- Homemade Chipotle Steak Strips
- Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas
- Easy Corn Salsa Recipe
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Homemade Refried Beans (Slow Cooker Recipe)
Ingredients
- 1 large yellow onion peeled & halved
- 3 cups dried pinto beans rinsed
- 1/4 - 1/2 fresh jalapeno pepper seeded & diced
- 2 1/2 tbsp minced garlic
- 3 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/8 tsp ground cumin
- 5 cups water
- 4 cups chicken broth
Instructions
- Add the onion, beans, jalapeno, and seasonings to the bowl of a slow cooker.1 large yellow onion, 3 cups dried pinto beans, 1/4 - 1/2 fresh jalapeno pepper, 2 1/2 tbsp minced garlic, 3 tsp salt, 1 1/2 tsp pepper, 1/8 tsp ground cumin
- Pour in the water and broth. Stir everything together to evenly combine.5 cups water, 4 cups chicken broth
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 8 hours, adding more water if needed.
- Strain off (and reserve) the liquid in the slow cooker, but be careful as the crock will be HOT.
- Using a potato masher smash the beans and stir until the desired consistency is reached.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Some slow cookers may run hotter than others. This is why you may need to add additional liquid as the beans cook. You shouldn't need to add more than a cup total in liquid though. If you find you need more than a cup, turn the temperature to low instead.
- Adjust the seasoning to suit your tastes.
- These are only mildly spicy. For more heat, add more jalapeno.
Nutrition
