Slow Cooker Refried Beans: A Foolproof Recipe for Beginners
🌿🔥 Slow Cooker Refried Beans are rich, creamy, and packed with authentic flavor—without the fuss! Simply toss your beans, spices, and aromatics into the slow cooker and let it work its magic. The result? Perfectly smooth, flavorful beans that beat anything from a can! 🫘🧄✨
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound dry pinto beans
- 1 cup roughly chopped onion
- 1 can (4 oz.) green chiles
- 2 tablespoons finely minced garlic
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 4.5 cups water
- 4.5 cups low-sodium broth (chicken or vegetable)
Instructions
Step 1: Rinse and Sort the Beans
Before cooking, rinse the dry pinto beans under cold water to remove any dust or debris. Sort through them to remove any small stones or broken beans.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Place the rinsed beans into a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the chopped onions, green chiles, minced garlic, cumin powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Pour in the water and broth, then stir everything together to combine the flavors.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Beans
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on high for 8 hours. The long, slow cooking process will allow the beans to soften and absorb the flavors of the spices and broth.
Step 4: Drain the Beans, Reserving the Liquid
After 8 hours, place a colander over a large pot and drain the beans, reserving the liquid. Return the beans to the slow cooker, but do not discard the liquid, as you may need it to adjust the consistency later.
Step 5: Mash or Blend the Beans
Using a hand-held immersion blender or a potato masher, puree the beans until they reach the desired texture. If they are too thick, add a little of the reserved liquid and continue blending. Keep in mind that the beans will thicken further as they cool, so it is best to leave them slightly thinner than your preferred consistency.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust Seasoning
Once the beans are mashed, taste them and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. If you want a richer flavor, consider adding a small amount of olive oil or butter at this stage.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Garnish the refried beans with shredded cheddar cheese or fresh cilantro, then serve them warm.
Notes
How to Tell When the Beans Are Done
The beans should be very soft and easily mashed with a fork when they are fully cooked. If they are still firm, they need more time in the slow cooker.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Beans Too Thick: Add small amounts of the reserved cooking liquid until you reach the desired consistency.
- Beans Too Thin: Let them sit for a few minutes; they will naturally thicken as they cool. You can also mash them more to help absorb excess liquid.
- Beans Taste Bland: Adjust seasoning by adding more salt, cumin, or chili powder. A squeeze of lime juice can also enhance the flavor.
- Too Spicy: If the beans are too spicy, balance the heat by adding a splash of milk or a dollop of sour cream.
Helpful Kitchen Tips
- Soaking Beans: Although this recipe does not require pre-soaking, soaking dry beans overnight can slightly reduce cooking time and improve their digestibility.
- Make-Ahead Tip: These beans can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. They also freeze well for up to three months.
- Alternative Cooking Method: If you do not have a slow cooker, you can make these beans on the stovetop. Simmer them in a large pot over low heat for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally.