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I have to tell you something, my friends – you should be making your own refried beans. Don’t freak out on me here, haha. It’s actually incredibly simple, and homemade Crock-pot refried beans taste so much better than the canned version. Once you try them for yourself, you won’t buy canned beans again.

A bowl of refried beans sitting next to a Crock-pot and a small bowl of salsa.
Two tacos sitting on a white plate with chopped avocado and cilantro on top.

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    Beans, Beans, Beans

    Today, we’re talking all about homemade beans, you know, the ones that seem to go with just about everything? But we’re not just going to whip up any old beans here; we’re making the Crock-pot “refried” variety. These Crock-pot refried beans are here to steal the spotlight, and they’re doing it with style.

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    If you find the idea of anything “homemade” to be a bit daunting, I’m here to tell you otherwise; your Crock-pot is magic for “homemade” food. Just throw in your beans, a few flavor-packed ingredients, set the timer, and voilà! Several hours later, you’ll have a bowl of homemade refried beans to enjoy.

    A bowl of refried beans sitting next to a Crock-pot and a small bowl of salsa.

    What You’ll Love Most About These Crock-pot Refried Beans

    1. Flavor. These crock-pot beans don’t play around. We’re talking about layers of deliciousness that develop slowly over time. As they simmer, the beans soak up all the seasonings, creating a rich, hearty taste that’s a perfect balance of savory and satisfying. Garlic, onions, and cumin come together to create a flavor fiesta that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.
    1. Texture. This is where these Crock-pot refried beans truly shine. They’re not the mushy, uninspiring beans from a can that you might be used to. These beans have character. They’re creamy and smooth, yet they maintain a delightful bit of texture that adds to their charm. The slow cooking process breaks down the beans, making them incredibly easy to mash into that perfect refried bean consistency. Forget store-bought; you’re in control of the texture here.

    Tip

    For a hearty texture, use a potato masher to mash beans. For a smooth and creamy texture, run beans through the food processor or use an immersion blender to mash them.

    A bowl of refried beans sitting next to a Crock-pot and a small bowl of salsa.

    Ideas for Using These Refried Beans In Your Recipes

    These Crock-pot homemade beans are incredibly versatile. You can use them in countless ways. Let me get you started with some ideas…

    • Toss them in tacos.
    • Spread them on nachos.
    • Stuff them in burritos.
    • Top tostadas or rice bowls.
    • Wrap them in a tortilla with avocado.
    • Dip into bean/bean and cheese dip.
    • Serve them as a side with rice and beans with your choice of protein (my personal favorite).

    If you need a main dish idea for these refried beans, you’ll LOVE these Instant Pot Tamales.

    Tip

    Make this recipe on days you don’t have much time to cook. One of the most brilliant things about cooking beans in a Crock-pot is the time it saves you. While your Crock-pot works its magic, you’re free to go about your day. The Crock-pot is kind of like your personal chef, slowly crafting a delicious meal while you go about your day.

    A bowl of refried beans sitting next to a Crock-pot and a small bowl of salsa.

    So, there you have it, my friends. With minimal effort, maximum flavor, and a whole lot of versatility, these Crock-pot refried beans are the ultimate addition to your Mexican dishes. Say goodbye to canned beans and hello to a world of homemade goodness.

    So, what are you waiting for? Get your crock-pot out, toss in those beans, and let the slow-cooking adventure begin. You’ll wonder how you ever lived without these refried beans. I promise. Happy cooking!

    A bowl of refried beans sitting next to a Crock-pot and a small bowl of salsa.

    Crock-pot Refried Beans

    By: Kristine Underwood
    Slow-cooked to perfection, these beans are a flavorful and creamy addition to your favorite Mexican dishes. Simply toss the ingredients in your crock pot, set it, and forget it until you're ready to enjoy a side dish that's bursting with authentic flavors.
    5 from 6 votes
    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Cook Time 8 hours
    Mashing Time 5 minutes
    Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
    Course Snacks, Sides, & Appetizers
    Cuisine Mexican
    Servings 8 servings
    Calories 172 kcal

    Ingredients

    • 6 cups of water
    • 2 cups pinto beans (dry, not canned)
    • 1/2 white or yellow onion roughly chopped
    • 2 tsp garlic, minced (or 2 cloves, chopped)
    • 1/2 jalapeno, seeded (sliced in large pieces)
    • 1-1/2 tsp sea salt
    • 1/2 tsp pepper
    • 1/4 tsp cumin

    Instructions

    • Combine all ingredients in the Crock-pot and cook on high for 8-10 hours.
      6 cups of water, 2 cups pinto beans, 1/2 white or yellow onion roughly chopped, 2 tsp garlic, minced, 1/2 jalapeno, seeded, 1-1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, 1/4 tsp cumin
    • Once fully cooked, pour beans through a strainer to drain and retain 1/2 cup liquid to add back in if necessary.
    • Toss beans and veggie pieces back in the crock and mash with a potato masher, adding in some bean water if needed for consistency. For a smoother consistency process beans (and veggies) in a food processor or with an immersion blender.
    • Serve immediately as a side or in your favorite Mexican dishes.
    • Store in an airtight container for 5 days or freeze for up 3 months.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1 servingCalories: 172kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 10gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gSodium: 161mgPotassium: 690mgFiber: 8gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 11IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 64mgIron: 3mg

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    Recipe Rating




    12 Comments

    1. This was such an easy way to make refried beans. So much healthier than the canned and tastes better, too!5 stars

      1. Agreed, Amanda! They’re one of our favorites for both of those reasons. Once you go homemade, you can’t go back!

    2. These refried beans are perfect! I can’t stand mushy beans and these were anything but. Absolutely delicious!5 stars

      1. Thank you so much, Whitney! Haha – I’m the same way. This recipe never disappoints in that regard.

    3. These refried beans are so much better than the can! 100% the way to go. Great recipe!5 stars

      1. Hahahaha I couldn’t agree more, Caroline! Thanks so much – glad you loved them too!

    4. Not to be dramatic, but I’m never buying store-bought refried beans again!5 stars

      1. OH MY GOSH, I am rolling! I’m so glad to hear it, and don’t worry, me either.

    5. I stumbled across this recipe on Pinterest. I love homemade recipes and these beans were fabulous. Planning to make them again during football season for dip and nachos, I think. 5 stars

      1. Thank you so much! That’s one great thing about a recipe like this, you can quite literally do anything with it. I’m so happy you enjoyed them!

    6. These refried beans are rich and flavorful, and the convenience of using a slow cooker makes them even better. Highly recommend!5 stars