Slow Cooker Refried Beans Recipe
I love refried beans. Not only do they make the perfect side to pair with your favorite Mexican meal (for us, usually tacos!), but they also make for a pretty great meal by themselves too! Have you ever had a bowl of perfectly cooked refried beans with a little shredded cheese on top? So delicious! This is an easy recipe because it’s a simple as dumping dry beans into your slow cooker, cooking them, and coming back later for delicious refried beans! Most refried beans recipes call for soaking beans overnight, but to be honest, I can never remember to do that! Usually I decide what’s for dinner in the morning or early afternoon and by that time, I can’t soak the beans, so instead I came up with this easy recipe that doesn’t require soaking the beans!
What type of beans are used to make refried beans?
These homemade refried beans are made from dry pinto beans. Dry beans are not only super cheap, but in my opinion make the best refried beans. Did you know growing your own dry beans in the garden is easy too? These refried beans are extra special to me because they are made with our own beans we grew in the garden last Summer! Feel free to use regular dry pinto beans or yellow eye beans for this recipe, they both make delicious refried beans.
How long do beans take in the slow cooker?
Pinto beans take about 6-7 hours on LOW in the slow cooker. Cook them until the beans are soft.
How to make slow cooker refried beans
Start by putting all of the ingredients in a slow cooker and stir. Note: I prefer using bouillon cubes/powder as it’s more economical than buying boxes of broth, but you can use boxed chicken or vegetable broth if you’d like. If you are using broth, you can skip the bouillon. Cover and cook on LOW or until beans are tender. Once beans are cooked, transfer them to a food processor or use an immersion blender to purée until beans are creamy. Top with any favorites. I love shredded cheese, diced avocado and fresh salsa!
Ways to serve homemade refried beans
Want to put these refried beans to good use? Here are some meal ideas:
As a side dish to any of our favorite taco recipes, like Black bean Tacos or Pepper Steak Tacos. On Chicken Nachos. Along some moist buttermilk cornbread! Yum! As a topping on my Cheesy Jalapeño Omelet. Straight out of the bowl with Roasted Tomatillo Salsa on top!
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