Slow Cooker Refried Beans
I think I might be a little late getting on this bandwagon, but refried beans with melted cheese on a warm homemade whole-wheat tortilla is the bomb! Oh and don’t forget to top it with a little sour cream. I seriously cannot believe I am just figuring out how good this combination is. The reason why though is because I didn’t think I liked refried beans. That’s what happens when you only try them out of a can. But much like the difference between store-bought and homegrown tomatoes…homemade refried beans are light-years beyond the canned stuff! And with this super easy recipe below there is no excuse not to make them yourself. If you don’t already have one, you can buy the same slow cooker we have for about $25 and use it for this and other slow cooker recipes.
I am even going to pull out a bullet point list to tell you all the reasons why I like this recipe so much:
- Beans in general are super cheap and a good source of protein
- You don’t have to soak these dried beans overnight (which I often forget to do)
- They are sooo easy to make you could even do it with one hand tied behind your back 
- You can freeze the leftovers for another day
- And for me, since I don’t normally love beans for textural reasons, this mashed up version is the perfect way to make them extra good
- 1 onion, peeled and halved
- 2 cups dry pinto beans, rinsed
- ½ fresh jalapeno or other hot pepper, seeded and chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- One big pinch of cumin
- 6 cups water
- Combine all ingredients in slow cooker.
- Cook on high for 8 hours or overnight while you are sleeping.
- Remove the bigger onion chunks and drain the excess liquid. If desired, save excess liquid until the final product is desired consistency.
- Mash remaining beans with a potato masher and voila! You have homemade refried beans.
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[...] **Adapted from 100 Days of Real Food. [...]
I just made this recipe and it is so much better than the canned! Love it!
[...] point is to have the ingredients available as well as be able to plan some things in advance like slow-cooking ‘refried’ beans to freeze and make into freezer [...]
[...] butter, as well as cucumber and carrots with homemade ranch for snacks. The boys will get some refried beans that cooked overnight in the crock pot, with avocado and cut up [...]
[...] months now trying to eat less processed foods. So basically, I’ve been living on the site: 100daysofrealfood.com. So many wonderful recipes and TONS of ideas for kids’ school lunches!! They even have a [...]
Trying this for the first time. Swapped out the jalepeno for some fire roasted green chile (one of our family does not do spicy) and added bay. We’ll see in 8 hours!
Going to try this. Trying go eat less meat and more fruits and veg. and beans! This would be good in a whole wheat Tortilla! Thanks! My kids are grown but I get good lunch tips for myself!
How do you suggest freezing the refried beans in small portions? Zip Lock bags? I hate to use those bags if I don’t have to. I’d appreciate any alternate suggestions. Thank you!
Hi Geeta. Have you tried freezer safe glass canning jars? They work well and come in various sizes. You can find them here: http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/terms-of-use/. ~Amy
Thanks Amy! I do use canning jars for freezing, but they are too big for individual size portions. I guess it never occurred to me that they came in even smaller sizes! LOL! FYI, I don’t think the link you gave me is the one you meant to. It sends me to your sites Terms of Use.
I’ll scope Amazon for some smaller jars.
Oh, sorry. Here ya go: http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/my-kitchen-essentials/. ~Amy
Have you ever soaked the beans first? Wondering if I would have to alter the time. I always soak first for digestive reasons.
Hi Kelly. You might be able to adjust the cooking time and water amount down a bit since some since liquid has been absorbed before cooking. ~Amy
Oh no, I think I may have messed this up. I didn’t understand fully what “halfed” meant for the onion so I cute it in half, and then halfed the halfs to the point where I then cut it into little pieces. I did this BEFORE I read the directions in its entirety (I am terrible at reading the directions FIRST). So, will all these onions ruin it since the recipe says to remove them? Will I be able to recover them when it is done–meaning will they still be at the top?
I am so bummed that I may have messed this up!
Hi Mary. It usually takes some time for us to respond to comments so we rarely can give recipe advice in real time. How did the beans turn out? ~Amy
Hey! I make the refried beans all the time and my kiddos just tear them up!I was wondering if you (or anyone else) has ever made them with black beans. I think I’m going to try it out today. I’ve got a couple sweet potatoes to throw in the tacos with them. Wish me luck LOL!
[...] Baked Ezekiel Sprouted Corn Tortillas topped with homemade refried beans, cheddar cheese, green onions, avocados, sour cream, tomatoes with a fruit [...]
[...] grandmother can stand the shame I brought onto our family. I kid, of course! I am going to try the slow cooker refried beans from the 100 Days of Real Food. I’ve got everything sitting (but the water) in the Crock-Pot [...]
Made this tonight for the first time. It was amazing! I did omit the jalepeno so my kids would eat it, but I would still say they were the best refried beans I’ve ever eaten! Can’t wait to try more recipes!
[...] Refried beans that cooked overnight Sat night, and were ready first thing in the morning. Used the beans in the burritos below, and put some in the freezer. [...]
[...] Quesadillas: Ezekial tortillas stuffed with Crock pot Refried Beans (cooked overnight and freeze leftover beans), salsa, red onions, steamed kale, and cheddar cheese, [...]
Hello there,
Just made the beans for the first time and must say I am completely impressed! I will definitely be recommending this recipe to my friends. My question is what are some ideas to use the leftover “broth” for? I hate to throw it away! Thoughts???
Thank you!
Hi Gena. Here are some ideas from some other food bloggers: http://200birdies.wordpress.com/2012/02/16/waste-not-want-not-using-bean-broth/ and http://notbuyinganything.blogspot.com/2011/02/beanalicious-bean-broth-gravy-recipe.html. Amy
[...] options – peanut butter and raspberry jam sandwiches, tuna salad with homemade mayo, bean and cheese burritos in homemade [...]
[...] options – peanut butter and raspberry jam sandwiches, tuna salad with homemade mayo, bean and cheese burritos in homemade [...]
[...] options – tuna salad, leftover chili from Sunday, bean and cheese burritos in homemade tortillas, cheese [...]
I can’t remember if I made a comment before or not, but I LOVE this recipe! I have probably made it 10 times already this year. I eat a lot of refried beans, but I got leary of the canned beans. I once found a rubber band in one which was gross. I am very happy with this recipe, and it has become a favorite!