Description
This Slow Cooker Refried Beans recipe is a hearty, flavorful dish made from dried pinto beans slow-cooked to perfection with aromatic spices, onion, and garlic. Ideal for football season and holiday gatherings, this recipe provides a rich and creamy side that can be customized with optional add-ins like ham bone or bacon for added depth. It’s an easy, hands-off approach using a slow cooker to develop deep flavors and a luscious texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb. Dried Pinto Beans (or Kidney Beans, Black Beans)
- 1 Onion, Peeled and Shredded
- 4 cloves Garlic, Minced
- 1 tbsp. Ground Cumin
- 2 tsp. Sea Salt
- 1/2 tsp. Cayenne Pepper
- 7 cups Water
Optional Add-ins
- Ham Bone or Bacon Strips
Seasoning
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Any desired toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or diced onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Beans: Rinse the dried pinto beans thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. No soaking is necessary if you have time to cook them slowly, but soaking can reduce cooking time if desired.
- Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Place the rinsed beans into the slow cooker. Add shredded onion, minced garlic, ground cumin, sea salt, cayenne pepper, and water. If using, add the ham bone or bacon strips for enhanced flavor.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 10 to 12 hours until the beans are very tender and falling apart. This slow cooking process allows flavors to meld and creates a creamy texture perfect for refried beans.
- Mash the Beans: Once cooked, remove any ham bone or bacon strips. Use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash the beans directly in the slow cooker to your desired consistency, adding a bit of cooking liquid if needed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve warm topped with optional toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh herbs. These refried beans can be used as a side dish, dip, or in your favorite Mexican recipes.
Notes
- Using a ham bone or bacon strips adds rich, smoky flavor but can be omitted for a vegetarian version.
- Soaking beans overnight will reduce slow cooking time but is not necessary for this recipe.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper amount depending on your spice preference.
- These beans freeze well, making them perfect for meal prep and leftovers.
- Optional toppings like cheese and sour cream enhance the dish but can be omitted for a dairy-free meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 recipe (about 3/4 cup)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 1.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
