Imagine creating the most authentic, creamy Mexican-style refried beans without standing over a hot stove or dealing with complicated cooking techniques. This slow cooker magic transforms humble dried pinto beans into a restaurant-quality side dish that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. No frying pan, no constant stirring, just pure, delicious bean perfection that practically cooks itself while you go about your day!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried pinto beans
- 6 cups water
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Carefully sort through dried pinto beans, removing any small stones or damaged beans. Rinse beans thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dust or debris.
- Place rinsed beans in the slow cooker and add chopped onion, minced garlic, and cumin. Pour 6 cups of water over the beans, ensuring all ingredients are well distributed.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Allow beans to cook slowly for 7-8 hours, or until beans are extremely tender and can be easily mashed with a fork.
- Once beans are fully cooked, drain excess liquid, reserving about 1 cup of cooking liquid for potential moisture adjustment.
- Using a potato masher or the back of a large spoon, mash the beans to desired consistency. For creamier beans, use some of the reserved cooking liquid to achieve desired texture.
- Season with salt to taste, stirring thoroughly to incorporate seasoning evenly throughout the beans.
- Let beans rest for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and texture to settle before serving.
- Serve warm as a side dish, dip, or use in various Mexican-inspired recipes. Beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Bean Sorting is Crucial: Take extra time to carefully remove any small stones or damaged beans to ensure a smooth, high-quality final dish.
- Liquid Matters: Keep some reserved cooking liquid to adjust the consistency of your beans. This helps you control how creamy or chunky your refried beans become.
- Seasoning Secrets: While cumin adds great flavor, don't be afraid to experiment with additional spices like smoked paprika or a pinch of chili powder for extra depth.
- Mashing Technique: Use a potato masher for a more rustic texture, or an immersion blender for ultra-smooth beans. The choice is yours!
- Storage Hack: These beans freeze beautifully! Portion them into freezer-safe containers and enjoy homemade refried beans for up to 3 months.
- Serving Suggestions: Beyond a side dish, use these beans in burritos, as a base for bean dip, or as a topping for nachos and tostadas.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 161kcal
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 10g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
