These Slow Cooker Refried Beans are simple to make and taste just like the best Mexican Restaurant’s Refried Beans! Grab some chips and dig in!
This Week’s Question Is: Do You Prefer Refried or Whole Beans?
Our local Mexican restaurant has the best refried beans. It’s seriously addictive stuff. I think they’re hiding bacon in the mix, because once I get started, I can’t stop eating it.
Crispy chip after chip after chip goes in the spicy Refried Bean Dip. I dream about them bringing me refills until I seriously can’t eat any more. 🙂
Unless they want me to come live there 🙂 it was time to make it at home, don’t you think?
This bean dip, I’d argue is even better – they’re not refried! w00t! These are made in our trusty slow cooker – which makes everything taste better.
Set it and forget it. That’s my kind of cooking.
When you love something that much, you know you need to re-create it at home. 🙂 Because who doesn’t need bean dip in their life? Seriously.
You all – I’d love to have a funny story for you today. I really would. But life has been crazy around here! I had a photo shoot this week that was a blast and I’m feverishly getting ready for IFBC!
A bunch of us bloggers are going to meet up – and I am so excited to put faces to names! But, I won’t forget you that can’t come…I’ll try to bring you some good things from the conference. Recipes, ideas and new ingredients. So fun – I wish you all were coming!
Enjoy!
Slow Cooker Refried Beans
Ingredients
- 3 cups dried pinto beans rinsed
- 1 onion peeled and quartered
- 1/2 fresh jalapeno pepper chopped, seeds and membranes removed
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 3 to 5 teaspoons salt * see note
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 9 cups water
Optional
- 1/8 to 1/2 cup reserved refried bean water * see note
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Place pinto beans, onion, jalapeno pepper, garlic, salt, black pepper, cumin and water in a slow cooker. Cook on high heat for 8 hours.
- Drain beans, reserving water. Set water aside. Using a hand mixer, mix beans until you reach the desired consistency. Use the reserved bean water to reach desired consistency.
- Serve, topped with cheddar cheese, if desired.
Notes
Recipe modified from All Recipes @ Refried Beans Without The Refried.
mimi says
huh! I’ve never thought of cooking beans in a slow cooker! Great idea! I usually puree mine in a food processor – never thought of using a mixer either! You are so smart!
Kristi says
They are AWESOME Mimi! So simple and the flavor is amazing. The mixer trick is so easy. 🙂
ananda says
this sounds so yummy and comforting! can’t wait to see more of your slow cooker magic kristi!!
Kristi says
Thanks Ananda! I am a huge fan of my slow cooker! 🙂 Have a beautiful week!
Renee@Two in the Kitchen says
Anything Mexican always has my attention and this looks like a great idea!! And I LUV the adorable towel that is showcasing it. Is it one of your creations?? You are so talented girl!! I hope you have a BLAST at the food conference Kristi! And I wish I was going too!! Maybe next year. Now if there were some way I could convince you to go to BYBC in SLC in February that would be awesome!!! 🙂
Kristi says
Thanks Renee! No, that’s not a towel I made 🙂 it’s actually just a scrap of fabric. I really wish you were coming to IFBC. I haven’t totally ruled out BYBC yet. Keep pushing and you may just see me there!
Renee@Two in the Kitchen says
YAY!!! Oh believe me…….I’ve got pushing down to a science!!! 😉
Kristi says
Hahaha! I look forward to it. You never know – I’m serious…I just might show up there. I sure hope you’re ready for it. 😉
Renee@Two in the Kitchen says
Bring it on girl!!! 😉
Monica says
I love beans but for the longest time, I wasn’t really completely sure what refried beans were/how they were made! The slow-cooker idea is wonderful (I am excited to use it this weekend for some pulled pork) and it seems so easy. Tasty, hearty and healthy is the best!
Kristi says
Because these are Slow Cooker ones, technically they aren’t “refried”. But, much, much healthier! 🙂 Have a great week Monica!
Alyssa @ My Sequined Life says
Refried beans are so addictive – I agree! It’s always a treat to have them out at a restaurant, and now I’m super excited to make them at home!! Can’t wait to hear about your IFBC trip! 🙂
Kristi says
Thanks Alyssa – I agree! I so wish you were coming to IFBC. About 12 of us are meeting up tonight. So excited!
Johlene says
I love refried! I´m so glad you are on Instagram now, I´m already following you 🙂 xoxo
Kristi says
Thanks Johlene! I love refried too! And, thanks for following me on Instagram. I have *got* to get better about posting there. I don’t want you bored. 🙂
Sarah@WholeandHeavenlyOven says
Oh my gosh, I LOVE refried beans! I’ve never made in them in the crock-pot before, but I’m thinking that has to change! I’ll bet it fills your house with the most amazing Mexican-food smells. 🙂
Kristi says
It does Sarah – and believe it or not, I was craving these beans so bad last night (and we’d already eaten them a few days ago), so we ate out @ Mexican food last night because I didn’t have time to make them. Hahaha!
Kelly says
Oh my gosh, refried beans are so addictive and making them in the slow cooker is such a great idea! Set and forget is totally my kind of cooking 🙂 Yay, so excited for you – hope you have a great time at IFBC and can’t wait to hear all about it 🙂
Kristi says
I wish you were coming Kelly. Technically these are “refried” beans I guess – but they taste just like them!
Chris @ Shared Appetite says
My wife and I love beans… my wife is kinda obsessed with them. And slow cookers are the best type of cooking… especially as the weather starts to drop. Yum!!!
Kristi says
Thanks Chris – I know her passion. We love beans too. And, they’re good for you!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
I’m in love with these refried beans, Kristi! They look amazing! I always dip my chips into them, too. Sadly, my husband doesn’t like them, but that just means more for me! I love that you made these in the slow cooker! I will definitely have to try this out. Pinned!
Kristi says
Thanks for the pin Gayle. Yes, much, much more for you – which is always great when it comes to something you love.
Juliana says
Oh Kristi, this refried beans look great…creamy and so tasty…yes, I need to start to use my slow cooker, which has not seen any light for ages…Thanks for this simple recipe…
Have a wonderful weekend 😀
Kristi says
I couldn’t live without my slow cooker – especially in the winter time! Have a beautiful weekend Juliana!
Arpita@ The Gastronomic Bong says
Cooking Refried beans in a slowcooker is a fab idea.. This dip looks incredible… Love love this dip.. 🙂
Kristi says
Thanks Arpita! I love this dip too! So, I’m glad you like it!
Dedy@Dentist Chef says
Nice and comforting ones, really love the term “refried”
Kristi says
🙂 They aren’t really refried but they taste just like them and are so much healthier!
Marissa | Pinch and Swirl says
This is genius! Simple bean burritos are our go-to dinner when we’re feeling lazy – love the idea of a slow cooker instead of a can opener…
Kristi says
Thanks Marissa. You will love how flavorful they are!
Judit + Corina @ Glamorous Bite says
What a BRILLIANT idea, Kristi! So much easier to prepare it in the slow cooker… have to try your recipe soon 🙂
J+C
Kristi says
My slow cooker becomes my best friend in the winter time! Have a beautiful day Judith and Corina!
Chelsea @chelseasmessyapron says
Refried beans are my FAVORITE! I love that these are made in the slow cooker – can’t get enough crockpot meals!! And way to rock making these beans look so delicious Kristi!! Pinned 🙂
Kristi says
Thanks for the pin Chelsea – I swear I am addicted to beans – I love this dip so much, I think I could have it every day as an appetizer. 🙂 And crockpot meals – they rock!
Ashley | Spoonful of Flavor says
I am all about slow cooker meals this time of the year! I love that these beans work great as an appetizer and addition to a meal!
Kristi says
I agree Ashley – fall and winter scream slow cooker meals! And, doubling as an appetizer and meal – win!
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes says
I love refried beans and it’s my favorite way to eat beans! We eat a lot of Mexican food in our house so I do it as a side dish a lot. Can’t wait to try it in the slow cooker!
Kristi says
Thanks Ashley – we are huge fans of beans and Mexican food too! I hope you love them!
Ella-HomeCookingAdventure says
we love beans dip.. I made something similar with white bean.. but will have to try with pinto beans too as I am sure it tastes wonderful
Kristi says
I think white bean would be awesome. We like all beans, so I think nearly any would do with the right spices!
Daniela @ FoodrecipesHQ says
Uhm I think it depends on the beans: I love eating whole black beans while I love my pinto beans to re-fried. Enjoy the conference!
Kristi says
Thanks Daniela – we love beans, especially whole black beans, but these pinto beans were sssooo good in the slow cooker, it’s hard to choose!
Shelley @ Two Healthy Kitchens says
These sound delicious! To answer your question: I love BOTH refried beans and whole beans – depends on the application, I guess! But the seasonings in these just look so good – really puts them over the top! And you know I love slow cooker recipes! This is going straight to my must-try list! Pinning, no doubt! 😀
Kristi says
Thanks for the pin Shelley! I am so about slow cooker cooking in the winter time! 🙂
Ally's Sweet & Savory Eats says
I think some restaurants cook their beans in the leftover bacon grease….that could be what you are tasting? I do my beans in the slow cooker as well, so easy!
Kristi says
I think you’re absolutely right Ally! I once asked them if they use “pig fat” 🙂 and they said “Si!” with an anxious nod! Hahaha!
sue|theviewfromgreatisland says
Plugging in my crock pot now!
Kristi says
Woohoo! I love my crockpot Sue. I’m coming over to your house if you’re making bean dip! 🙂
Catherine says
Dear Kristi, This looks wonderful! I love refried beans…this sounds delicious. xo, Catherine
Kristi says
I’m with you Catherine – I love refried beans! Especially with warm tortilla chips!
Denise says
I found this yesterday and made it overnight for a work party today and it is even better than expected. Everything that has been said about it is true. It is delicious, easy, and tastes like home made Mexican refried beans. For any food purist who doesn’t want it labeled “refried” as it isn’t actually fried, call it “Better than refried bean dip” because it truly is. Everyone loved it and started eating it at 8 am this morning. Thanks!
Kristi says
Thank you Denise! I am *so* glad you and your colleagues liked it! It is one of our favorites, and to have you come back to tell me that you tried it and loved it, is the best compliment ever!