Slow Cooker Refried Beansare the simplest way to make rich and hearty refried beans at home – they are worlds above their canned counterparts.

Refried beans in a dark green slow cooker with a bag of pinto beans, an onion and a lime next to it.

Even if you aren’t a “bean person,” you will love these refried beans! My kids gobble them up, and everyone who tries them is always shocked at how flavorful and delicious they are.

Homemade refried beans are great onChicken Tostadas, in tacos or burritos, and can be used to make an amazing7-layer dip. They are also perfect alongside theBest Blender Salsa.

Refried beans in a white enamel bowl with a spoon in it surrounded by taco fixings, including tortillas, shredded lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese, salsa, sliced jalapeños and a tomato.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Using a slow cooker means youdon’t have to soak the beans!
An easybudget-friendlyand flavorfulside dish.
Naturallygluten-freeanddairy-free.
Can be madevegan with a simple tweak.
Great way to stretch a mealwith very little work.

Recipe Ingredients

Dried pinto beans: This recipe uses just one bag.
Onion
Jalapeños:Use 3 if you want it spicier and 1 or 2 if you want the beans more mild or medium.
Garlic:Fresh is best in this recipe.
Ground cumin
Broth:Either chicken or vegetable – you need 6 cups to start and may need a little more depending if your beans get too dry.
Fresh cilantro
Lime juice:Fresh lime juice is the best but you could use bottled if you need to.
Salt and pepper

See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.

How to Make Homemade Refried Beans

Step #1.Sort through your beans for any debris and then put them in the slow cooker.

Step #2.Put the chopped onion, minced jalapeño, minced garlic, cumin, and broth into the slow cooker and stir to combine.

Step #3.Cook covered on high for 8 to 9 hours. Then, mash the beans with a potato masher.

Step #4.Mix in the fresh cilantro, lime juice, and salt and pepper adjusting to taste.

Recipe FAQs

What kind of beans should I use to make refried beans?

Pinto beans are the most common and traditional bean to make refried beans with. However, I have made refried beans with white navy beans as well as black beans before and they were all delicious, though the appearance does change.

Do I have to soak the beans before cooking them with this recipe?

Nope! Thanks to the long cooking time, you don’t need to soak these beans before making them in your slow cooker. Be sure to sort through them to check for rocks and then rinse them before cooking.

Can I make Slow Cooker Refried Beans ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the refried beans in your slow cooker a day or two ahead and then store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to warm them back up to serve them.

Can I freeze these refried beans?

Yes! These freeze great. Put them in an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to three to six months. Remember to label the container with the month and year as well as the contents so you know what’s in there.

What kind of slow cooker should I use?

You need a slow cooker or crock pot that can hold at least 4 quarts so that it can hold all the beans as they expand while they cook. I have a 6-quart slow cooker from Hamilton Beach and love it!

Refried beans in a white bowl with spoon in it and a bag of pinto beans, onion, some lime slices, tortillas, and whole jalapeños next to it.

Expert Tips

Be sure tosort through your dried beansbefore making this recipe – occasionally you can find a rock, stick, or other debris in dried beans.
If youwant the beans to be spicier, keep the jalapeño seeds when you add them to the slow cooker.
If youwant your beans to be smoother, you can blend them with an immersion blender until they are as smooth as you would like them.
This recipe also doubles really well, so make a double batch and plan on stocking your freezer. Cook once and eat twice!

A close-up of refried beans in a white enamel bowl surrounded by taco fixings, including tortillas, shredded lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese, salsa, sliced jalapeños and a tomato.

How to Serve and Store Slow Cooker Beans

Refried beans are perfect as a filling or side forshredded chicken tacos,steak tacos,Barbacoa tacos,tomatillo ranch burritos, orenchiladas. Serve with flavorfulSpanish riceorcilantro lime ricefor a complete meal. Use the beans as a dip withhomemade baked corn tortilla chips, topped with cheese,guacamoleorhomemade restaurant-style salsa.

Store the refried beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To freeze, place the cooled beans in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 6 months. Be sure to label them with the date. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if they seem too thick.

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Disclosure: This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Hurst’s Beans. Thank you for supporting the brands that help make Rcova possible.