Tired of canned refried beans that lack depth of flavor and texture? Craving the authentic, creamy goodness of homemade refried beans without the hours of stovetop simmering? Then look no further! This easy slow cooker recipe delivers perfectly seasoned, melt-in-your-mouth refried beans with minimal effort. Forget complicated techniques and endless stirring; your slow cooker does all the hard work, leaving you with a delicious side dish or flavorful base for your favorite Mexican meals. The rich, savory taste will elevate your tacos, burritos, nachos, or even a simple bowl of rice.
This recipe utilizes pantry staples and readily available ingredients to create a truly exceptional dish. From the initial soaking of the beans to the final mashing, we'll guide you through each step of the process with clear instructions and helpful tips. Ready to experience the magic of slow-cooked refried beans? Let's dive into the simple, step-by-step instructions below.
Tools Needed
- Crock-pot
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Hot oil pan
- Ladle
- Potato masher
- Immersion blender (optional)
Ingredients
- Pinto beans: 1 pound
- Garlic: 2 cloves
- Chicken bouillon cubes: 4
- Black pepper
- Cayenne pepper
- Cumin
- Yellow onion: 1
- Water: 6 cups
- Salted butter: 1 stick
- Cheese
- Green onions
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare and Slow Cook the Beans
- Rinse and drain one pound of pinto beans. Add them to your slow cooker.
- Add two cloves of garlic, four chicken bouillon cubes, a pinch of black pepper, cayenne pepper, and cumin to the slow cooker.
- Add six cups of water to the slow cooker. Put the lid on and set the temperature to high for 6 hours.
Step 2. Caramelize Onions and Incorporate
- Chop one yellow onion into four slices. Caramelize the onion slices in a hot oil pan.
- Add the caramelized onion to the slow cooker.
Step 3. Adjust Consistency and Seasoning
- After 6 hours, remove the lid and use a ladle to remove half of the liquid.
- Add one stick of salted butter to the slow cooker.
- Mash the beans using a potato masher or an immersion blender until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 4. Serve and Garnish
- Add cheese and green onions (optional) as toppings.
Read more: Crispy Fish Tacos Recipe: Easy Fried Tilapia Tacos
Tips
- This recipe takes about 6 hours to cook, which is the perfect time to build a Lego set!
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use dried beans other than pinto beans?
Yes! Black beans, kidney beans, or even a mix work well. Adjust cooking time as needed; larger beans may take longer.
2. How long can I store leftover refried beans?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They're great for quick meals throughout the week!
3. What if my beans are too thick or too thin?
Too thick? Add a little extra broth or water. Too thin? Simmer uncovered for a bit longer to reduce the liquid.
With minimal effort and readily available ingredients, you've now mastered the art of making delicious, homemade refried beans. This slow cooker recipe ensures perfectly tender beans every time, freeing up your time and stovetop space. Enjoy your flavorful creation as a side dish or the star ingredient in your next Mexican feast!