Can I use canned beans instead of dried?

While you can use canned beans in a pinch, you'll miss out on the depth of flavor that comes from cooking dried beans from scratch. If using canned, reduce liquid by half and cooking time to about 2 hours on low.

Why did my beans not soften properly?

This typically happens with very old beans or when beans are cooked with acidic ingredients too early. Make sure your beans aren't past their prime, and if you're still having trouble, try adding a pinch of baking soda to the cooking liquid.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the increased volume while still allowing room for the beans to expand as they cook.

Why are my refried beans too watery?

If your mashed beans seem too thin, continue cooking uncovered on high for 20-30 minutes to reduce excess liquid, or simply add fewer tablespoons of the reserved cooking liquid during mashing.

Crockpot Refried Beans Recipe

Name: Crockpot Refried Beans Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 12 h
Total time: 12 h 5 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: Main Ingredients; 1 pound dry pinto beans, rinsed; 1 onion, quartered; 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and sliced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/8 teaspoon ground cumin; 4 cups water; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

This incredibly flavorful homemade Crockpot Refried Beans recipe transforms simple ingredients into a rich, authentic side dish with minimal effort. Unlike their canned counterparts, these slow-cooked beans develop deep, complex flavors as they simmer all day, resulting in the perfect texture and taste that pairs beautifully with your favorite Mexican dishes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Set It and Forget It: The slow cooker does all the work while you go about your day – no babysitting required!
Budget-Friendly: Dried beans cost a fraction of canned refried beans, making this recipe incredibly economical for feeding a crowd.
Customizable Heat Level: You control the spice level by adjusting the jalapeño amount to suit your family’s preferences.
No Lard or Oil Needed: These beans achieve incredible creaminess without adding fat, making them healthier than traditional recipes.
Better Than Restaurant Quality: The slow cooking process creates depth of flavor that simply can’t be matched by quick-cook methods.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pinto Beans: The star of the show – these dried beans will transform into creamy perfection. Make sure to rinse them well and check for any small stones.
Onion: Adds essential aromatic base flavor that infuses throughout the cooking process. You’ll remove the quarters later, so no need for precise chopping.
Jalapeño: Brings a gentle heat and authentic Mexican flavor. Removing the seeds keeps the spice manageable, but leave some in if you prefer more kick.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic delivers incomparable flavor that powdered simply can’t match. Don’t skimp here!
Salt: Kosher salt has a cleaner flavor than table salt. It helps develop the beans’ flavor without making them taste overly salty.
Black Pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and depth to the overall flavor profile.
Cumin: Just a touch transforms these beans, adding that distinctive earthy, warm note essential to Mexican cuisine.
Water: Provides the cooking liquid for the beans to absorb and soften in.
Chicken Broth: The secret ingredient that adds richness and depth. Vegetable broth works perfectly for a vegetarian version.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Bean Varieties

Swap pinto beans for black beans or navy beans for a different flavor profile – just maintain the same cooking method and timing.

Vegetarian/Vegan Option

Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a completely plant-based version that sacrifices nothing in flavor.

Spice Variations

Add a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce for smoky heat, or toss in a cinnamon stick for a subtle warmth that complements the other spices beautifully.

Add-Ins

Stir in some lime juice, chopped cilantro, or diced tomatoes after mashing for fresh flavor enhancements.

How to Make Crockpot Refried Beans

Step 1: Prep and Combine Ingredients

Place the rinsed pinto beans, quartered onion, sliced jalapeño, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and cumin in your 6-quart slow cooker. Pour in the water and chicken broth, then give everything a good stir to combine.

Step 2: Set It and Forget It

Cover and cook on low for 10-12 hours (perfect for overnight or while you’re at work), or on high for 5-6 hours if you’re starting later in the day. The beans should be incredibly tender when done.

Step 3: Check Liquid Levels

During cooking, check occasionally to ensure there’s enough liquid covering the beans. Add more water if needed – the beans should always be fully submerged.

Step 4: Mash to Desired Consistency

When cooking time is complete, strain the beans but save at least half of the cooking liquid. Return the beans to the slow cooker and mash with a potato masher or immersion blender. Add reserved liquid gradually until you reach your desired consistency.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

No Soaking Necessary: Unlike many bean recipes, this method doesn’t require pre-soaking, saving you time and planning.
Fresh Beans Matter: For best results, use beans that haven’t been sitting in your pantry for years. Fresher dried beans cook more evenly and have better flavor.
Reserve That Liquid: The cooking liquid contains tremendous flavor. Always save it for achieving the perfect consistency when mashing.
Texture Control: For restaurant-style texture, leave some beans partially intact rather than mashing completely smooth.
Season at the End: Taste after mashing and adjust seasonings if needed – the flavors concentrate during cooking.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve alongside grilled meats, enchiladas, or as the star in bean burritos. The creamy texture makes them ideal for dipping tortilla chips.

Taco Tuesday Upgrade

Use as a base layer in taco bowls or spread on tostadas before adding your other toppings.

Breakfast Champion

Spread on toast and top with a fried egg for a protein-packed breakfast, or serve alongside scrambled eggs for a hearty morning meal.

Garnishes

Top with freshly chopped cilantro, diced red onion, crumbled cotija cheese, or a squeeze of lime juice to brighten the flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled refried beans in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They’ll continue to develop flavor and actually taste even better the next day.

Freezing

These beans freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags for easy meal prep. I recommend freezing in 1-2 cup portions for versatility.

Reheating

Warm refrigerated beans in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen them as they tend to thicken when cold.

FAQs

Can I use canned beans instead of dried?

While you can use canned beans in a pinch, you’ll miss out on the depth of flavor that comes from cooking dried beans from scratch. If using canned, reduce liquid by half and cooking time to about 2 hours on low.
Why did my beans not soften properly?

This typically happens with very old beans or when beans are cooked with acidic ingredients too early. Make sure your beans aren’t past their prime, and if you’re still having trouble, try adding a pinch of baking soda to the cooking liquid.
Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the increased volume while still allowing room for the beans to expand as they cook.
Why are my refried beans too watery?

If your mashed beans seem too thin, continue cooking uncovered on high for 20-30 minutes to reduce excess liquid, or simply add fewer tablespoons of the reserved cooking liquid during mashing.

Final Thoughts

These Crockpot Refried Beans truly showcase how incredible simple ingredients can become with just a little patience. The slow cooker transforms humble dried beans into something extraordinarily flavorful that puts canned versions to shame. Make a batch this weekend and discover how this versatile side can elevate your meals throughout the week. Your family will taste the difference, and you’ll love how effortless it is!