Slow-Cooker Refried Beans
About this Recipe
By: Rachel
Refried beans are, hands-down, one of the best dishes in the world. Besides being absolutely delicious:
- They are filling and satisfying.
- They cost almost nothing to make.
- You can make them in a slow-cooker with very little effort.
- You can prepare them as a main dish, side dish, dip, soup…
- It is easy to customize the flavor profile to suit your preferences.
- You can mix up all the leftover food on your plate with refried beans and they will definitely taste great.
When I go out for Mexican food, refried beans are the rare side dish that I look forward to just as much as my entrée (maybe even more!) Unfortunately, when it came to making this simple dish at home, I could never quite nail it. Every recipe I tried—and I must have tried at least 50—annoyingly came up short. One was too bland, so I tried one with hot sauce, only to find it too vinegar-y. Another suggested dried chiles, but I found it bitter. This one was too smoky; that one, too tomato-forward; this one, too acidic; that one, too garlicky.
It turns out that for perfct refried beans, less is more. Creamy pinto beans are complemented by white onion and chicken stock (you can use vegetable stock, but I think the chicken has more flavor; if you are vegetarian or vegan, I suggest Better Than Bouillon’s No Chicken Base, which is certified vegan but has a more chicken-forward flavor). The seasonings are simple: garlic powder (more subtle than fresh garlic; also, less work), ground cumin, and New Mexico red chili powder. The directions couldn’t be simpler—I love a dump-and-go slow cooker recipe.
lYou can adjust the spices according to your preferences. Try smoked paprika for a smokier profile. Fresh, canned, or dried chiles add heat, or try cayenne pepper. Fresh lime adds acidity.
Slow-Cooker Refried Beans
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups (315g) dried pinto beans
- 1 quart (1 liter) chicken or vegetable stock
- 1 small white onion
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Kosher salt to taste
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1
- Add all ingredients to a slow cooker except salt, and stir to combine.
Step 2
- Cook on high for nine hours, and purée to desired consistency with an immersion blender or in a food processor.
Step 3
- Add salt to taste. Garnish with cheese and green onions.
Beverage Pairing
By: Olivia
In following these refried beans’ ‘less is more’ mentality, I would recommend not overcomplicating your pairing. Do you love a good beer when you eat Mexican/Tex-Mex? Grab your favorite lager. Are you a fan of white wine? You may grab a Riesling to cut through the creamy beans or a Viognier to match that very texture. Would you prefer red wine? You could go lighter with Zinfandel or bolder with Syrah. The point is, give yourself a break. Make these delicious refried beans and drink whatever your classic beverage is!
