Mexican Style Crock Pot Refried Beans
Nothing warms the soul quite like a hearty bowl of Mexican Style Crock Pot Refried Beans. I recall that chilly winter evening when I decided to whip up this comfort classic. The scent of simmering garlic and onions filled my kitchen, instantly making it feel like home. My family gathered around, eager to dig into a dish that brings everyone together. These beans are perfect for tacos, burritos, or even just a simple side. Plus, they are super easy to make, letting you enjoy more time with loved ones.
Recipe Snapshot
6 hr 5 mins
5 mins
360 mins
Hard
210 kcal
12 g
Keto, Paleo, Whole30
2 g
Cutting Board, Blender
The Appeal of This Mexican Style Crock Pot Refried Beans
Easy and Convenient
One of the best things about this recipe is how simple it is. You just toss everything into the crock pot and let it work its magic. No need to stand over the stove, constantly monitoring. This allows you to carry on with your day while the beans become perfectly creamy.
Flavorful Ingredients
The combination of pinto beans, chicken broth, and spices creates an incredible depth of flavor. The cumin and garlic add a warm, savory touch that makes each bite unforgettable. You can customize the spices to suit your taste, making this a truly versatile dish.
Healthy Comfort Food
Beans are a fantastic source of protein and fiber. They fill you up without weighing you down, making them a great choice for a healthy meal. Plus, you can make a large batch, perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd on a budget!
Perfect for Gatherings
Whether it’s a family gathering, game day, or a simple dinner, Mexican Style Crock Pot Refried Beans are always a hit. They can be served as a side dish or as a main, sparking conversations and smiles all around the table. It’s a dish that invites everyone to serve themselves and enjoy.
Freezer Friendly
Another great aspect of this recipe is that it freezes beautifully. Make extra and store it away for those busy weeks when cooking seems impossible. A quick reheat and you have a delicious meal ready to go.
What Goes Into Mexican Style Crock Pot Refried Beans

The ingredients for Mexican Style Crock Pot Refried Beans are simple yet packed with flavor. Each component plays a crucial role in creating that comforting, creamy texture and delightful taste. Let’s dive into the key players that make this dish so special.
- 16 oz dried pinto beans: The star of the dish! These beans are rich in protein and fiber, offering a creamy base that soaks up all the flavors.
- 6 cups chicken broth: This adds a depth of flavor that enhances the beans. You can also use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- 4 oz diced green chiles: A hint of spice and tanginess. These chiles lift the dish and give it an authentic touch.
- 1 onion: Roughly diced, this adds sweetness and depth to the beans as they cook.
- 8 cloves garlic: Minced garlic brings a robust flavor that’s essential in many Mexican dishes.
- 2 tsp ground cumin: This warm spice is key to achieving that earthy flavor characteristic of Mexican cuisine.
- 2 bay leaves: Added for fragrance during cooking, bay leaves enhance the overall taste profile.
- Salt: To taste; it’s important to season your dish to bring all the flavors together.
Preparation Steps for Mexican Style Crock Pot Refried Beans

Making Mexican Style Crock Pot Refried Beans is as easy as pie! We’ll walk through the steps together, ensuring you achieve that perfect creamy texture and rich flavor. Let’s get started!
- First, rinse and sort the pinto beans. Remove any debris or stones you may find. This step is crucial as it ensures that your beans are clean and ready to cook. It’s a good idea to rinse them thoroughly to eliminate any dust.
- Next, place the rinsed beans at the bottom of your crock pot. This will be the foundation of your dish, so spread them out evenly.
- Now, add the chicken broth and give it a good stir. If you’re using vegetable broth, make sure it’s equally flavorful to replace the chicken broth.
- In go the diced green chiles, onion, garlic, and ground cumin. Each of these ingredients brings its unique taste, enhancing the overall flavor of the beans.
- Don’t forget to add the bay leaves. They’ll infuse a lovely aroma while the beans cook. Just toss them in whole; you’ll remove them later.
- Now, cover the crock pot and set it to cook on high for about five to six hours. You’ll know they’re ready when the pinto beans are tender and easily mashed.
- Once the beans are tender, carefully remove the bay leaves. They’ve done their job and should be discarded. At this point, you’ll want to strain out about two cups of liquid from the beans.
- Using an immersion blender, blend the beans until they reach your desired consistency. You can add the reserved liquid back gradually to achieve a smooth and creamy texture. Don’t worry if the beans seem thick; you can always add more liquid if needed.
- Finally, season your refried beans with salt to taste. This final touch will elevate the flavors beautifully. Taste and adjust as needed, ensuring every bite is perfectly seasoned!
Things Worth Knowing
- Cooking on Low: You can opt to cook these beans on low for 8 to 10 hours if you prefer a longer cooking time. This is ideal for overnight preparation.
- Texture Tips: The texture of your beans can vary; feel free to leave some chunks if you prefer a rustic feel. Alternatively, blend until completely smooth for a creamier dish.
- Flavor Enhancements: Consider adding spices such as chili powder or paprika for extra flavor. Just a dash can make a big difference!
- Serving Suggestions: These beans are versatile. Serve them as a side dish, in burritos, or with tortilla chips for a delicious dip.
Helpful Notes about Mexican Style Crock Pot Refried Beans

Here are some handy tips to make your experience with Mexican Style Crock Pot Refried Beans even better. These notes will help you with storage, freezing, and variations you can try!
- Storage: To save leftovers, separate into meal-sized portions and then place in an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for four to five days.
- Freezing: This recipe freezes well. You can freeze the beans before or after cooking. Just ensure they are in a suitable container to avoid freezer burn.
- Reheating: When ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. If they seem too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen them up.
- Variations: Try making this with different types of beans like black beans for a change. You can also add some diced tomatoes for a varied flavor profile.
- Flavor Boost: Adding a bit of lime juice before serving can brighten up the flavors even more!
How to Serve Mexican Style Crock Pot Refried Beans
Serving Mexican Style Crock Pot Refried Beans is where the fun really starts! This dish is incredibly versatile and can complement various meals. Here’s how to make the most of it:
- As a Side Dish: Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish for a well-rounded meal. Their creamy texture pairs beautifully with proteins.
- In Tacos: Use the beans as a filling for soft or hard shell tacos. Top with fresh salsa, avocado, and cheese for a delightful bite.
- Burrito Filling: These beans make an excellent base for burritos. Layer with rice, vegetables, and your choice of protein for a filling meal.
- With Tortilla Chips: For a casual get-together, serve these beans as a dip with tortilla chips. Add some cheese on top and broil until bubbly!
- Breakfast Burritos: They’re not just for lunch! Incorporate them into breakfast burritos with scrambled eggs and avocado for a hearty morning meal.
- Freezer Meals: Consider making a large batch to freeze in portions. It makes for quick and easy weeknight dinners when you’re short on time.
- Garnish: Top with chopped cilantro, diced onions, or sliced jalapeños to enhance the flavors and presentation.
FAQ
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Mexican Style Crock Pot Refried Beans recipe is not just a dish; it’s an experience filled with warmth and comfort. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, this recipe is sure to please everyone at your table. I encourage you to try making this dish and share it with your loved ones. You won’t regret it!

Mexican Style Crock Pot Refried Beans
Equipment
- Cutting Board
- Blender
Ingredients
- 16 oz 16 oz dried pinto beans
- 6 cups 6 cups chicken broth
- 4 oz 4 oz diced green chiles
- 1 whole 1 onion
- 8 cloves 8 cloves garlic
- 2 tsp 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 whole 2 bay leaves
- to taste salt
Instructions
- First, rinse and sort the pinto beans. Remove any debris or stones you may find. This step is crucial as it ensures that your beans are clean and ready to cook.
- Next, place the rinsed beans at the bottom of your crock pot. Spread them out evenly.
- Now, add the chicken broth and give it a good stir. If you're using vegetable broth, make sure it's equally flavorful.
- In go the diced green chiles, onion, garlic, and ground cumin. Each of these brings its unique taste.
- Don't forget to add the bay leaves. Toss them in whole; you'll remove them later.
- Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on high for about five to six hours. You'll know they're ready when the pinto beans are tender.
- Once the beans are tender, carefully remove the bay leaves. Dispose of them.
- Using an immersion blender, blend the beans until they reach your desired consistency. Add the reserved liquid back gradually.
- Finally, season your beans with salt to taste. Adjust as needed, ensuring every bite is perfectly seasoned!
Notes
- Tip 1: To save leftovers, separate into meal-sized portions and store in the refrigerator for four to five days.
- Tip 2: This recipe freezes well; you can freeze the beans before or after cooking.
- Tip 3: Reheat in the microwave or stovetop; add a splash of broth if too thick.
- Tip 4: Try making this with different beans like black beans for a change.
- Tip 5: Adding a bit of lime juice before serving can brighten the flavors!


