I could eat Mexican food seven days a week and not grow tired of it.  I love the beans, the rice, the corn tortillas, the cilantro, and don’t even get me started on the ceviche!

Fortunately for me, my family shares my love of all foods Mexican.  We have fajitas, tacos, burritos, or quesadillas at least once a week.  I typically like to pair these dishes with some tasty refried beans.

However, I’ve never been too thrilled about any of the canned refried bean options out there.  And I really hate to spend $1-$2 on a can on something I’m not excited about.

All of that changed last year when I discovered the simplest recipe for refried beans that (bonus!) can be made in a crockpot.  Crockpot refried beans are incredibly tasty and flavorful and cost mere pennies a portion.

Best of all, the recipe makes a substantial amount, so I always put away portions in my freezer to use later!

Crock Pot Refried Beans

Ingredients:

1 2lb package of pinto beans (rinsed– I just rinse them in a colander)

1 onion chopped

4 tbsp minced garlic (you can use fresh or canned)

1-2 Tbsp salt (I would start with the lower amount and add to taste)

1 tsp black pepper

2 tsp cumin

10 cups hot water

Makes 16 cups.

Directions

• Cook in crockpot on high for 4 hours.  Turn down to low and cook for 2 more hours.

• Stir a few times while cooking to make sure beans are not burning on the bottom.

• When cooking time is over, use a potato masher to mash until the desired consistency.  Beans will be runnier than typical canned refried beans–similar to a restaurant style.

• If freezing, make sure beans are completely cooled.  Then, spoon into freezer bags or storage containers, label, and place in the freezer.   Beans will keep 6 months.

• To use after freezing, take out of freezer the night before and let thaw in the refrigerator.  Then, microwave or cook on the stovetop as usual.

The first time I made crock pot refried beans, I did a cost analysis.  The recipe cost $2.88 to make, and it provided 8 meals for my family of 4 (at the time).  That is $.36 a meal!  Not a bad price for a healthy, protein-filled side dish.

Do you have a favorite, go-to side dish?

(Linked to Plant-Based Potluck Linkup, Way Back Wednesday.)