We make a batch of these beans once a week! We eat them with tacos one night, turn them into bean dip the next, and bean and cheese burritos another day. These beans are a win, win, win! They are easy, tasty, cheap and nutritious! We buy our beans in bulk- a 25 pound bag at smart and final. ..soo a pot of beans is less than a dollar!
As if this recipe couldn't get any easier, you throw it in the crockpot in the morning and by the dinner they are done! Easy peasy!
First, rinse beans in a colander. Even when the bag says "triple cleaned", I still find that the beans could use one more washing. Also, keep your eyes out for small rocks! I find them occasionally. Then, put the beans in the crockpot, fill with water, then add the onion.
Set you crockpot on low and cook for about 8 hours, depending on your crockpot.
I totally recommend using this 4 quart crockpot- I find that it gets hotter than my 7 quart and cooks the beans faster without burning the bottom. This is the only crockpot I will use to make these beans!
Time to add the salt and mash the beans! If your not already an avid bean maker, as I am, you will have to invest in a good bean masher!
Serve these beans along side any Mexican dish or enjoy by themselves. They make for an easy, healthy, and cheap meal!
Tasty Refried Beans
1 pound of pinto beans
6 cups of water
1/2 onion
2 1/2 tsp salt
oil, for frying (optional)
Pour pinto beans into a 4 quart crockpot
Add water and onion
Cook on low for about 8 hours
Add salt and mash beans using a bean masher
If desired, heat up oil in a skillet and fry beans in batches.
Variations
For those of you who like your a little spice in your life... Try adding a jalapeño to the beans with the onion. This will enhance to flavor while adding a bit of spice!
Sprinkle in some cumin when the beans are done cooking.
Instead of frying in oil, fry in bacon grease! It gives the beans a more authentic taste!
Using leftovers
Now that you have a big pot of these delicious beans, how can you use them to stretch some pennies in upcoming meals you ask...?
Make enchiladas using my Easy Enchilada Sauce
Make into bean and cheese burittos (make kids's favorite!)
Serve as a bean dip
Serve as a side with Chili Rellano Casserole
Make Tostadas
Serve for breakfast with eggs and hash-browns
The possibilities are endless!!
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