Slow Cooker Fiesta: Old El Paso Refried Beans

The aroma of warm refried beans always takes me back to my college days. Picture this: late nights studying, fueled by endless cups of coffee and the comforting promise of a cheesy, bean-filled burrito from the local taqueria. It was a simple pleasure, but one that got me through many a tough exam. While I no longer subsist solely on student fare, that craving for delicious, satisfying refried beans remains a steadfast favorite. This slow cooker recipe brings those nostalgic flavors home, effortlessly.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours on high or 8 hours on low
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes on high or 8 hours 15 minutes on low
• Servings: 20
• Yield: About 10 cups
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian (can be made vegan)

Ingredients

• 5 (31 ounce) cans Old El Paso Refried Beans
• 2 cups onions, diced
• 1 (32 ounce) package Mexican cheese, shredded, divided
• 1 (32 ounce) jar salsa
• Green onion, chopped, for garnish
• Sour cream, for garnish (optional)
• Black olives, sliced, for garnish
• Cherry tomatoes, halved, for garnish (optional)

Equipment Needed

• Large Slow Cooker (Crock-Pot)
• Measuring Cups
• Measuring Spoons
• Mixing Spoon
• Knife
• Cutting Board

Instructions

1. Begin by preparing your ingredients. Dice the onions and set them aside. Open the cans of Old El Paso Refried Beans.
2. In the stoneware insert of your slow cooker, combine the refried beans, diced onions, and half of the shredded Mexican cheese.
3. Add at least 2 cups of the salsa to the mixture. If you prefer a thinner consistency or want a more pronounced salsa flavor, you can add more to your liking.
4. Thoroughly mix all the ingredients together in the slow cooker insert, ensuring the cheese and salsa are evenly distributed throughout the beans and onions.
5. Place the stoneware insert into the slow cooker base. Set the slow cooker to high for 4 hours, or low for overnight cooking (approximately 8 hours).
6. During the cooking process, stir the bean mixture a couple of times. This helps to ensure even heating and prevents the beans from sticking to the bottom of the slow cooker.
7. Approximately one hour before serving, sprinkle the remaining shredded Mexican cheese evenly over the top of the bean mixture in the slow cooker.
8. Also, add the chopped green onions and sliced black olives to the top of the cheese.
9. Allow the cheese to melt completely, which usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your slow cooker.
10. Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, the refried beans are ready to serve.
11. When serving, you can garnish with additional chopped tomatoes and a dollop of sour cream, if desired.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For a richer, deeper flavor, consider sautéing the diced onions in a tablespoon of olive oil or butter until softened and slightly caramelized before adding them to the slow cooker. This step adds another layer of complexity to the final dish.
• If you prefer a smoother consistency for your refried beans, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the mixture in the slow cooker towards the end of the cooking time. Be careful not to over-blend, as you still want some texture.
• Spice it up! Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture for a kick. You can also use a spicier salsa variety.
• To prevent the beans from drying out during slow cooking, add a splash of water or chicken broth if needed.
• If you don’t have Mexican cheese on hand, Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a blend of your favorite cheeses will work just fine.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These slow cooker refried beans are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. They are fantastic as a side dish to tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats. You can also use them as a base for nachos or as a filling for burritos. Serve alongside some pico de gallo, guacamole, and a squeeze of lime for a complete fiesta experience.

Leftover refried beans should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. You can also reheat them in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent sticking.

For longer storage, you can freeze the refried beans in freezer-safe containers or bags. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Please note that the following nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	195 kcal	10%
Total Fat	14g	18%
Saturated Fat	9g	45%
Cholesterol	48mg	16%
Sodium	819mg	34%
Total Carbohydrate	8g	3%
Dietary Fiber	1g	4%
Sugars	4g	N/A
Protein	11g	22%

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegan Option: Use vegan refried beans, vegan cheese, and omit the sour cream garnish. Top with a dollop of guacamole instead.
• Lower Fat: Use low-fat refried beans, low-fat cheese, and low-fat sour cream.
• Spicier: Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also use a spicier salsa variety.
• Smoked Flavor: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke to the bean mixture for a smoky flavor.
• Chunky Style: Instead of dicing the onions, you can chop them into larger pieces for a chunkier texture.
• Add Meat: For a heartier dish, consider adding cooked and crumbled chorizo, ground beef, or shredded chicken to the slow cooker along with the beans.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use dry beans instead of canned refried beans?
A: While this recipe is designed for canned refried beans for convenience, you can certainly use cooked dry beans. Cook your beans until very soft, then mash them before adding them to the slow cooker with the other ingredients.

Q: Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
A: Yes! You can simmer the ingredients in a large pot on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, until heated through and the cheese is melted.

Q: Can I use a different type of salsa?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different salsa varieties to find your favorite flavor combination. A roasted tomato salsa or a salsa verde would both be delicious.

Q: How do I prevent the beans from sticking to the bottom of the slow cooker?
A: Stirring the beans occasionally during the cooking process will help prevent them from sticking. You can also spray the slow cooker insert with cooking spray before adding the ingredients.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to the slow cooker?
A: Yes! Corn, bell peppers, or zucchini would all be great additions. Add them along with the onions at the beginning of the cooking process.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings a little bit of fiesta into your home! The beauty of this Old El Paso Refried Beans recipe is in its simplicity and versatility. It’s a blank canvas ready for your own personal touch. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and toppings to create a dish that perfectly suits your taste. Gather your friends and family, whip up a batch of these delicious beans, and enjoy the warmth and comfort they bring. Let me know what you think, and happy cooking!