Refried Beans Without the Refry Recipe

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4.6 (788)

Refried beans without the refry process become incredibly simple when prepared in a slow cooker, yielding flavorful, fat-free results that rival traditional preparations. This healthier approach eliminates added fats while maintaining authentic taste through proper seasoning and slow cooking techniques. The convenient preparation method ensures consistent results while the fat-free nature makes these perfect for health-conscious diners wanting authentic Mexican flavors without guilt.

Close up on a bowl of refried beans without the refry, garnished with a few jalapeño slices.

Refried beans are simple to make when cooked in a slow cooker. This recipe yields flavorful, fat-free refried beans seasoned with garlic, jalapeño, and cumin.

Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
8 hrs
Total Time:
8 hrs 15 mins
Servings:
15
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Ingredients

1/2x
1x
2x

Original recipe (1X) yields 15 servings

  • 3 cups dry pinto beans, rinsed

  • 1 onion, peeled and halved

  • ½ fresh jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped

  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic

  • 5 teaspoons salt

  • 1 ¾ teaspoons fresh ground black pepper

  • teaspoon ground cumin, optional

  • 9 cups water

Directions

  1. Gather all ingredients.

    all ingredients gathered to make refried beans without the refry.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  2. Place beans, onion, jalapeño, garlic, salt, pepper, and cumin into a slow cooker. Pour in water; stir to combine.

    all ingredients placed in a slow cooker with water added, stirring to combine.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  3. Cook on High until beans are very tender, about 8 hours; add more water as needed.

    ingredients cooked in slow cooker until beans are very tender.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  4. Strain beans and reserve cooking liquid.

    beans strained, reserving the cooking liquid in a bowl.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  5. Transfer beans to a large, shallow bowl. Use a potato masher to mash beans, adding reserved cooking liquid as needed to reach desired consistency.

    beans mashed in a large bowl with some of the cooking liquid.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  6. Enjoy!

    close up on a bowl of refried beans without the refry, garnished with a few jalapeño slices.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Recipe Tip

If more than 1 cup water has evaporated during cooking in step 2, then the temperature is too high.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

139 Calories
1g Fat
25g Carbs
9g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 15
Calories 139
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 1g1%
Saturated Fat 0g1%
Sodium 785mg34%
Total Carbohydrate 25g9%
Dietary Fiber 6g22%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 9g17%
Vitamin C 4mg4%
Calcium 53mg4%
Iron 2mg12%
Potassium 559mg12%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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John Davis
John Davis

Hi, I’m John Davis!
Food has always been my favorite way to connect with people, and that’s why I started blogging about it. I love sharing quick, creative recipes that prove cooking at home can be just as exciting as eating out. Whether it’s a speedy weeknight dinner or a fun snack, I enjoy keeping things simple, flavorful, and approachable for everyone. When I’m not experimenting in the kitchen, I’m usually exploring new cuisines or hunting for fresh inspiration at local markets.

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