Slow Cooker Refried Bean Soup
1 CommentUpdated Oct 23, 2026
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This economical recipe for refried bean soup has only a few ingredients, but the flavor is AMAZING. Talk about pure comfort in a bowl, especially if you are a pinto bean lover.
We love making cozy soups like this one! If we aren’t making this soup, we love Bean and Bacon Soup, or Potato Leek Soup.
Table of Contents
Why this Recipe is a Keeper
When I came across a recipe for pinto bean soup a few weeks ago, I wondered why I have not made it yet! We LOVE pinto beans in our house. Usually, we just have refried beans or pinto beans as a side dish.
With this soup recipe, the pinto beans are the star of the show! I adapted my flavorful refried beans recipe into a soup form (minus the butter). This is a great soup to keep in the fridge for quick lunches or dinners.
Key Ingredients
Pinto Beans - One pound of dried pinto beans. There is no need to presoak these; cooking them on high will make them ultra tender.
Onion - My favorite way to add flavor to Mexican beans in the crockpot is to fry onion slices in oil! It adds SO Much flavor. These will get blended up into the soup before serving.
Seasonings - Onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder
Chicken Broth - Instead of water, chicken broth adds more depth of flavor to the beans
How to Make Refried Bean Soup
- Brown thick onion slices until deeply golden for big, savory flavor.
- Dump everything in the crockpot and cook until the beans are fall-apart tender.
- Blend until smooth and salt.
Variations
Bean Swap: Black beans can be used instead of pinto beans, we love that version too.
Spicy: For a spicy refried bean soup, add two chopped jalapenos.
Make Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth or water and additional seasonings.
Best Serving Ideas
Here is how to dress up this amazing refried bean soup:
- Add a generous sprinkle of cheese to each bowl. We prefer Monterey Jack cheese or sharp cheddar.
- Diced sweet yellow onion or green onion will add texture to the soup.
- We love this soup topped with crushed saltine crackers, not traditional, but SO good for soaking up the refried bean soup flavors.
- Other toppings we love are sour cream and dash of hot sauce.
- Lastly, a great side dish to make the soup into a complete meal is to serve with warmed flour tortillas or cornbread. (try my slow cooker cornbread)).
Should I soak my beans?
Soaking the beans is not necessary in this recipe. If you prefer to, do so overnight or for 8 hours. Drain off water and continue with this recipe, you won't need to cook as long.
How to Store:
This soup tastes better the next day! You can keep it in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up 3 months.
More Pinto Bean Recipes
For more pinto bean recipes, try my Charro Beans for a smoky, savory side dish or Pinto Beans and Chicken for an easy, hearty dinner. Spicy Pinto Beans are perfect if you like a little heat, while Frijoles Puercos in the Crockpot are rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor. My Slow Cooker Pinto Beans are a simple, classic recipe that's great for any occasion.
If you tried this Refried Bean Soup recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below. Happy Slow Cooking!
How to Video
Equipment
- immersion blender
Ingredients
- 1 lb. dried pinto beans
- 1 white onion, (cut into large slices)
- 2 Tbsp. cooking oil, such as vegetable or canola oil
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. chili powder
- 64 oz. chicken broth, (two 32-oz. cartons OR 9 cups)
- 1 tsp. salt, (add at the end)
For Serving
- shredded cheese
- sour cream
- crackers, or tortilla chips
Instructions
- Add oil to a large skillet set to medium high heat on the stove top. Add the thick cut onion slices to the pan. Brown on both sides.
- Add the onions to the slow cooker. Add the beans, seasonings, and chicken broth.
- Cook on HIGH For 6 hours.
- When the cooking time is done. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup smooth, or a blender can be used, in batches.
- Serve with desired toppings.
Sarah's Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.
Can’t wait to try this soup, we love those kind of beans. Thank you for sharing the recipe.