Instant Pot Pinto Beans Recipe

Introduction

Instant Pot Pinto Beans are a quick and easy way to enjoy hearty, flavorful beans without hours of soaking or simmering. Perfect as a side dish or a base for many recipes, these tender beans come out full of rich, savory flavor in under an hour.

Ingredients

• 3 cups dry pinto beans
• 8 cups water
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 jalapeno, minced (or red pepper flakes for spice)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ yellow onion, diced
• ¼ teaspoon cumin
• Additional salt, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a 6-quart Instant Pot or pressure cooker, combine the dry pinto beans, water, ½ teaspoon of salt, jalapeno (or red pepper flakes), garlic, onion, and cumin.
2. Step 2: Seal the lid and set the pressure cooker to high pressure. Cook the beans for 25 minutes.
3. Step 3: Once the cooking time is complete, carefully release the pressure and remove the lid.
4. Step 4: Switch to the “sauté” mode and cook the beans uncovered for another 25 to 35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they reach your preferred tenderness.
5. Step 5: Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt if needed before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Soak the beans overnight for an even softer texture, though it’s not necessary with the Instant Pot.
• Add smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a smoky twist.
• If you prefer milder beans, omit the jalapeno or use less.
• Use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water for deeper flavor.

Storage

Store cooked pinto beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if they seem dry. You can also freeze beans for up to 3 months; thaw and reheat thoroughly before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Do I need to soak the beans before cooking in the Instant Pot?

No, soaking is optional when using an Instant Pot. The pressure cooking compensates for the soaking time, making the beans tender and well-cooked.

Can I use a different type of bean with this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute black beans, kidney beans, or navy beans. Cooking times may vary slightly, so adjust the pressure cooking time accordingly.

Instant Pot Pinto Beans Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 107 reviews

This Instant Pot Pinto Beans recipe offers a quick and effortless way to prepare perfectly tender and flavorful beans using a pressure cooker. Infused with garlic, onion, jalapeno, and cumin, these beans are an excellent protein-rich base for a variety of dishes, from Mexican-inspired meals to hearty salads and soups.

• Author: rami
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50-60 minutes (25 minutes pressure cook + 25-35 minutes saute)
• Total Time: 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish / Side Dish
• Method: Instant Pot
• Cuisine: Mexican
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Beans and Base Ingredients

• 3 cups of dry pinto beans
• 8 cups of water
• ½ teaspoon of salt

Flavorings and Spices

• 1 jalapeno, minced (or red pepper flakes if preferred for spice)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ yellow onion, diced
• ¼ teaspoon of cumin
• Additional salt to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beans: Add the dry pinto beans, water, ½ teaspoon of salt, minced jalapeno (or red pepper flakes), garlic, diced onion, and cumin into a 6-quart Instant Pot or pressure cooker.
2. Pressure Cook: Seal the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure. Cook the beans for 25 minutes. This pressure cooking drastically reduces the time needed to soften the beans compared to stovetop methods.
3. Release Pressure and Saute: After the 25-minute cook time, carefully release the pressure according to your Instant Pot’s instructions. Remove the lid, then select the “saute” function and cook the beans uncovered, stirring occasionally, for an additional 25 to 35 minutes until the beans reach your preferred tenderness and liquid has thickened to your liking.
4. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the beans and add more salt if necessary before serving.

Notes

• Soaking the beans overnight is optional but can reduce cooking time slightly and improve digestibility.
• Adjust the amount of jalapeno or substitute red pepper flakes depending on your spice preference.
• If you prefer a thinner broth, reduce the saute time after pressure cooking.
• Use fresh herbs or additional spices to vary the flavor profile.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.

Keywords: Instant Pot pinto beans, pressure cooker beans, Mexican beans, easy bean recipe, vegetarian protein