Instant Pot Refried Beans is a sumptuous side dish that can be made in less time than you might think. With a handful of simple ingredients, your Instant Pot transforms dried pinto beans into a creamy, flavor-packed treat. Ideal for burritos, tacos, or just a dish on its own, these refried beans are the perfect addition to any Mexican meal.
Photos of Instant Pot Refried Beans Recipe
The key ingredient of this recipe is dried pinto beans. These beans are usually found in the bulk section or canned goods aisle of your local supermarket. Choosing dried pinto beans over canned ones not only enhances the flavor but also makes the dish healthier and more cost-effective. The rest of the ingredients like cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and sea salt are staple pantry items. However, make sure to get fresh cilantro, lime, tomato, avocado, and queso for garnishing.
Ingredients for Instant Pot Refried Beans
Dried pinto beans: These are the star of this recipe. They have a slightly sweet earthy flavor and they become creamy when cooked.
Water: This is used to soften the beans during the pressure cooking process.
Yellow onion: It adds a mild and sweet flavor to the dish.
Garlic cloves: Known for its strong aroma and taste, garlic adds a kick to your refried beans.
Ground cumin: This adds a warm and earthy flavor to the beans.
Chili powder: Chili powder gives a spicy kick to the dish.
Black pepper: Adds a slight heat and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Cayenne pepper: This is used for an extra heat but it’s optional.
Sea salt: Balances the flavors.
Fresh cilantro: Brings a fresh and herby touch to the dish.
Lime wedges: Lime wedges are squeezed over the beans before serving for a hint of tanginess.
Diced tomato: Adds a sweet and tangy taste.
Sliced jalapeno: Gives an extra spicy kick.
Diced avocado: Avocado gives a creaminess to the dish.
Crumbled queso: This is a type of fresh cheese that adds a salty tang.
One reader, Cyndie Cortes says:
This instant pot refried beans recipe is a game-changer! The beans turned out creamy and flavorful, and the spices added a perfect kick. It was so easy to make, and the end result was absolutely delicious. I'll definitely be making this again and again!
Techniques for Perfect Instant Pot Refried Beans
How to cook the beans: The beans need to be cooked in the Instant Pot with water, onion, and garlic at high pressure for about 20 minutes. After the cooking cycle is complete, let the pressure naturally release for about 10 minutes.
How to mash the beans: After cooking, the beans need to be mashed using a potato masher until smooth, leaving some texture if desired. An immersion blender can also be used for a pureed consistency.
How to adjust seasoning: Taste the refried beans and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt as needed before serving.
Planning for a Mexican themed lunch or dinner? Well, I’ve got you covered with my instant pot refried beans recipe. You can’t have a Tex-Mex meal without one of their traditional dishes: refried beans. It’s basically mashed Mexican beans turned into paste so it’s thick and cream-like. Majority of its mildly sweet and earthy flavor comes from the pinto beans, spices, and a variety of flavorful toppings.
Refried beans are my favorite Mexican side dish since it can be paired alongside other entrees or appetizers. You can use it as a dip, or spread it over a tortilla to make refried beans tostadas. It’s so easy to make this homemade refried beans, especially since it’s all cooked using an instant pot or electric pressure cooker. Handy cooking appliances like these can help reduce your cooking time, too.
First step: choose the best beans. This refried beans instant pot recipe relies on what kind of beans you’ll be choosing. I used dried pinto beans which is the traditional kind of Mexican beans used for refried beans. Some people would use black beans which is also a good substitute for the dry pinto beans. Never buy canned beans for this refried beans recipe. It can greatly affect the flavor of the dish.
Next step would be to pre-soak the beans in water, or you can also replace one-half or one-third of it with chicken stock to add flavor. It’s an important step that would give the pinto beans the best soft texture ready for mashing.
I combined all of the ingredients in the instant pot, and then used a potato masher (or immersion blender, if you have) to mash the pinto beans until they’re smooth and creamy, then you’re done! Making homemade refried beans is so much better than buying canned refried beans. You can freely adjust the taste to your own liking by adding other spice ingredients like bay leaves or dried oregano.
This instant pot pinto beans recipe has a rich, earthy flavor that’s just so appetizing to eat. Serve it alongside other delicious Mexican recipes for a satisfying meal!
How To Make Instant Pot Refried Beans
This instant pot refried beans recipe is full of spice and flavorful toppings that really enhances the mild sweet and earthy taste of the mashed beans paste. Garnish it with chopped cilantro, lime wedges, diced tomatoes, or jalapeños.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1cupdried pinto beans,soaked for 8 hours and drained
- 3cupswater
- ½yellow onion,chopped
- 2garlic cloves,minced
- 1tspground cumin
- 1tspchili powder
- ¼tspfreshly ground black pepper
- pinch of cayenne pepper,optional
- ½-¾tspkosher salt
- chopped fresh cilantro lime wedges, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeño, diced avocado, crumbled queso,optional garnish
Instructions
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Combine the drained beans, water, onion, and garlic in the Instant Pot.
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Stir well, making sure the beans are submerged. Secure the lid and move the steam release valve to Sealing. Select Manual/Pressure Cook to cook at high pressure for about 20 minutes.
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When the cooking cycle is complete, let the pressure naturally release for about 10 minutes, then move the steam release valve to Venting to release any remaining pressure. When the floating valve drops, remove the lid and drain the beans, reserving the liquid.
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Return the cooked beans to the Instant Pot, and stir in ½ cup of the reserved cooking liquid, along with the cumin, chili powder, black pepper, cayenne, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Use a potato masher to mash the cooked beans until smooth, leaving some texture if you like. You can use an immersion blender for pureed beans if you prefer.
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Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt as needed, and serve warm with a garnish of cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.
Recipe Notes
Store leftover beans in an airtight container in the fridge for 1 week, or freeze them using freezer bags to last for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Calories: 120.83kcal
- Fat: 0.58g
- Saturated Fat: 0.10g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0.15g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.19g
- Carbohydrates: 21.99g
- Fiber: 5.48g
- Sugar: 1.20g
- Protein: 7.25g
- Sodium: 383.17mg
- Calcium: 50.79mg
- Potassium: 494.65mg
- Iron: 2.03mg
- Vitamin A: 14.88µg
- Vitamin C: 3.68mg
Instant Pot Refried Beans: Technique Tip for Success
When mashing the beans, ensure you leave some texture for a more authentic feel. If you prefer smoother refried beans, you can use an immersion blender to achieve a creamier consistency. Remember, the consistency of your refried beans can greatly affect the overall eating experience. It's all about finding the balance that suits your personal preference.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Refried Beans in an Instant Pot
Prep ahead: Soak the beans overnight to reduce the cooking time in the instant pot.
Use a food processor: After draining the beans, use a food processor to mash them quickly and achieve a smoother texture.
Multi-task: While the beans are cooking in the instant pot, prepare the garnishes and other components of your meal to save time.
Organize ingredients: Measure and prepare all the ingredients before starting the cooking process to streamline the cooking experience.
Quick release: To speed up the natural release of pressure, carefully move the steam release valve to venting after the cooking cycle is complete.
Substitute Ingredients For Instant Pot Refried Beans Recipe
dried pinto beans - Substitute with canned pinto beans: Canned pinto beans can be used as a quicker alternative to dried beans, reducing the cooking time significantly.
yellow onion - Substitute with white onion: White onions can be used as a substitute for yellow onions, providing a similar flavor profile and texture to the dish.
garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic cloves, providing a convenient alternative with a similar flavor.
ground cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander can be used as a substitute for cumin, providing a slightly different but complementary flavor to the dish.
chili powder - Substitute with paprika: Paprika can be used as a substitute for chili powder, providing a milder flavor with a similar color and aroma.
fine sea salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt can be used as a substitute for fine sea salt, providing a similar level of salinity to the dish.
cilantro - Substitute with flat-leaf parsley: Flat-leaf parsley can be used as a substitute for cilantro, providing a fresh herbaceous flavor to the dish.
Presentation Ideas for Instant Pot Refried Beans
Elevate the plating: When presenting the refried beans, consider using a ring mold to create a neat, compact mound of beans at the center of the plate. This will give the dish a refined and elegant appearance.
Garnish with flair: Sprinkle the top of the refried beans with a drizzle of olive oil for a glossy finish. Add a pop of color and freshness with a sprinkle of diced tomatoes and a few slices of vibrant jalapeños. This will not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a burst of flavor.
Artful drizzle: Create an artistic drizzle of sour cream or crema around the edge of the plate using a squeeze bottle. This adds a touch of sophistication and elevates the overall presentation.
Incorporate texture: Consider adding a small handful of tortilla strips on top of the refried beans for a delightful crunch. This will provide a textural contrast and elevate the dish to a new level of culinary finesse.
Balance with color: Introduce a vibrant element by placing a few slices of ripe avocado on the plate. The creamy green hues will complement the earthy tones of the refried beans, creating a visually stunning presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Refried Beans in an Instant Pot
Instant Pot: A multi-functional electric pressure cooker that can be used for pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, and more.
Potato masher: A kitchen tool used to mash cooked ingredients, such as beans, potatoes, or other vegetables.
Immersion blender: A handheld blender used to blend or puree ingredients directly in the pot or container.
Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting, slicing, and chopping ingredients.
Knife: A sharp tool used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Measuring cups and spoons: Utensils used to accurately measure ingredients for cooking and baking.
Serving bowl: A bowl used for serving the refried beans.
Spoon: A utensil used for stirring and serving the refried beans.
Storing and Freezing Homemade Refried Beans
- To store leftover refried beans, let them cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the cooled refried beans in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Leave some headspace for expansion during freezing. Label the containers with the date and contents.
- Frozen refried beans will maintain their best quality for about 3 months, but remain safe to eat beyond that time.
- To thaw, place the frozen refried beans in the refrigerator overnight or for several hours until completely thawed.
- Reheat thawed or refrigerated refried beans in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to adjust the consistency.
- Alternatively, microwave the refried beans in a microwave-safe container, stirring every 30 seconds, until heated through.
- Enjoy your perfectly reheated refried beans in your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes like burritos, tacos, or as a dip with tortilla chips.
How To Reheat Leftover Refried Beans
- The best way to reheat leftover refried beans is to use a microwave or stovetop. If using a microwave, place the desired amount of beans in a microwave-safe bowl and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- If using a stovetop, place the beans in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to help loosen the beans and prevent them from drying out. Stir frequently until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
- For a creamier texture, add a splash of milk or cream to the beans while reheating. This will help to smooth out any lumps and create a silky consistency.
- If the beans seem too thick, add more liquid (water, broth, or milk) until you reach the desired consistency. If the beans are too thin, continue cooking until some of the liquid has evaporated and the beans have thickened.
- To add extra flavor, stir in some chopped cilantro, diced onions, or a squeeze of lime juice just before serving. You can also top the beans with shredded cheese, sour cream, or salsa for added texture and taste.
- Leftover refried beans can also be used as a filling for burritos, tacos, or enchiladas. Simply warm the beans and spoon them into your favorite tortilla or shell, along with your choice of toppings.
- For a quick and easy dip, blend the reheated beans with some salsa or hot sauce until smooth. Serve with tortilla chips or raw vegetables for a healthy snack.
Interesting Fact About Refried Beans
The Instant Pot Refried Beans Recipe is a great source of protein and fiber, making it a healthy and filling option for vegetarians and vegans. Beans are also a good source of essential nutrients such as iron, magnesium, and folate, which are important for overall health. Additionally, the use of an Instant Pot helps to significantly reduce the cooking time for dried beans, making it a convenient and time-saving option for busy individuals.
Is Making Refried Beans in an Instant Pot Cost-Effective?
This instant pot refried beans recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The main ingredient, pinto beans, is affordable and nutritious. The addition of onion, garlic, and spices enhances flavor without breaking the bank. With a low cost per serving, this recipe is a budget-friendly option for families. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $5, making it an economical choice. Overall Verdict: 9/10
Are Instant Pot Refried Beans Healthy?
The instant pot refried beans recipe is a relatively healthy dish, as it primarily consists of whole, nutritious ingredients. Here's a breakdown of the recipe's health aspects:
- Pinto beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals, such as folate, iron, and magnesium.
- The recipe uses minimal added fat, which helps keep the calorie count in check.
- The inclusion of onion and garlic provides additional nutrients and flavor without significantly increasing the calorie content.
- The spices used, such as cumin, chili powder, and cayenne pepper, offer antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to make it even healthier:
- The salt content could be reduced to lower the overall sodium intake. Starting with a smaller amount of salt and adjusting to taste can help control sodium levels.
- While the recipe suggests optional toppings like tomato, jalapeño, avocado, and queso, it's important to be mindful of the quantities used, as some of these ingredients can add significant amounts of fat and calories.
To further enhance the nutritional value of this recipe, consider the following suggestions:
- Incorporate more vegetables into the dish, such as diced bell peppers or carrots, to increase the fiber and nutrient content.
- Experiment with different bean varieties, like black beans or kidney beans, to diversify the nutrient profile.
- Use low-fat or non-fat Greek yogurt as a topping instead of queso to reduce the saturated fat content while still providing a creamy texture and tangy flavor.
- Serve the refried beans with whole-grain tortillas or as a side dish to a salad for added fiber and nutrients.
Editor's Opinion on This Instant Pot Refried Beans Recipe
This Instant Pot refried beans recipe is a delightful and flavorful take on a classic dish. The use of the Instant Pot ensures that the beans are perfectly cooked and infused with the aromatic flavors of onion, garlic, and spices. The addition of cumin, chili powder, and a hint of cayenne pepper adds depth and warmth to the dish. The final touch of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice elevates the flavors, creating a delicious and versatile side dish. Whether served as a dip, a filling for burritos, or a topping for nachos, these refried beans are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
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Why trust this Instant Pot Refried Beans Recipe:
This recipe guarantees authentic refried beans with a traditional blend of spices and aromatic onion and garlic. The use of an instant pot ensures a convenient and efficient cooking process, resulting in perfectly tender pinto beans bursting with flavor. The incorporation of cumin, chili powder, and a touch of cayenne promises a harmonious balance of flavors. The option to customize the dish with cilantro, lime, tomato, jalapeño, avocado, and queso allows for a personalized and vibrant dining experience. This recipe is a testament to its reliability and delicious outcome.
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