If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to make delicious refried beans, you’ve hit the jackpot with this instant pot refried beans recipe! I remember the first time I tried homemade refried beans—my taste buds were dancing with joy. But, let’s be honest, who has the time to soak beans overnight or stir them for hours? That’s where my trusty Instant Pot comes in! In just about an hour, you can have creamy, flavorful beans ready to serve. Trust me, once you experience the rich taste and simplicity of these beans, you’ll never go back to store-bought again!
Ingredients for Instant Pot Refried Beans
- 1 pound dried pinto beans: Make sure to rinse them well and pick out any stray debris or rocks. This step is super important for a clean and tasty dish!
- 4 cups water: This is the magic liquid that helps cook the beans to creamy perfection.
- 1 onion, diced: I love using a yellow onion for its sweet flavor, but you can use whatever you have on hand!
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds a wonderful aroma and flavor that elevates the beans.
- 1 teaspoon cumin: This spice adds a warm, earthy note that complements the beans beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: A little kick! Adjust according to your heat preference.
- Salt to taste: Start with a pinch and add more if needed after mashing the beans.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This gives the beans a lovely richness and helps bring all the flavors together.
How to Prepare Instant Pot Refried Beans
Making instant pot refried beans is a breeze! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have creamy, delicious beans in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by rinsing the pinto beans under cold water. Make sure to remove any debris or small stones—trust me, you don’t want a crunchy surprise in your beans!
- In your Instant Pot, combine the rinsed beans, 4 cups of water, diced onion, minced garlic, cumin, and chili powder. Give it a good stir to mix everything together.
- Seal the lid on your Instant Pot, ensuring the vent is set to the sealing position. Now, set the pot to cook on high pressure for 45 minutes. You can take a moment to dance around the kitchen while you wait—totally acceptable!
- Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for about 15 minutes. After that, carefully quick release any remaining pressure. Just be cautious of the steam—it can be hot!
- Now, drain any excess liquid from the beans, but don’t toss it just yet; you can use it to adjust the consistency later if needed.
- Using a potato masher or fork, mash the beans to your desired consistency. If you like them creamy, just keep mashing! If you prefer a chunkier texture, leave some whole beans for a bit of bite.
- Finally, stir in the olive oil and salt to taste. Mix it well to incorporate all the flavors, and voilà! Your instant pot refried beans are ready to be served.
Nutritional Information
These instant pot refried beans are not just delicious, but also packed with nutrients! Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values per serving, which is about 1 cup. Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on standard ingredients used:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 10g
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
These numbers make this recipe a fantastic option for anyone looking for a healthy, plant-based side dish. Enjoy the goodness of beans without any guilt!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation: You can have homemade refried beans ready in about an hour!
- Healthy and vegan-friendly: Packed with nutrients and perfect for any diet.
- Flavorful and customizable: Adjust the spices to your liking for a unique twist every time.
- Minimal effort: Just toss everything in the Instant Pot and let it do the work for you.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make a big batch and enjoy them throughout the week.
Tips for Success
To take your instant pot refried beans to the next level, consider these handy tips! First, feel free to adjust the spices based on your personal taste—add more chili powder for heat or a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. If you want to infuse even more richness, swap out the water for vegetable broth; it makes a world of difference! For the perfect bean consistency, mash them to your liking, but don’t forget to reserve some of the cooking liquid. It’s great for thinning the beans if they’re too thick. Happy cooking!
Variations on Instant Pot Refried Beans
One of the best things about my instant pot refried beans is how easy they are to customize! If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out pinto beans for black beans or even kidney beans for a different flavor profile. Want some heat? Toss in some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper while cooking. You can also mix in fresh herbs like cilantro or oregano after mashing for an extra burst of freshness. For a creamy twist, add a splash of coconut milk or some nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy. The possibilities are endless!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers—though I doubt you will because they’re so good—you can store your instant pot refried beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just let them cool completely before sealing them up to keep that freshness intact! When it’s time to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. If they seem a bit thick after sitting in the fridge, don’t worry! Just add a splash of water or vegetable broth while reheating to bring them back to that creamy perfection. Enjoy every last bite!
Serving Suggestions
These instant pot refried beans are super versatile and can elevate so many dishes! I love serving them alongside warm, homemade tacos or stuffed into burritos for a hearty meal. They also make a fantastic side for rice or quesadillas, adding that creamy, flavorful touch that ties everything together. Feeling adventurous? Try spooning them over a crispy salad or using them as a dip with tortilla chips for a fun appetizer. No matter how you serve them, they’re bound to be a hit!
Instant Pot Refried Beans: 7 Tips for Creamy Perfection
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This recipe shows you how to make refried beans in an instant pot quickly and easily.
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried pinto beans
- 4 cups water
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Rinse the beans and remove any debris.
- Add beans, water, onion, garlic, cumin, and chili powder to the instant pot.
- Seal the lid and set to high pressure for 45 minutes.
- Allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
- Drain excess liquid and mash the beans to your desired consistency.
- Stir in olive oil and salt to taste.
Notes
- Use vegetable broth instead of water for more flavor.
- Adjust spices according to your taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: instant pot refried beans, refried beans recipe, vegan refried beans