Instant Pot Black Beans

This easy black beans recipe is a healthy option that can be stretched into multiple meals without breaking the bank! Better yet, these Instant Pot Black Beans only require a few simple steps and can be made ahead of time.

 

Unfortunately, healthy foods and affordability rarely go together anymore. However, there are still a few exceptions. Black beans are loaded with fiber, protein, carbohydrates, and antioxidants. If you don’t already have them in your pantry, they’re not going to be too hard on your bank account. They are also a great choice when you have to sneak healthier foods into a kid’s meal.

You meal preppers, listen up! This is a great recipe to make ahead of time and then stretch into multiple meals throughout the week. Serve it as a stand-alone side dish or include it as an ingredient in a casserole, tacos, or anything else you might be craving (we have given you some suggestions below). The clean-up for this recipe is really quick, as it only requires a strainer and your Instant Pot.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Easy with minimal cleanup. This recipe is incredibly simple and requires minimal prep. Even better, the recipe is prepared almost entirely in the instant pot so there is very little clean up required.
• Healthy and Economical. Two things that don’t often go together, these black beans have good nutritional value due to their fiber, protein, carb, and antioxidant levels all while still being an inexpensive food.
• Customizable. This recipe is great to make ahead of time and add to several meals throughout the week. There are endless variations you can try such as serving as a stand alone side dish or combining them with other veggies and protein for a well-rounded meal.
• Kid-friendly. These black beans are a great way to add nutrition to meals for even the pickiest eaters.

Ingredients

Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need for this recipe. For exact measurements, keep scrolling down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.

• Dry Black Beans: Canned black beans will not work with this recipe as they are already cooked.
• Vegetable Broth and Water: Some recipes call for only adding water to the beans but vegetable broth really adds to the depth and flavor.
• Produce: You will need a fresh red onion and a fresh lime for this recipe. You will be using the lime zest and juice in this recipe.
• Spices: chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and cumin.

How to Make Instant Pot Black Beans

If you are new to the Instant Pot, don’t worry, it isn’t as intimidating as it may seem. You simply need to add the ingredients to the machine, secure the lid, and set the timer. Here is a quick and easy step-by-step guide to making Instant Pot Black Beans.

Rinse the beans

As with all dried beans, it is important to rinse and check the beans. Often dried beans can include some debris that you definitely do not want in your food. To do this add the beans to a fine mesh strainer, and rinse the dry black beans. Use your hands to sort through the beans and remove any stones or debris.

Add the Beans to the Instant Pot

Transfer the dry black beans to the Instant Pot along with the vegetable broth, water, spices, red onion, lime zest, and lime juice. Stir the mixture well and make sure the beans are covered in liquid.

Pressure Cook

Pressure cook the black beans on high for 25 minutes, allowing for a 15-minute natural release. Once the 15-minute natural release is complete, carefully release the remaining pressure using the venting knob and remove the lid. You can serve the beans immediately as they are warm, or allow them to cool and add to salads and other dishes.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

These Instant Pot black beans are great for preparing ahead of time so that you can serve them for multiple meals throughout the week. You can reheat them in the microwave in 30-second increments until heated to your desired level or reheat in a pot on the stovetop. If rewarming on the stovetop, rewarm on low and make sure you stir them occasionally. You can store these black beans in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, for up to 4 days. They can also be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. It is best to allow to completely thaw before rewarming.

What is the best ratio of beans to water?

For our recipe, we use 1 lb of dried beans for every 6 cups of liquid (vegetable broth + water). We used 2 cups of water and 4 cups of vegetable broth. We added this vegetable broth instead of only water as it really adds to the flavor of the beans. This equated to about the same amount of cooked beans as would be provided by 4 – 15 oz cans of black beans.

Do you have to soak the black beans first?

This Instant Pot recipe does not require you to soak the beans prior to pressure cooking.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Black Beans

• Meal prep. Use this recipe to meal prep for the week. You can serve it as a stand alone side dish one night then add the rest to taco bowls, spicy black bean pasta, or any other dish you prefer!
• Allow it to naturally release the pressure rather than the quick release so that it can continue to absorb the moisture.
• Don’t skip rinsing your beans so you can make sure to remove any stones or debris.

Instant Pot Black Beans FAQ

What to Serve With Black Beans

• Mexican Stuffed Zucchini Boats– These zucchini boats are full of seasoned ground beef, onions, peppers, and lots of melted cheddar cheese. They’re a guaranteed hit with the whole family! 
• Mexican Lasagna– A kid-friendly, gluten free casserole that is loaded with taco meat, beans and cheese! 
• Flank Steak Tacos– Your next staple for Taco Tuesday! Tender steak is combined with a delicious marinade to create a healthy, satisfying steak taco recipe that is ready in less than 30 minutes!
• Shrimp Tacos– These Shrimp Tacos with Slaw are made in the air fryer and require just 10 minutes of work!
• Mexican Shredded Beef– Naturally low carb and keto-friendly! This easy beef recipe can be made in the slow cooker or Instant Pot!