Instant Pot Refried Beans

These Instant Pot Refried Beans take less time than traditional refried beans and are significantly healthier than canned refried bean options. Use these step-by-step instructions to easily prepare delicious, healthy refried beans that can be served as a side dish, appetizer, or even a main dish!

 

The versatility of refried beans make it one of the more common dishes prepared in our house. Yet, the more I think about it, we still don’t utilize them enough. They are extremely inexpensive to prepare and only require a few ingredients that are always in our pantry!

It’s tempting to take the easy route and just buy a couple cans of refried beans at the grocery store to always have on hand when you need them. Don’t give in to that temptation! These Instant Pot refried beans prepared at home have less sodium and fat than what you will find in canned options.

You may be thinking this sounds like more work than picking up a can at the store. You’re right, but it won’t be nearly as time consuming as you might expect. By preparing them in the Instant Pot, the beans cook much faster than traditional refried bean recipes. There is also minimal clean up since the entire recipe is prepared and cooked in the Instant Pot.

This recipe prepares 6 servings and it can even be doubled. We prefer to make this recipe ahead of time, freeze it, and thaw servings as needed to serve with meals.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Healthier. A healthier alternative to canned refried beans. These refried beans are lower in fat and sodium than canned refried beans.
• Inexpensive. This recipe only requires a handful of ingredients and they are inexpensive pantry staples.
• Great for meal prepping. This is a great meal prepping recipe. This recipe makes 6 servings so we like to make a batch then freeze in multiple containers to thaw later for individual meals.

Recipe Ingredients

Here is 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 pinto beans: The texture and flavor of dry pinto beans is much better with this recipe compared to using canned beans
• Avocado oil: any neutral oil will work but we prefer the flavor of avocado oil for this recipe. You could even use bacon fat or lard if you prefer.
• Vegetables: onion and jalapeno. The jalapeno is optional but we feel it adds just the right amount of flavor and “kick” to the refried beans
• Vegetable stock or broth: adds flavor and depth. Feel free to use chicken stock, beef broth, whatever cooking liquid you prefer.
• Spices: chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and Mexican oregano

How to Make Instant Pot Refried Beans

In addition to the ingredients listed above, you will need a 6-quart Instant Pot, as well as an immersion blender or potato masher to properly smash the beans. This is such a simple recipe loaded with flavor, it will certainly become a staple! Here is a simple step-by-step guide to make these Instant Pot Refried Beans:

Saute Peppers and Onions

Heat the oil using the Instant Pot’s sauté function. Next, sauté the onion and jalapeno until the onion is translucent. This should take about 3-4 minutes. This extra step adds loads of flavor and allows the onion and peppers to caramelize and bring out a rich, deep flavor.

Deglaze the pot

Add about 1 cup of the broth to the Instant Pot and deglaze, scraping up the brown bits. This is a crucial step. If there is anything stuck to the base of the Instant Pot, it will cause a burn message to occur. So really scrape the bottom and be sure you have removed any bits possible. Next, stir in the remaining ingredients. Make sure the dried beans are completely submerged in the liquid. 

Pressure Cook

Close the lid and pressure cook on high for 50 minutes, allowing for a 20-minute natural release. After the natural release, release any remaining pressure using the steam valve, then open the lid. Use an immersion blender to blend the beans to a desired consistency, or remove the beans and blend the beans in a high-speed blender or food processor. You can also mash them by hand with a potato masher. Then garnish with a little fresh cilantro, and they are ready to serve!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Reheating Instructions: Reheat these refried beans in the microwave in 30-second increments until warmed to your desired level. Our preferred option is to rewarm on the stovetop on low. Make sure to regularly stir the beans while they warm to avoid any sticking. If needed, add 1-2 tbsp of liquid if the beans seem dry.
• Refrigerator Storage: After allowing to completely cool, these refried beans can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer Storage: After cooling to room temperature, you can freeze this recipe in a freezer safe container for up to 3 months. When we freeze this recipe we often break it up into 2-3 servings per container so we don’t have to thaw it all if we only want it for one meal to feed 2-3 people.

Tips and Tricks

• Add a topping. We love a bowl of these homemade refried beans topped with cojita cheese and cilantro! Add a squeeze of lime juice for a little brightness.
• This recipe goes great with so many recipes. Mexican rice, chips and salsa, tacos, and quesadillas just to name a few. Use it as a dip or spread it on a tostada. We’ve listed some specific suggestions below.
• The jalapeno is optional. Hold the jalapeno if you prefer very mild food.

What to Serve with this Instant Pot Refried Beans Recipe

• Spicy Drumsticks with Mexican Rice
• Mexican Shredded Beef
• Sour Cream Enchiladas
• Mexican Street Corn
• Flank Steak Tacos

Instant Pot Refried Beans FAQ

Other Instant Pot Recipes

• Instant Pot Carnitas with Coleslaw– Keto-friendly and easy to make! You can enjoy two street tacos served with a spicy keto slaw for fewer than 5 net carbs, making it the perfect low-carb dinner recipe!
• Instant Pot White Bean Chicken Chili– Loaded with chicken, beans, flavorful green chiles and spices, this soup is ready in under 30 minutes and always a crowd pleaser! 
• Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Soup– This recipe is loaded with tender shredded chicken, spicy buffalo sauce and tons of cheese! Under 5 net carbs per serving and perfect for keto meal prep!
• Instant Pot Whole Chicken– Learn how to make a juicy, flavorful Instant Pot Whole Chicken in less than 30 minutes! This pressure cooker whole chicken recipe is naturally keto-friendly and great for low carb meal prep!
• Instant Pot Sausage and Cabbage Casserole– An excellent low carb dinner, at about 5 net carbs per serving this is the perfect keto comfort food!