These pinto beans are better than the restaurant! Cooking them in the Instant Pot makes it crazy quick and easy to cook dried pinto beans with so much flavor you’ll never use canned again. This recipe is cheap, budget-friendly, and family-friendly, and it makes the best pinto beans we’ve ever had. The Instant Pot cooks them perfectly in right at an hour total, with no need to soak your beans!
Why This Recipe Is So Good
- We love soaking our beans, but with this recipe, there is no need! Your beans still come out perfectly tender and seasoned. No prep required!
- Pinto beans are the perfect easy, flavorful side dish or as a versatile ingredient for healthy meals. Delicious in Mexican dishes, chili, and soups, they are so easy to customize with different seasonings.
- Pinto beans are super nutritious and a great addition to your pantry staples. Packed with fiber, protein, and antioxidants, they are great for keeping on hand to fit in your dietary needs.
How To Make Pinto Beans in the Instant Pot
- Add everything but the salt to the Instant Pot and stir. Secure the lid.
- Cook on manual high pressure for 30 minutes, then naturally release 15 minutes. After the time is up, quick release the remaining pressure. Remove the lid and stir in the salt.
Top Tips For Making
- This recipe is meant for beans that have not been soaked, but if yours have been soaked, only cook them for 15 minutes on high manual pressure.
- Make sure to add the salt to the beans AFTER cooking them. Adding them earlier can make them way too tough!
- Make sure to use vegetable stock if on a vegetarian or vegan diet, or just use water.
- To use your pinto beans in a Mexican dish, add 1 tablespoon of chili powder to your beans for an extra kick.
But Why Would I Soak My Beans Anyway?
While soaking beans overnight really isn’t necessary for this recipe, it can cut down on your cook time, as well as make the beans easier to digest.
It’s also really pretty easy! Just rinse your dried beans in a colander over the sink. Place them in a big pot and fill with water, about 2 inches above the top of the beans. Let them sit overnight (at least 8 hours), and then rinse again prior to cooking.
Many people avoid eating beans because of the, uh, side effects, but soaking can significantly cut down on upset stomachs and excess gas. It’s honestly a life changer!
More Easy Recipes You’ll Love
- Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice
- Salmon Salad
- Dreamy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
- One-Pot Chicken Pesto Pasta
- Instant Pot Frozen Chicken Thighs
- Instant Pot Country Style Ribs
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Instant Pot Pinto Beans
Equipment
- Instant Pot or pressure cooker
Ingredients
- 5 cups stock or water
- 1 pound dried pinto beans rinsed and picked over for stones
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Add all ingredients but salt to Instant Pot. Stir and secure lid.
- Cook manual high pressure 30 minutes. Naturally release 15 minutes, then quick release the remaining pressure. Remove lid and stir in the salt.
Video
Notes
- Soaked beans: Cook them for 15 minutes on high manual pressure.
- Adding salt: Add to the beans AFTER cooking them or beans will be too tough.
- Vegan or vegetarian: Use water or vegetable stock.
- Beans for Mexican dish: Add 1 tablespoon of chili powder to your beans for an extra kick.
Nutrition
Cheryl Malik is the recipe developer, writer, and photographer behind the healthy, flavorful, family friendly recipes at 40 Aprons. She’s been a blogger for 10+ years and is known for her delicious recipes and detailed recipe instructions. Cheryl is a mom of three who lives in Memphis, TN.
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Wells says
Could you add bacon grease to these as well while they are cooking?
Savannah | 40 Aprons Team says
Ooh, that will be yummy!