Easy Instant Pot Pinto Beans Recipe
Greetings food lovers!
I am thrilled to share with you my latest recipe creation: Instant Pot Pinto Beans. In this recipe, I took traditional Mexican-style pinto beans and transformed them into an easy-to-make and delicious dish that will become a staple in your household.
The Instant Pot is the perfect tool for cooking pinto beans, as it cuts down the cook time significantly while ensuring perfectly tender and flavorful beans every time. You no longer have to wait hours for your beans to soak and cook on the stovetop; with this recipe, you’ll have flavorful pinto beans ready in just over an hour.
Pinto beans are a fantastic source of protein and fiber, making them not only tasty but also quite nutritious. With this recipe, you can enjoy all the benefits of pinto beans without sacrificing taste or convenience.
So let’s get started! Grab your Instant Pot (or any pressure cooker) and let’s make some delicious pinto beans that you’ll want to eat again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you someone who enjoys a hearty and flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen? Look no further, my fellow food enthusiast. This Instant Pot Pinto Beans recipe is quick, easy, and absolutely delicious! Whether you’re a seasoned Instant Pot expert or a beginner looking for an easy way to get started with this tool, this recipe is perfect for you.
What makes this recipe stand out? First and foremost, the pressure cooker feature of the Instant Pot cook beans faster and more evenly than traditional stovetop methods. You can go from dry beans to perfectly cooked pinto beans in under an hour! Moreover, with high-pressure cooking, you won’t need to pre-soak your beans. Save yourself some time and effort without sacrificing taste.
But what truly elevates this Instant Pot Pinto Beans recipe are the unique flavors that come together flawlessly. With ingredients like bay leaves, cumin, garlic, chili powder, and bacon, these beans will have your taste buds dancing with excitement. They are perfect as a side dish for any Mexican-style meal or on their own topped with cheese, salsa or sour cream.
Not only will your taste buds rejoice after indulging in this protein-packed meal, but your wallet will too! This recipe provides a great bang for your buck because it saves money compared to canned beans while still being incredibly tasty.
So why wait? Add this Instant Pot Pinto Beans recipe to your weekly meal plan and enjoy the convenience of a fast yet satisfying meal. Your family and friends will be begging for more!
Ingredient List
Before we begin, let’s gather all the ingredients we will need to make easy Instant Pot Pinto Beans recipe at home. Fortunately, the ingredients list is short and simple; you might just have everything you need in your pantry right now! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound of dry pinto beans – soaked overnight or using a quick soak method
- 6 cups of water (or vegetable base)
- 1 tablespoon of oil (olive oil, vegetable oil or bacon grease works)
- 3 cloves of garlic – chopped finely
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of cumin powder
- A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional but highly recommended)
Don’t have all these spices on hand? Don’t fret; keep reading for substitution and variations that can be made with this recipe.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Prepare the Pinto Beans
Before cooking the pinto beans in the Instant Pot, it is essential to soak them first. Soak 2 cups of dry pinto beans in 8 cups of water for at least 30 minutes. This process will soften the beans and shorten the cooking time.
After soaking, drain the softened beans and rinse them thoroughly with water. Set aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 2: Saute the Seasonings
Press “Sauté” on your Instant Pot and add 1 tablespoon of oil. Once heated, add 4 cloves of minced garlic, 2 bay leaves, and 4 slices of chopped bacon.
Sauté for a few minutes until everything is fragrant and slightly browned. Then, add 1 teaspoon of chili powder, ½ teaspoon of cumin powder, ¼ teaspoon of turmeric powder, and ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
Continue cooking for another minute or until the seasonings have released their flavor.
Step 3: Cook on High Pressure
Add the soaked and rinsed pinto beans to the pot and stir with sauteed seasonings until coated. Pour in 6 cups of water or vegetable base (or chicken broth) and stir well.
Securely lock the lid in place and turn on manual mode to cook on high pressure for 25-30 minutes depending on how soft you prefer your beans.
After pressure cooking, allow the pressure to naturally release for another 15-20 minutes before turning the venting valve to release any remaining pressure.
Remove the lid carefully because there will be steam coming out. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Congratulations! Your easy Instant Pot pinto beans are now ready to be served.
Substitutions and Variations
Are you looking to switch up your Instant Pot Pinto Bean Recipe? Here are some substitutions and variations that will take this classic recipe to the next level.
1. Ham Hocks: For a smoky flavor, substitute bacon for ham hocks. Add the ham hocks to the pot with the other ingredients and cook on high pressure for 50 minutes.
2. Charro Beans: If you want a Mexican twist to your Instant Pot Pinto Beans, add diced onions, jalapeños, and cilantro once the beans are cooked. Serve with lime wedges.
3. Brazilian Beans: For a Brazilian-style bean recipe, add diced tomatoes, green bell peppers, and smoked sausage to the pot before cooking.
4. Dried Beans: If you don’t have canned pinto beans on hand, but still want to make this recipe, use dried pinto beans instead. Soak the beans overnight and then rinse them before adding them to the Instant Pot. Cook high pressure for 25 minutes with natural release.
5. Bean Soup: If you’re in the mood for something that’s more of a soup-like consistency, add an extra cup of water or vegetable broth along with some chopped carrots and celery to make a hearty bean soup.
6. Baked Beans: If you prefer sweeter beans like baked beans, add a tablespoon of molasses along with some brown sugar to the pot while cooking.
7. Ninja Foodi: Don’t have an Instant Pot? No problem! Use your Ninja Foodi instead and follow the same instructions listed in this recipe.
These substitutions and variations will help spice up your Instant Pot Pinto Bean recipe and provide exciting new flavors for your taste buds to enjoy. Get creative with your own favorite ingredients and see what delicious concoctions you can come up with!
Serving and Pairing
Now that your Instant Pot Pinto Beans are ready, it’s time to serve them. These tender, flavorful and healthy beans are perfect as a side dish or main meal component. You can enjoy them on their own or pair them with other dishes to make a complete meal.
As a side dish, Instant Pot Pinto Beans are versatile and pair well with many foods. You can serve them alongside grilled chicken, steak or fish to add some fiber and nutrition to your meal. You can also use them as a filling for tacos or burritos, or as a topping for nachos or salads.
As a main dish, these beans can be enjoyed in various ways. You can add some cooked rice to the beans to make a classic Mexican-style rice and beans dish. You can also combine the beans with some ground beef or turkey to make chili con carne or a hearty soup.
To enhance the flavor profile of your Instant Pot Pinto Beans, you can top them with some chopped fresh cilantro or green onions, a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, and some shredded cheese. Alternatively, you can drizzle some hot sauce over the beans for an added kick.
When it comes to pairing drinks with Instant Pot Pinto Beans, Mexican beers such as Corona, Tecate or Modelo go very well with these beans. You can also serve them with margaritas or mojitos for a festive touch.
Overall, these delicious and easy-to-make Instant Pot Pinto Beans are sure to become a favorite in your household. They are nutritious, satisfying and versatile, making them perfect for any occasion. So go ahead and get creative with how you serve and pair these tasty legumes!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
The versatility of pinto beans makes them perfect for make-ahead meals. Once the beans are cooked, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for up to two months. When reheating, place the desired amount of beans in a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat until warmed through. Alternatively, they can be reheated in the microwave for several minutes on high power.
The flavor of pinto beans actually improves after an overnight stay in the refrigerator, so consider making them one day ahead. Leftover beans can also be used as a base for soup, combined with rice or vegetables, or mashed into refried beans.
If you plan to serve the pinto beans as a side dish, it’s best to slightly undercook them during the initial cooking process so that they don’t become mushy when reheated. Add a small amount of liquid such as water or vegetable broth when reheating to prevent dryness.
To further enhance the flavors of pinto beans, you can also add additional seasonings such as chili powder, cumin, and garlic while reheating. Crispy bacon, diced onions, and chopped fresh cilantro can also add texture and depth to leftover pinto beans.
Pinto beans are also perfect for meal prep because they are easy to make in bulk and can be stored and reheated multiple times without losing their texture and flavor. Consider using your instant pot or pressure cooker to prepare a large batch of these tasty beans at once.
Overall, pinto beans are an excellent choice for make-ahead meals and easy reheating. They’re versatile enough to pair well with almost any dish, making them a go-to staple for every kitchen.
Tips for Perfect Results
For perfect pinto beans, there are some tips and tricks to follow. Here are some of my recommendations for cooking pinto beans in the instant pot that will help you achieve the best results.
1. Soak your beans
Soaking your beans overnight or for at least 8 hours will not only help reduce cooking time but also enhance the texture of your pinto beans. Your beans will absorb more water, become softer, and cook more evenly. You can soak the pinto beans in a covered pot with enough water to cover them completely.
2. Don’t add salt in the beginning
Adding salt in the beginning can result in tough and undercooked beans as salt inhibits the softening process. It’s best to add salt after the beans have cooked and achieved the desired tenderness.
3. Don’t overfill the Instant Pot
When using the Instant Pot to cook pinto beans, never fill it more than halfway full. This is because pinto beans expand as they cook and can cause the mixture to overflow or block the release valve.
4. Use soak water or vegetable broth instead of plain water
To add extra flavor to your pinto beans, add either the water you used for soaking them or vegetable broth instead of plain water before pressure cooking them. This will give your dish an earthy and savory taste that you’ll love.
5. Let it natural release
Allowing a natural release is one of my top recommendations for perfect instant pot pinto beans. Wait at least 20-30 minutes after cooking time has finished before releasing any pressure from the Instant Pot manually. This allows time for all flavors and textures to meld together perfectly.
6. Bacon adds an extra layer of flavor
Adding bacon while sautéing your ingredients brings a smoky flavor that complements your dish perfectly, especially if you’re making mexican-style instant pot pinto beans.
Follow these simple tips for cooking pinto beans in the Instant Pot, and you’ll end up with perfectly cooked, delicious beans every time.
Bottom Line
Now that you have learned all about this amazing recipe for instant pot pinto beans, it’s time to get into the kitchen and start cooking! The combination of spices and flavors in this Mexican-style dish is sure to impress your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied.
With the help of your instant pot, this recipe is quick, easy, and requires minimal effort on your part. Not only will you save time in the kitchen, but you’ll also be reducing food waste by using dried pinto beans instead of canned ones.
So what are you waiting for? Give this delicious recipe a try today and let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting a casual get-together, these instant pot pinto beans are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
And if you’re feeling adventurous, try out some of the substitutions and variations we listed earlier to make this recipe your own. Or why not pair the dish with some Brazilian beans or charro beans? The possibilities are endless, so go ahead and experiment!
Thank you for reading our recipe article. We hope it has inspired you to explore the world of instant pot cooking and enjoy some delicious homemade meals with your friends and family. Happy cooking!
Instant Pot Pinto Beans Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups dry pinto beans
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 1 pint chicken stock
- 4 ounces bacon or 4 ounces pork belly
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon cayenne
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 teaspoons molasses
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 3 bay leaves
Instructions
- beans bowl cover with cold water, overnight .
- Instapot on simmer.
- Oil.
- spices: cumin, cayenne, turmeric, coriander & minced garlic.
- Add pork belly of bacon.
- simmer 2 minutes.
- add beans.
- add chicken stock.
- add vinegar.
- add molasses.
- add bay leaves.
- put lid on Instapot. Switch to pressure cook. 1 hour.
- let pot sit 1/2 hour after cooking. Then release remaining pressure.
- serve with diced onion & minced cilantro.