Instant Pot Refried Beans

These Instant Pot Refried Beans are a quick, easy, and flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with any Mexican meal. Made with pinto beans, onion, garlic, and a blend of spices like oregano and cumin, these refried beans are creamy and rich in flavor. The Instant Pot makes cooking beans fast and simple, reducing the cooking time dramatically compared to traditional methods. Whether you’re serving them with tacos, burritos, or as a dip, this recipe is a must-try for any bean lover. Perfect for meal prepping, vegetarian diets, and Mexican-inspired dishes, these refried beans are a healthy and tasty addition to any meal.

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 1 medium white onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 pound dry pinto beans, rinsed
• 4 cups chicken broth (or water)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Set your Instant Pot to the Sauté setting. Add vegetable oil and heat until hot.
2. Stir in the chopped onion, garlic, oregano, and cumin. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onion softens and becomes fragrant.
3. Add the rinsed pinto beans and chicken broth. Stir to combine the broth and spices thoroughly.
4. Close the Instant Pot lid and seal it. Set to Manual High Pressure and cook for 45 minutes. The Instant Pot will take around 10-15 minutes to reach full pressure before cooking begins.
5. Once the cook time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 to 40 minutes, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Open the vent to release any remaining pressure and carefully remove the lid.
6. Drain the beans, but reserve 2 cups of liquid. Return the beans to the Instant Pot.
7. Add salt and 1 cup of the reserved cooking liquid. Using an immersion blender, puree the beans to your desired consistency. Add more of the reserved liquid if you prefer a smoother texture.
8. Keep the refried beans warm using the Slow Cooker function until ready to serve.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Instant Pot refried beans are a quick and easy way to enjoy homemade refried beans with a rich, savory flavor. The Instant Pot dramatically cuts down on cooking time, allowing you to enjoy perfectly creamy beans in less than an hour! The combination of spices like cumin and oregano adds depth of flavor, making these beans a tasty side dish for any Mexican-inspired meal.

Tips

• Adjusting Consistency: If the refried beans are too thick, simply add more of the reserved liquid to reach your desired consistency.
• Sautéing: Make sure to sauté the onions and garlic properly to develop the best flavors before adding the beans and broth.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Variations and Substitutions

• Beans: While pinto beans are traditional, you can substitute with black beans for a different flavor.
• Vegetable Oil: Swap out vegetable oil for olive oil for a more robust flavor.
• Broth: For a vegetarian version, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth or water.
• Seasoning: Add a pinch of chili powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper for an extra kick of heat.

FAQs

Can I use canned beans instead of dry beans?
Yes, you can substitute canned beans. Use 3 cans (15 oz each) of drained and rinsed pinto beans. Skip the cooking time and proceed with pureeing the beans.

Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! These refried beans store well in the fridge or freezer, so feel free to make them ahead of time.

What if I don’t have an immersion blender?
You can use a regular blender or food processor to puree the beans. Just be cautious not to burn yourself, and allow the beans to cool slightly before transferring them to a blender.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these creamy refried beans as a side dish with tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or grilled meats. They also make a fantastic filling for burritos or as a topping for nachos. For an extra touch, sprinkle some shredded cheese or chopped cilantro on top!