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Instant Pot Refried Beans

A white bowl with handles filled with refried beans topped with chopped onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and sliced jalapeños.

Instant Pot Refried Beans

BY: Michele
PUBLISHED: Jan 18, 2022
UPDATED: Jul 18, 2022
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This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
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These refried beans made in the Instant Pot are so easy to make. They’re full of the best flavors you will love such as fresh garlic, onion, cumin, tender pinto beans, and more!

This pressure cooker refried beans recipe is great for meal prep, freezer-friendly, and way better than the rest.

White bowl with Instant Pot Refried Beans topped with crumbled quest fresco chopped tomatoes, cilantro, and sliced jalapeños.

Creamy Instant Pot refried beans are a delicious and flavorful side dish to make at home whenever you are craving your favorite Mexican Recipes, and want to make one of the easiest Instant Pot Recipes.

They are filled with aromatic spices and topped with fresh ingredients such as bright cilantro, spicy sliced jalapeńos, robust tomatoes, crumbly queso fresco, and much much more! 

Jump to:
  • Why You’ll Love This Recipe
  • Why This Recipe Works
  • What You’ll Need To Make Instant Pot Refried Beans
  • How to Make Pressure Cooker Refried Beans
  • Recipe Variations
  • Pro Recipe Tips
  • What To Serve With Refried Beans
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  • More Recipes You Will Love
  • Recipe

This refried beans recipe is way better than a can of refried beans you would find at the store because they are so easy to customize and way healthier! I love this recipe because you do not have to use any oil or fry these pinto beans–just prepare in the pressure cooker and relax! 

Serve a side of these savory and well-seasoned refried beans with your favorite Mexican recipes such as Low Carb Steak Fajita Roll Ups, Potato and Chorizo Empanadas, Instant Pot Cilantro Rice, and more. There are so many tasty pairings out there for a Mexican meal made at home! 

Overhead view of white bowl bowl of refried beans topped with chopped fresh cilantro, tomatoes, and crumbled quest fresco, and sliced jalapeños.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Super Easy. This Instant Pot recipe is ready in about 30 minutes which means it is ideal for those busy weeknights when you need dinner ready quickly! 
  • Tasty. The combinations of chili powder, cumin, and garlic create the best flavors that make these refried beans so good. You will love these beans way better than any canned beans. 
  • Flexible. Switch things up with different types of beans and spices for this recipe. You can even make these beans vegetarian or vegan! 
  • Freezer-Friendly. Did you know refried beans could be frozen? Make an extra batch to freeze in the freezer whenever you want to have your favorite Mexican beans ready on hand! 

Why This Recipe Works

  • Refried beans are family-friendly and definitely loved by kids! 
  • The beans are the perfect texture and can be made in the blender or just mashed by hand. 
  • Pinto beans are rich in protein and great for whenever you need some food to hold you over for a few hours. 
  • This recipe is super straightforward, great for all cooks, and a new recipe for you to try in the Instant Pot! 
Side view of white bowl with refried beans topped with chopped tomatoes, cilantro, queso fresco, and sliced jalapeños.

What You’ll Need To Make Instant Pot Refried Beans

Equipment

The affiliate links below will allow you to see the product on Amazon.com. If you purchase one of the items, I will receive a very small commission on the product, which does not increase the price.

  • Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cooker – This popular Duo 7-in-1 Instant Pot is an extremely highly rated Instant Pot model and is the same model that I own.

Ingredient Notes

Below I discuss the ingredients and possible substitutions in case you don’t have a specific ingredient. However, if you are looking for the specific measurements of each ingredient, be sure to scroll down to the bottom of this article, just above the comments, for the printable recipe card, which includes all the ingredients and the specific amounts of each one.

Overhead view of labeled ingredients in individual bowls for Instant Pot Refried Beans
  • Pinto Beans. I like using dried pinto beans because I can control the salt levels and flavors. For the beans to cook quicker, soak them in water beforehand! 
  • Onion. Freshly diced onion is fresh and bold and adds a ton of flavor to these beans! I used white onion for this recipe but you can use yellow.
  • Garlic. Fresh garlic is tasty for these beans and truly a must! You can use ground garlic powder if you need to. 
  • Seasoning. A blend of cumin, chili powder, and salt is needed to make these beans taste perfect! 
  • Chicken Broth. Savory chicken broth is absorbed in the beans to make them perfectly tender and delicious. 
  • Water. I used water but you could use chicken broth or vegetable broth if you wish.

To Garnish

To make these beans even tastier, you will need:

  • Cilantro. Use fresh chopped cilantro and not dried cilantro.
  • Lime Wedges.
  • Diced Onions. You can use white or red onions.
  • Avocado. Dice up some fresh avocados or add some guacamole.
  • Queso Fresco. I like to crumble this white cheese on top.
  • Diced Tomato. You could also top with Pico de Gallo.
  • Sliced Jalapeños. You can choose to include seeds, which will be more spicy, or remove the seeds, which will be less spicy.

How to Make Pressure Cooker Refried Beans

For a printable recipe card, scroll down to the bottom of the post, just above the comment section.

4-photo collage of step by step photos showing hot to make Instant Pot Refried Beans.
  1. First, add all of the ingredients to the Instant Pot. 
  2. Next, place the lid on the Instant Pot and make sure it is fully sealed or the beans will not cook the way they are supposed to. Set the Instant Pot timer on high for 30 minutes or use the bean cycle on some models. It will take about ten minutes for the pressure to build in the Instant Pot. 
  3. Once the Instant Pot has finished cooking and the timer has beeped, allow the pot to slowly release for 20 minutes. Next, use the quick release function and check the beans to see if they are tender and done.  If the beans have not been soaked, then they may need an additional ten minutes of cooking time in the Instant Pot. Just place the lid back on the pot, seal, and cook on high for ten minutes. 
  4. After the beans have cooked, mash them with a potato masher, blend them in the pot with an immersion blender, or blend in a blender for a few seconds. Serve the cooked beans with your favorite garnishes! 
Spoonful of refried beans held above large bowl of refried beans with queso fresco, sliced jalapeños, chopped tomatoes and cilantro.

Recipe Variations

There are other ways to make these beans! See below. 

  • Bacon: Add some cooked chopped bacon to the refried beans for extra crunch and savory flavors. 
  • Vegan and Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the cheese. 
  • For Frito Lays Copycat Dip: add two teaspoons of granulated sugar to the Instant Pot while mashing the beans. 
  • Whole Pinto Beans: Instead of mashing these beans, just serve them as whole pinto beans!
  • Beans: Use black beans! 

Pro Recipe Tips

  • Store the leftover refried beans in cup-sized portions in the freezer and simply just thaw and heat when ready to use. 
  • Spray the containers you are freezing the beans in with nonstick cooking spray. You will want to spray any container, even ziplock bags, to allow the beans to slide out easier for cooking! 
  • Store the leftover beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. 
  • Freeze the beans in the freezer in airtight containers or bags for three months. 
Close up of Refried beans with chopped cilantro, tomatoes, queso fresco, sliced jalapeños.

What To Serve With Refried Beans

  • Instant Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice
  • Chicken Fajitas
  • Tex Mex Enchiladas
  • Mexican Rice

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Do I Store Leftover Refried Beans?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Can I Freeze Instant Pot Refried Beans?

Freeze in small portions in airtight containers or in zip lock bags for up to 3 months.

More Recipes You Will Love

  • Instant Pot Baked Beans
  • Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice
  • Mexican Cauliflower Rice

If you like this recipe or make this recipe, be sure to leave a comment, rate the recipe, and follow us on:

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Recipe

A white bowl with handles filled with refried beans topped with chopped onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and sliced jalapeños.
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Instant Pot Refried Beans Recipe

These Instant Pot Refried Beans are full of the best flavors you will love such as fresh garlic, onion, cumin, tender pinto beans, and more! 
Course Side Dishes
Cuisine Mexican, Tex-Mex
Keyword Instant Pot Refried Beans, Refried Beans
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Natural Release 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 114kcal
Author Michele @ FlavorMosaic.com

Equipment

  • 6-Quart Instant Pot Duo60 from Amazon.com (affiliate link)

Ingredients

Refried Beans

  • 3 cups dry pinto beans rinsed (1.5 pounds)
  • 1/2 large white onion chopped
  • 2 tablespoon garlic minced (8 cloves)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 5 cups water

Garnish

  • Cilantro
  • Lime wedges
  • Diced onions
  • Avocado
  • Queso Fresco
  • Diced Tomato
  • Sliced Jalapenos
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Instructions 

  • Add all the ingredients to the instant pot and stir.
  • Place the lid on the instant pot and make sure it is sealed.
  • Set the timer on high for 30 minutes, or the bean cycle. It will take about 10 minutes to build up pressure before it starts cooking.
  • When the timer is done, let it slow release for 20 minutes. Finish with a quick release and check the beans for doneness. If the beans haven’t been soaked, they may need an additional 10 minutes. If this is the case, just place the lid back on the pan, set the seal, set on high for 10 minutes.
  • When the beans are fully cooked. You can use a masher and mash till the consistency you like. You can place the beans in the blender and pulse for a few seconds till blended.
  • Serve beans with your choice of garnishes.

Notes

Tips:
  • This makes a large pot of beans. They can be eaten as delicious pinto beans, or mashed and served as “refried” beans.
  • You can mash these beans with a bean masher, use an immersion blender, or place the beans in a blender to mash.
  • You can store these in cup size portions in the freezer, ready to thaw and use when you want.
  • Spray containers that you will be using for freezing (even ziplock bags) with nonstick cooking spray. This will help the beans slide out easier for heating.
  • To make a Frito Lays copycat refried bean dip, add 2 teaspoons of sugar to the large pot when mashing.
  • You can soak the beans for an hour or longer, then drain. This will help them cook quicker.
Storage:
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freeze in small portions in air tight containers or in zip lock bags up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 114kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 912mg | Potassium: 388mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 81IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 49mg | Iron: 2mg

Filed Under: Cinco De Mayo, Instant Pot Recipes, Mexican, Side Dishes, Tex-Mex Recipes

DISCLOSURE: Flavor Mosaic is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. Please note: This blog may contain affiliate links to products I use and love. I earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you, to help with blog expenses when you make a purchase through an affiliate link. Thank you for your support!

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Michele F - Owner / Founder / Creator / Blogger at Flavor Mosaic
Michele

Hi, I’m Michele Feuerborn, wife, and dog Mom, with 20+ years experience as a home cook. I’m the Founder of Flavor Mosaic, as well as the author, recipe developer, and photographer. I share fast, easy, flavorful recipes with bold flavors, featuring Instant Pot recipes and Southern and Mexican cuisines.

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About Me

Hi, I’m Michele, a home cook with 20+ years experience. I created Flavor Mosaic as a place to share our favorite fast, easy, and flavorful creative recipes with bold flavors, including Southern, Mexican, Tex-Mex, and Instant Pot recipes. Read More…

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