Name: Instant Pot Refried Beans Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound dried pinto beans (checked over for stones and rinsed well); 1 small yellow onion (peeled and halved); 2 bay leaves; 1 teaspoon salt; 6 cups water; 3 Tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion (diced); 2 cloves garlic (finely minced); 1 small jalapeno pepper (de-seeded and finely minced); 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon dried oregano (preferably Mexican oregano); 1/2 teaspoon ground chili powder; Salt (to taste); 1 – 2 Tablespoons lemon juice (optional)

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever longed for the creamy, deeply savory refried beans you find at great Mexican restaurants, making Instant Pot Refried Beans at home is an absolute game-changer. This recipe transforms humble dried pinto beans into a pot of pure comfort—rich, velvety, and loaded with flavor from onions, jalapeños, and Mexican spices. The Instant Pot does the heavy lifting, coaxing the beans into perfection without hours of stovetop babysitting, and the result is a bowl of beans you won’t believe came from your own kitchen!

Instant Pot Refried Beans Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Instant Pot Refried Beans comes from just a handful of simple, well-chosen ingredients—each playing its own role in building layers of flavor, creaminess, and color. Don’t skip any of them, as these everyday staples come together for exceptional results.

Pinto Beans: Use dried pinto beans for optimal texture and earthy flavor; always check for stones and give them a rinse.
Yellow Onion (halved): Provides sweet undertones and a subtle richness during the initial cooking phase.
Bay Leaves: Lend a gentle herbal note that infuses the beans as they simmer.
Salt: Essential for seasoning beans from within; enhances the natural flavors.
Water: Needed for pressure cooking the beans; filtered water is ideal if you have it.
Olive Oil: Adds silkiness and depth to the final refried beans.
Yellow Onion (diced): Used a second time for sautéing, which brings a lovely sweetness and helps form the aromatic base.
Garlic: A must for punchy, savory flavor—make sure it’s finely minced so it melts into the beans.
Jalapeno Pepper: Remove seeds for gentle heat, or leave a few for spicier beans; it adds vibrant flavor, not just heat.
Smoked Paprika: Provides a smoky, almost meaty richness that deepens the whole dish.
Dried Oregano (Mexican preferred): Adds a bold herbal kick—Mexican oregano is more citrusy and robust than the Mediterranean kind.
Chili Powder: Just a half teaspoon brings warmth and complexity without overwhelming heat.
Lemon Juice (optional): A small squeeze at the end brightens and lifts the finished beans beautifully.

How to Make Instant Pot Refried Beans

Step 1: Assemble the Beans and Aromatics

Begin by adding your rinsed pinto beans to the Instant Pot insert. Nestle in the halved onion and bay leaves, sprinkle in a teaspoon of salt, and then pour over the water. This simple setup ensures your beans soak up every ounce of flavor as they cook.

Step 2: Pressure Cook to Tenderness

Lock the lid onto your Instant Pot, making sure the valve is set to “sealing.” Hit the Pressure Cook setting and set the time for 45 minutes on high. Once it’s finished, let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes, then vent any remaining steam. The beans emerge perfectly tender and ready for the next step.

Step 3: Reserve the Flavorful Bean Broth

Before you drain the beans, reserve 1 ½ to 2 cups of the fragrant cooking liquid. This bean broth is liquid gold—it will help create the ideal creamy consistency when you mash the beans later. Set aside the cooked beans and discard the onion halves and bay leaves.

Step 4: Sauté Onions, Garlic, and Jalapeño

Wipe out the Instant Pot insert to remove any lingering bean skins, then turn on the sauté function at the “normal” setting. Add the olive oil, allowing it to shimmer, then toss in the diced onion. Cook for 3–5 minutes until soft and translucent, stirring often. Add the garlic and jalapeño, sautéing another minute or two until aromatic, but be careful not to let the garlic brown.

Step 5: Toast the Spices

Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, oregano, chili powder, and another teaspoon of salt. Stir everything together for just 30 seconds—this blooms the spices, releasing maximum flavor and fragrance into the oil and vegetables.

Step 6: Add the Beans and Bean Broth

Pour in your cooked pinto beans and stir well to coat them evenly with the sautéed vegetables and spices. Add 1 cup of reserved bean broth and mix thoroughly. You’ll notice the mixture start to take on that characteristic refried bean texture as you combine the ingredients.

Step 7: Mash or Blend to Finish

Turn off the heat. Now, use a potato masher for chunky beans or an immersion blender for an ultra-smooth result—mash the beans right in the pot. Add more bean broth as needed until you reach your favorite consistency. Finally, stir in lemon juice for brightness and taste, adding more salt if needed. That’s it—your Instant Pot Refried Beans are ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Instant Pot Refried Beans

Garnishes

The right garnish transforms Instant Pot Refried Beans from humble to eye-catching. Classic choices like fresh cilantro, crumbled queso fresco, a sprinkle of chopped red onion, or a drizzle of good olive oil add freshness and color. Don’t hesitate to finish with a squeeze of lime or a dusting of smoked paprika for that “wow” factor.

Side Dishes

Instant Pot Refried Beans make a versatile companion to just about any Mexican-inspired feast. Serve them alongside fluffy Spanish rice, roasted vegetables, warm tortillas (corn or flour), or as part of a hearty burrito bowl. Beans like these turn basic tacos, enchiladas, or simple grilled meats into something really special.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the plate! Spoon the beans into tostada shells, use them as a layer in seven-layer dip, or spread them thickly on crusty toast as an unexpected but utterly satisfying snack. They’re also a fantastic base for breakfast huevos rancheros—just add sunny eggs, salsa, and avocado on top. The possibilities with Instant Pot Refried Beans are endless.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your beans cool to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator, where they’ll keep well for up to five days. The flavors only deepen overnight, making Instant Pot Refried Beans a meal-prep favorite!

Freezing

Instant Pot Refried Beans freeze beautifully. Spoon them into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags (lay bags flat to save space). They’ll keep for up to three months, and you can portion them into single servings for quick weeknight dinners later on.

Reheating

To reheat, simply spoon beans into a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Add a splash of water or broth to help loosen them up, then warm gently over medium heat, stirring often. If using the microwave, cover loosely and stir halfway through. Taste and season again if needed—the beans will bounce right back to their creamy, dream-worthy state.

FAQs

Do I need to soak the pinto beans first?

No soaking required! The Instant Pot’s high-pressure environment cooks dried beans perfectly without the need to soak, saving you hours of prep time while still delivering amazing texture.

Can I use other beans instead of pinto beans?

Absolutely! While pinto beans are traditional and yield the classic flavor for Instant Pot Refried Beans, you can try black beans or even kidney beans for a different twist. You may need to adjust cooking times slightly, but the process is very similar.

How do I make the beans spicier?

For a spicier kick, leave the seeds in your jalapeño or add a second pepper. A pinch of cayenne or extra chili powder can also up the heat to just where you want it.

Can I make Instant Pot Refried Beans oil-free?

You can skip the olive oil and sauté the vegetables in a bit of the reserved bean broth or water instead. The texture will be slightly less rich, but the flavor will remain delicious—perfect for oil-free diets.

How can I make these Instant Pot Refried Beans vegan or vegetarian?

This recipe is naturally vegan, as it relies on olive oil instead of lard or butter. All other ingredients are plant-based, so you’re good to go without any modifications.

Final Thoughts

You’re just one pot away from the most flavorful, creamy Instant Pot Refried Beans ever—trust me, these are worth adding to your weekly rotation. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a crowd, or spooning up a late-night snack, this recipe brings big taste and comfort every time. Don’t wait; give it a try and savor homemade refried beans at their very best!

Instant Pot Refried Beans Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 3 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Learn how to make flavorful and creamy Instant Pot Refried Beans that are perfect as a side dish or filling for tacos and burritos. This recipe is easy to follow and yields delicious results every time!

Instructions

Cook the Beans: Combine pinto beans, halved onion, bay leaves, salt, and water in Instant Pot. Pressure cook for 45 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Make Refried Beans: Sauté diced onion, garlic, and jalapeno in olive oil. Add spices, cooked beans, and bean broth. Blend and season with lemon juice.

Notes

You can adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of jalapeno and chili powder.
For a smoother consistency, blend the beans until you reach your desired texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Side Dish
Method: Instant Pot
Cuisine: Mexican