Cooking black beans in an Instant Pot is one of the easiest and most rewarding kitchen tasks. The pressure cooker transforms dried black beans into tender, flavorful bites without the need for soaking. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can have a batch of delicious black beans ready in about an hour.
I love using my Instant Pot to cook black beans because it eliminates the long soaking time and ensures even cooking. Homemade black beans taste far better than store-bought canned beans, and they absorb all the flavors of the seasonings beautifully. Let’s dive into the step-by-step recipe!
1. How to Cook Black Beans in the Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried black beans (about 2 cups, unsoaked)
- 1 ½ teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, cored, seeded, and diced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 3 cups water
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode.
Add the olive oil, followed by the diced onion and green bell pepper. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until the vegetables soften.
Next, stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, and dried oregano. Cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Add the Beans and Water
Add the dried black beans to the pot.Then pour in 3 cups of water and give everything a good stir. Drop in the bay leaves and add the kosher salt.
Step 3: Pressure Cook the Beans
Secure the lid and set the valve to Sealing.
Select Pressure Cook (Manual) mode and set the timer to 35 minutes on High Pressure.
Once the cooking cycle completes, allow the pressure to release naturally for 20 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
Step 4: Finish & Serve
Open the lid and remove the bay leaves.
Give the beans a stir and check for doneness. If they seem too firm, you can cook them for an additional 5 minutes under pressure.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Now, you have a warm, flavorful batch of black beans ready to be used in various dishes!
2. Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Black Beans
No soaking needed: Unlike traditional stovetop methods, the Instant Pot eliminates the need for soaking, making this a true time-saver.
Use the natural release method: Allowing the pressure to release naturally ensures the beans cook evenly without breaking apart.
Adjust seasoning after cooking: Salt can sometimes interfere with the softening of beans during the cooking process, so feel free to adjust the seasoning after they are done.
Check water levels: Three cups of water work well, but if you want a brothier consistency, you can add an extra cup.
One of the best things about cooking black beans in an Instant Pot is that they turn out perfectly tender every time, without becoming mushy. The combination of spices and aromatics infuses them with so much flavor that you might never go back to canned beans again!
3. What to Do With Cooked Black Beans
There are so many ways to use these delicious black beans! Here are some of my favorite ideas:
Tacos & Burritos: A scoop of seasoned black beans makes a great filling for tacos or burritos.
Soups & Stews: Add them to soups like black bean soup or chili.
Rice Bowls: Serve over rice with avocado, salsa, and cilantro for a quick and healthy meal.
Salads: Toss them into a salad for added protein and fiber.
Breakfast: Black beans with eggs and tortillas make a hearty breakfast.
I love meal-prepping a big batch at the beginning of the week and using them in different meals. The possibilities are endless!
4. How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Refrigeration: Store cooked black beans in an airtight container with some of their cooking liquid. They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze black beans in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Be sure to include some of the liquid to prevent them from drying out.
Reheating: Gently warm them on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little water if necessary. If reheating in the microwave, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
I always make extra beans and freeze them for quick meals. Having homemade black beans on hand makes it so easy to whip up a nutritious meal without much effort!
Cooking black beans in an Instant Pot is a game-changer. The process is incredibly simple, and the results are far superior to canned beans. The flavors are richer, the texture is perfect, and you can control the seasoning to your liking.
If you haven’t tried making black beans from scratch, I highly recommend giving this recipe a shot. Once you see how easy it is, you’ll never go back to canned beans again! Enjoy your delicious, homemade black beans!
