Cooking pinto beans in an Instant Pot is a game-changer. The days of soaking beans overnight and simmering them for hours on the stovetop are behind us! With an Instant Pot, you can enjoy perfectly tender, flavorful beans in a fraction of the time. Here’s how to do it, step by step, for a batch that serves 10.
1. How To Cook Pinto Beans in Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 1 pound dry pinto beans (about 2 cups)
- 6 cups water
- 1 small yellow onion, diced (about ½ cup)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
Rinse and Check the Beans: Start by rinsing the dry pinto beans under cold water. Make sure to pick out any small stones or debris—this step is crucial for ensuring your beans are clean and safe to cook.
Add Ingredients to the Instant Pot: Place the rinsed beans in the Instant Pot along with the water, diced onion, bay leaf, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together to distribute the seasoning.
Set the Instant Pot: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and ensure the steam release valve is set to “Sealing.” Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting, and set the timer for 35 minutes on high pressure.
Natural Release: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for at least 15 minutes. This step is important because it allows the beans to finish softening without becoming overcooked.
Check for Doneness: After the natural release, carefully open the lid. Taste the beans to ensure they are tender and flavorful. If they need a little more cooking, you can use the sauté function with the lid off to simmer them for a few extra minutes.
Serve: Discard the bay leaf and enjoy your perfectly cooked pinto beans!
2. Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Pinto Beans
No Soaking Required: Many people think dry beans need to be soaked overnight, but with the Instant Pot, soaking isn’t necessary. The pressure cooking process softens the beans perfectly, saving you so much time.
Add Flavor Boosters: While this recipe uses simple ingredients like onions and bay leaves, you can customize it to your liking. Try adding garlic, smoked paprika, or even a ham hock for extra depth of flavor.
Adjust Salt After Cooking: Salt can sometimes affect how beans soften, so if you’re worried about that, you can add the salt after cooking. Personally, I’ve never had an issue with this recipe, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re experimenting.
Keep an Eye on Liquid Levels: Beans absorb a lot of water as they cook. If you like your beans with more broth, you can add an extra cup of water. For thicker beans, keep the water amount as listed.
Test for Texture: Everyone has a different preference when it comes to bean texture. If you like firmer beans, you can reduce the cooking time by 5 minutes. For softer beans, let them sit in the warm Instant Pot for a few minutes after releasing the pressure.
3. What to Do With Cooked Pinto Beans
Pinto beans are wonderfully versatile. I love to serve them as a hearty side dish with rice, cornbread, or roasted vegetables. They also make a fantastic filling for tacos, burritos, or enchiladas. If you’re feeling creative, you can mash them slightly for homemade refried beans or blend them into a creamy bean soup.
For a simple meal, I like to top the beans with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and a sprinkle of cotija cheese. The fresh flavors really brighten up the dish. Pair them with grilled meat or roasted veggies, and you’ve got a crowd-pleasing, budget-friendly meal.
4. How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Leftover pinto beans are a lifesaver for busy days. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in individual portions for up to 3 months.
When reheating, I recommend adding a splash of water or broth to loosen them up, especially if they’ve thickened in the fridge. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Just make sure to stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the pan.
Cooking pinto beans in an Instant Pot has become a staple in my kitchen. It’s a simple, cost-effective way to make a delicious and healthy dish that can be customized in so many ways. Once you try this method, I’m confident you’ll never go back to the old way of cooking beans. Give it a try—you’re going to love it!
