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Home » Food » Recipes » Vegan » Instant Pot Refried Beans

Instant Pot Refried Beans

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Instant Pot "Refried" Beans
Instant Pot "Refried" Beans

Instant Pot “refried” beans are so delicious and easy to make, and they are much tastier than the canned version. Plus they are super cheap!

instant pot refried beans in a serving bowl with spoon

These are made from dry pinto beans, which are super budget friendly. Heads up though! These beans aren’t actually “fried” at all, and they use no added oil or lard. But pinky promise, you’ll never be able to tell the difference.

Note: This post contains Amazon affiliate links. See my full affiliate disclosure policy here.

Instant Pot refried beans in a serving bowl with chopped cilantro on top

They are vegan/ vegetarian friendly, low in fat, high in fiber, heart healthy and full of delicious flavor. And thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot, there is no need to soak the beans ahead of time.

How to make Instant Pot refried beans

First, gather your ingredients.

Ingredients

For tastiest results, always use the best quality ingredients you have access to.

Ingredients with label text on white surface

To make this (recipe name), you will need the following:

  • dried pinto beans
  • water
  • onion
  • Better than Bullion vegetable base
  • powder
  • cumin

Since the vegetable base already contains so much salt, I did not use any additional salt in this recipe. You can always taste test at the end and add more if needed.

If you need a lower salt option, you can alternatively replace the water + vegetable base with low sodium vegetable broth/ stock.

You will also need an immersion blender for this recipe. These are super affordable and well worth the investment, in my opinion. Here is one of the immersion blenders I have. (Amazon affiliate link) I actually have a couple.

Cooking the beans

Rinse the beans, remove any debris (no need to soak). Set aside.

Set the Instant Pot to the sauté setting, spray with cooking spray (or use water sauté method, if preferred) and add diced onion. Sauté until tender, about 5 minutes.

cooking diced onions on sauté in an Instant Pot

Add remaining ingredients, and cook on high pressure for 55 minutes.

Instant Pot refried bean ingredients in the pot prior to cooking

After the pressure cook time is complete, allow a natural release for 20 minutes, and quick release any remaining pressure. Let the beans slightly cool for a few minutes.

Blending Instant Pot refried beans

blending cooked pinto beans with immersion blender in the Instant Pot

Drain and reserve at least a cup of cooking liquid. Return drained beans to the Instant Pot. Start with adding back about 3/4 cup of cooking liquid to the beans, and puree with an immersion blender.

blended pinto beans in the Instant Pot

Note: Texture will be soupy while warm. It will thicken as it stands, and thicken significantly more after refrigeration.

Instant Pot "Refried" Beans

Enjoy these Instant Pot refried beans in tacos, burritos, as a side dish, or in any recipes that call for refried beans. Be sure and check out my Mexican 7 layer dip if you need some recipe inspiration.

hand dipping a tortilla chip into 7 layer dip

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

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instant pot refried beans in a serving bowl with spoon
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Instant Pot “Refried” Beans

Instant Pot "refried" beans are so delicious and easy to make, and they are much tastier than the canned version. Plus they are super cheap!

Course Basics, Side Dish
Cuisine Mexican, Tex Mex
Keyword instant pot refried beans, unfried beans
Author Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy

Ingredients

  • 1/2 pound dried pintos
  • 1/2 onion diced
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 Tablespoon better than bullion vegetable base
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin

Instructions

  1. Rinse the beans, remove any debris (no need to soak). Set aside.
  2. Set the Instant Pot to the sauté setting, spray with cooking spray (or use water sauté method, if preferred) and add diced onion. Sauté until tender, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add remaining ingredients, and cook on high pressure for 55 minutes.
  4. Natural release for 20 minutes, and quick release any remaining pressure. Allow to cool a bit.
  5. Drain and reserve at least a cup of cooking liquid. Return drained beans to the Instant Pot. Start with adding back about 3/4 cup of cooking liquid to the beans, and puree with an immersion blender. Note: Texture will be soupy while warm. It will thicken as it stands, and thicken significantly more after refrigeration.
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I am a home cook, recipe developer, coffee drinker and mom of two. My recipes are simple and tasty. I enjoy lots of fresh, healthy food, plus full treats without guilt. Thanks so much for stopping by! Read more here.

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