Instant Pot Refried Beans

Easy Instant Pot Refried Beans Recipe

Mexican night happens at least once a week in my house, whether it’s tacos, enchiladas, or tostadas. These Instant Pot refried beans are the perfect side dish for any of these dishes.

Instead of cooking the beans twice as you would with traditional refried beans, you simply cook pinto beans until tender in the IP and then mash them until creamy. The other major difference? There’s no oil or lard needed for this recipe.

These refried beans make a flavorful and filling side dish with my Instant Pot cilantro lime rice, so I often make them together. And if you enjoy leftovers, double the recipe so you can use the beans in burritos or tacos later in the week!

Prefer black beans? Check out my Instant Pot black bean recipe.

What Beans Are Used To Make Refried Beans?

Pinto beans are most often used to make refried beans, which are tender, creamy and have a slightly sweet, earthy flavor. They mash easily which makes them the perfect bean for refried beans. Black beans, however can be used in place of pinto beans if you desire. Also try Dominican beans for a tasty recipe with red kidney beans.

How To Make Instant Pot Refried Beans

The Instant Pot significantly reduces the time needed to cook the dry pinto beans, while keeping the process to make them into refried beans super easy. There’s also the option to leave the cooked beans whole as Instant Pot pinto beans.

1. Combine and cook. Combine the soaked and drained beans, water, onion, and garlic in the Instant Pot. Stir to submerge the beans, then add the lid and turn the steam release valve to “Sealing”. Pressure cook on high pressure for 20 minutes.
2. Release. Naturally pressure release for 10 minutes, then move the steam release valve to Venting for any remaining pressure.
3. Drain the beans. Drain the beans, reserving the liquid.
4. Mash and season the beans. Return the beans to the Instant Pot with 1/2 cup of the reserved cooking liquid and the seasonings. Use a potato mashed to mash the beans to your desired texture. Taste test and adjust the seasoning if needed.
5. Enjoy. Serve warm with a garnish of cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

Recipe Tips and Variations

• Soak the beans ahead of time. This recipe begins with dried beans but they do need to soak for 8 hours in advance. Drain before adding to the Instant Pot.
• Mash to your preferred texture. You can mash the beans until completely smooth or opt to leave some texture – up to you!
• Use an immersion blender. If you want smooth pureed beans, you can use an immersion blender instead of a potato masher.
• Taste test before serving. I find it best to start with a small amount of salt and then adjust if needed. Always give the beans a taste test after combining all the ingredients and add more seasoning if desired.

Ways to Serve Refried Beans

If you’re serving these as an appetizer or dip with tortilla chips, feel free to add some garnishes. Chopped fresh cilantro, lime wedges, diced tomato, sliced jalapeño, diced avocado, and crumbled queso all work well. I also like to layer refried beans into a Mexican layer dip or swap them for the black beans beans in my pupusa recipe. And don’t forget to wash it all down with a skinny margarita!

Storage and Reheating

• Fridge. Store leftover beans in an airtight container in the fridge for 1 week.
• Reheat. You can reheat leftover refried beans in the microwave or on the stovetop. They will thicken as they sit, so you may want to add an extra splash of water or broth to prevent them from drying out.

More Instant Pot Recipes to Enjoy

Check out more of the easy Instant Pot recipes that make weeknight dinners a breeze.

• Instant Pot Chicken Taco Chili
• Instant Pot Beef Chili
• Pozole Rojo
• Carne Guisada (Latin Beef Stew)
• Instant Pot Picadillo