Instant Pot pinto beans are the perfect southwestern bean for just about any Mexican or Southwestern inspired recipe. Serve these beans on the side, add them to a dip, burritos, or bowls. There are tons of possibilities. And since we are using the Instant Pot, you can have these ready in less than an hour without soaking them!
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What are Pinto Beans?
Pinto beans are a common bean found in Mexico and the southwestern United States. They are often eaten whole, mashed, or refried.
The beans have a slightly speckled appearance. Their name in Spanish, frijol pinto, translates to "speckled bean."
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How are Pinto beans different from other beans
Pinto beans, like other beans, are packed full of fiber, protein, and other nutrients. They are most similar to Navy beans, great northern beans, pinquito beans, or borlotti beans. In a pinch, you could use any of these in a recipe that calls for pinto beans.
Pinto beans are also commonly used in refried beans, Mexican or Southwestern dishes, and soups.
Why you will love these Pinto Beans
When you make pinto beans in the Instant Pot, you will love how easy it is! Though you can soak them, you don’t have to and the beans will still taste great.
These pinto beans are the perfect addition to your favorite soups, bean dips, refried beans, or chili recipes.
These beans are very versatile too. You can serve them as a side dish. You can also add them into your favorite main dish too.
And if you love seasoned beans, these are for you. We use southwestern seasonings to give these beans a great bit of flavor and perfect for adding to your favorite recipes.
Pinto beans ingredients
When you want to make great tasting pinto beans, these are the ingredients you’ll need.
- Dry pinto beans - Make sure you rinse and drain them.
- Olive oil - We prefer olive oil, but other light tasting oils will work.
- Yellow onion - You could use white or red if you prefer.
- Garlic cloves - Make sure you mince the cloves or crush them with a press.
- Vegetable stock - This adds extra flavor to the beans, but you could substitute with more water if you prefer.
- Water
- Seasonings - You’ll need ground cumin, chili powder, oregano, bay leaf, and salt (to taste).
How to make Pinto Beans in Instant Pot
- Once you have all your ingredients together, follow these steps to make great tasting pinto beans in your Instant Pot.
- First, set the Instant Pot to SAUTE and when it reads “Hot,” add the oil, garlic, and onions. Once they are added, sauté for 2 minutes or until fragrant.
- When the onions are fragrant, add cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, pepper, cayenne, broth, and water. Before adding the beans, make sure to scrape up any browned bits at the bottom and then stir in the beans.
- Finally, hit CANCEL and select pressure cook on high pressure for 45 minutes. When done, allow the pressure to naturally release.
- Carefully remove the lid and drain the beans, reserving the liquid. You can serve the beans as a side or add them to your favorite entree.
Pro tips and tricks
If you are new to making beans in the Instant Pot, check out these tips for the best results.
- You don’t need to soak the beans, but if you do, you can reduce the cook time to 20 minutes.
- Even though you are not soaking the beans, make sure you thoroughly rinse them to remove debris and extra starch.
- For more tips and tricks, check out our post on Instant Pot Dry beans.
No soak Pinto beans
For this recipe, we do not soak the beans. If you soak the beans overnight, you can reduce the cooking time to 20 minutes.
How long to cook pinto beans on stove top or instant pot?
If you cook pinto beans on the stove top, you will need to soak them overnight. Once soaked, you will need to bring them to a boil and then simmer them for about 2 to 2 and 1/2 hours.
In the Instant Pot, they need to cook for about 45 minutes on high pressure if they are not soaked first. When you soak the beans overnight, you can cut the cook time to 20 minutes. Both need a natural release, which adds a few minutes of time to the end of cooking.
How to season Pinto beans
We use southwest seasonings for our pinto beans. We do that so that if we add them to our favorite Mexican or southwestern style recipes, they add to the flavor and compliment it nicely. Also, you can add more heat by including a pepper or ground pepper.
If you plan to eat them on their own or as part of a soup, you could just use salt, pepper, and a bay leaf.
How to store it
You can store cooked beans in an airtight container in the fridge for about 4 to 6 days. Before storing, allow them to cool and then spoon them into the container. To reheat, you can either add them directly to whatever recipe you are making, reheat them in a microwave, or place them in a small pot and gently warm over low heat until warmed through.
Can I freeze them?
Yes, you can freeze the beans if you want to. Before freezing, allow them to cool to room temperature. Once they are cool, add them to a freezer safe container.
When they are ready, place them in the freezer. They should last for about 3 to 4 months in the freezer.
Before you reheat them, make sure you let them thaw in the fridge overnight.
Can I meal prep them?
Pinto beans are a great addition to a lot of different recipes, so yes, you can make these ahead of time. To do so, follow the recipe and then place the cooked beans in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
Serving suggestions
There are lots of great recipes that you can add these beans to. One of our favorite recipes is this 7 layer bean dip. Or, if refried beans are your favorite, you can use these pinto beans in this great refried bean recipe.
If you like this recipe, do check out our other bean recipes Instant Pot Beans, Charro Beans, and baked beans.
For a great copy cat Taco Bell recipe, you could add them to our chalupa recipe. Of course, you can’t go wrong with a Mexican burrito bowl that is packed full of flavor. These beans would add even more flavor to these already tasty dishes.
Of course, you can also serve the beans as a great side to your favorite Mexican dish too.
More Mexican Recipes
Let us know what you think
If you love making beans in your Instant Pot, be sure to take a pic and tag us on Instagram @dbellyrulesdmind or Facebook @thebellyrulesthemind!
Easy Instant Pot Pinto Beans (No Soak and Soaked Beans)
Instant Pot pinto beans are the perfect southwestern bean for just about any Mexican or Southwestern inspired recipe. Serve these beans on the side, add them to a dip, burritos, or bowls. There are tons of possibilities. And since we are using the Instant Pot, you can have these ready in less than an hour without soaking them!
Ingredients
- 1 pound dry pinto beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 yellow onion (minced)
- 3 cups vegetable stock
- 3 cups water
- 2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Pick over beans to make sure there are no small pebbles or other debris. Wash and rinse the pinto beans and set aside.
- First, set the Instant Pot to SAUTE and when it reads “Hot,” add the oil, garlic, and onions. Once they are added, sauté for 2 minutes or until fragrant.
- When the onions are fragrant, add cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, pepper, cayenne, broth, and water. Before adding the beans, make sure to scrape up any browned bits at the bottom and then stir in the beans.
- Finally, hit CANCEL and select pressure cook on high pressure for 45 minutes for unsoaked beans and 20 minutes for soaked beans.
- When done, allow the pressure to naturally release.
- Stir and season the beans to taste with salt.
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Mandy says
Curious, how do you use up the liquid you said to save? I would think soup. Any ideas or recipes you have that use this?
TheBellyRulesTheMind says
Hi Mandy.Yes use it as a base to make soups
Donna says
What size IP did you use ? I have an 8qt .
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Donna, we used 8 qt instant pot too.
Britt says
Delicious recipe. I made these in the instant pot and my family loved them but twice while in a pinch, I used canned beans, halved the recipe and they were just as delicious! Thanks!
Angela says
The directions mention cayenne but it's not in the ingredient list. How much should I use or just leave it out?
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Angela, you can use paprika or red chili powder or cayenne what ever you have on hand :)
Andee Magerus says
What would you change if you added a ham hock?
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Andee, the time remains the same. The the pressure release naturally.
Carrie Robinson says
So smart to make these in the instant pot! Definitely going to have to try this soon. :)
Michelle says
Thank you for the instructions on how to make these IP pinto beans -- they came out delicious!
Shadi Hasanzadenemati says
I Made for a gathering and it was a hit, everyone loved it! Will definitely make it again!
April says
I made these to put in my burritos last night and they were so good. Thanks for sharing this yummy and easy recipe.