Instant Pot Refried Beans

Say goodbye to canned refried beans and hello to the best homemade Instant Pot refried beans! This recipe is so easy, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner. Made with just four simple ingredients, these beans are creamy, flavorful, and require no soaking—perfect for busy days or whenever a delicious side dish is needed.

These Instant Pot refried beans are amazing! Once you try these made-from-scratch authentic Mexican refried beans, you’ll never want to eat the canned ones!

Why You’ll Love Instant Pot Refried Beans

• Effortless and Time-Saving: No soaking required! The Instant Pot handles everything, saving you hours compared to traditional methods.
• Unbeatable Taste: These beans are so rich and creamy, with layers of flavor from the broth, seasonings, and optional fat, making them far superior to canned options.
• Customizable to Your Needs: Whether you prefer them vegan, low-fat, or extra buttery, this recipe adapts easily to your preferences.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for quick and delicious meals throughout the week.
• Nutritious and Filling: Packed with fiber and protein, these beans are not just tasty but also a wholesome addition to your meals.

These Instant Pot refried beans are mouthwatering! So smooth and full of flavor, this is the only refried beans recipe you’ll ever need!

Without the Instant Pot, making refried beans from scratch would involve soaking the dry beans for hours and then boiling them for hours on the stove.  Who in the modern world would have time for that?  Before the Instant Pot, the only practical options for busy cooks would be making refried beans from canned beans (or just buying refried beans already canned).

Instant Pot truly revolutionized the process of making refried beans from scratch!  If you don’t own an Instant Pot, see my article “What Is An Instant Pot“.

Ingredients For Instant Pot Refried Beans

• Dry Beans – Pinto or navy beans are traditional for refried beans, providing a creamy texture and classic flavor.
• Broth or Water – Use chicken or vegetable broth for added flavor, or water if you prefer a simpler base.
• Fat – Butter, lard, or olive oil add richness to the beans. Omit if you want a lighter option.
• Taco Seasoning – A blend of spices adds bold and zesty flavors; you can use store-bought or homemade.

For exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Instant Pot Refried Beans

• Instant Pot – The star appliance of this recipe! It cooks the beans quickly and effortlessly without soaking.
• Immersion Blender or Food Processor – Essential for blending the beans to the smooth, creamy consistency of refried beans.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons – To accurately measure the beans, broth, fat, and seasonings.

No Soaking Needed For Instant Pot Refried Beans!

These refried beans are made from scratch from dry pinto beans or navy beans.  The best part of this recipe that you don’t need to soak the dry beans.  Just dump the beans and other ingredients in the Instant Pot, press the button and you are good to go!  And unlike a pot of boiling water on the stove, you don’t need to “babysit” the Instant Pot.  You can leave the house and the Instant Pot would still be doing its thing – your presence is not needed!

How To Make Instant Pot Refried Beans

This simple recipe uses 4 ingredients:

1. dry beans (traditional types of beans for refried beans are pinto beans or navy beans, but you can use any kind of beans)
2. liquid (chicken broth or vegetable broth or water)
3. fat (butter, lard, oil or just omit it)
4. seasoning (I like Taco seasoning, especially my homemade one, but you can use any spices you like)

You can be creative with the ingredients to adapt the recipe to your needs!

Just put all ingredient in the Instant Pot (the quantities are in the recipe card on the bottom of this article) and cook for 80 minutes on High pressure, followed by quick release (QR).  Then puree the beans by using an immersion blender or food processor.  Your homemade refried beans are ready!

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these refried beans as a hearty side dish alongside Air Fryer Mini Tacos – Quick and Crispy Snack, Authentic Mexican Beef Enchiladas, or Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Chicken Burritos.
• Use them as a filling for Simple Cheese Quesadillas, tostadas, or as a base layer for Air Fryer Loaded Nachos.
• Spread them on warm Authentic Mexican Flour Tortillas for a quick and satisfying snack.
• Top with shredded cheese, diced onions, or a dollop of Creamy Sour Cream for added flavor.
• Pair them with freshly made Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa, Authentic Mexican Guacamole, and Crispy Baked Tortilla Chips – Easy Homemade for a festive appetizer.

Tips For Success

• Rinse Your Beans: Even though there’s no need to soak the beans, rinsing them ensures any dirt or debris is removed.
• Choose the Right Liquid: Using broth instead of water enhances the flavor of the beans significantly. Opt for chicken broth, vegetable broth, or water depending on your dietary needs.
• Control the Consistency: For a thicker texture, blend the beans less. Add extra liquid gradually if you prefer a smoother consistency.
• Don’t Skip Seasoning: Taco seasoning provides a wonderful depth of flavor, but feel free to customize with chili powder, cumin, or garlic powder for a unique twist.
• Taste and Adjust: After blending, taste the beans and adjust the seasoning or add more fat for a richer flavor profile.
• Use the Keep Warm Feature: If serving later, use the Instant Pot’s “Keep Warm” setting to maintain the perfect temperature without drying out the beans.
• Make It Ahead: Refried beans freeze beautifully. Divide into portions and store in airtight freezer bags or containers for up to 6 months.

Variations And Substitutions

• Beans Options: While pinto and navy beans are traditional, you can use black beans or red kidney beans for a different flavor and texture.
• Vegan Version: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth or water and use olive oil instead of butter or lard. The results are just as delicious and entirely plant-based!
• Spice It Up: Add a diced jalapeño or a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the Instant Pot for a spicy kick.
• Garlic Lovers: Toss in a few cloves of garlic before cooking for an aromatic twist. Garlic powder can also be added after blending for extra depth.
• Cheesy Beans: Blend in shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese after cooking for a creamy, cheesy variation.
• Smoky Flavor: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke to infuse the beans with a smoky taste.
• Low-Fat Option: Skip the fat entirely to keep the beans light and healthy without compromising their natural creaminess.
• Herbaceous Twist: Stir in freshly chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice after blending for a bright and fresh finish.

Are Refried Beans Healthy?

Yes, beans are very nutritious and good for you!

The authentic Mexican recipe for refried beans uses lard for the “fat” component, but you can use a healthier fat of your choice such as olive oil or butter.  Besides, lard is a very specialized item and who has time to search for it at the grocery store :)

If you are trying to cut calories, you can omit the fat altogether from this recipe, as the refried beans are already smooth and creamy and yummy even without the added fat.

Vegan Refried Beans Version

In the authentic refried beans recipe, 2 animal products are used: chicken broth and lard.  You can easily make vegan refried beans by using vegetable broth or water instead of chicken broth, and olive oil instead of lard.  Super easy!  Refried beans are an awesome addition to a vegan diet as they are super filling and full of protein!

How To Store Homemade Refried Beans

Refried beans can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and reheated in the microwave as needed.  You can keep freshly made Instant Pot refried beans warm for several hours by using the “Keep Warm” button of your Instant Pot.  Refried beans can also be frozen for up to 6 months.

Freezing Refried Beans

To freeze refried beans, portion them in ziploc freezer bags, squeeze the air out, seal the bags and put in the freezer.  Thaw them in a refrigerator overnight, or on a Defrost setting in the microwave.  Once thawed, stir so the consistency is smooth and not watery, then heat in the microwave until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I soak the beans before cooking?

Yes, you can soak the beans if you prefer. Soaking reduces the cooking time in the Instant Pot to 30 minutes on High Pressure.

Can I make this recipe without an immersion blender or food processor?

Absolutely! You can mash the beans with a potato masher or even the back of a sturdy spoon. The texture may be chunkier, but still delicious.

What’s the best way to season refried beans?

Taco seasoning is a great choice, but feel free to experiment with cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, or garlic powder to suit your taste. Adjust the salt to your preference as well.

Are these refried beans spicy?

No, this recipe is mild as written. To add spice, include chopped jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or hot sauce.

Can I use canned beans instead of dry beans?

Yes, but the cooking process will change. Use the Instant Pot to sauté the canned beans with seasonings and puree them as needed. The cooking time will be significantly reduced.

How do I adjust the consistency of the beans?

If the beans are too thick, add more broth or water after blending and mix well. For thicker beans, cook them longer after blending to reduce excess liquid.

Can I use other types of fat besides butter, lard, or olive oil?

Certainly! Coconut oil or avocado oil are excellent alternatives. Each will lend a unique flavor to the beans.

How do I make these beans taste authentic without lard?

To mimic the richness of lard, use butter or a generous amount of olive oil. Season the beans well, and consider adding smoked paprika or a touch of cumin for authentic flavor.

More Instant Pot Recipes

If you like Instant Pot refried beans, you will also like these easy Instant Pot recipes:

• Instant Pot Baba Ganoush – this epic Middle Eastern dip is so addictive!
• Instant Pot Lentils And Brown Rice – this is a perfect vegan main dish that’s super filling.  Just dump everything in the Instant Pot and press the button!
• Instant Pot Fajitas – peppers and onions cooked in minutes, so easy!  Use them in tacos, burritos, salads, you name it!
• Instant Pot Corn On The Cob – this is the only way you’ll make corn from now on, truly the best ever!
• Instant Pot Baked Apples – stuffed with cinnamon and raisins, these baked apples are truly mouthwatering!
• Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice – tastes like the one from Chipotle!

More Side Dish Recipes

• Air Fryer Frozen Vegetable Fries – Quick and Healthy Side Dish
• Spicy Fried Mango Bites
• Deconstructed Spring Roll Salad Bowl