INSTANT POT REFRIED BEANS (VEGAN)

Instant Pot Refried Beans made from scratch are the BEST! This easy, vegan refried beans recipe uses a NO SOAK method of pressure cooking the beans keeping every bit of flavor and are great will all your favorite Vegan Mexican Recipes!

Homemade refried beans are made oil free, low-fat and so much healthier and more flavorful than store-bought canned refried beans. And I must say they are just as good, if not better than restaurant refried beans, even without all the butter, oils and extras they add in.

Once you’ve made your own refried beans from scratch, you’ll never want canned again. Thick, creamy and delicious, this recipe is perfect for making ahead and stores perfectly in the fridge or freezer until ready to use.

Need more ways to cook refried beans:

• If you prefer using a Slow Cooker, be sure to see how to make Slow Cooker Refried Beans!
• Making refried beans on the stovetop is super easy using my Quick & Easy Refried Beans recipe.

This post contains affiliate links. Read my full disclosure here.

Ingredients You’ll Need

In this recipe, pinto beans, onion, garlic and spices are pressure cooked creating a flavorful refried beans that is perfect to use in a variety of Mexican inspired dishes.

Here is everything you’ll need:

• Pinto beans: We’ll be making this refried bean recipe from scratch, so you’ll need a one pound package of dried pinto beans, about 2 cups. Substitute for black beans if you prefer refried black beans. And If you prefer to use canned beans, this Quick + Easy Refried Beans is perfect for you and ready in 20 minutes.
• Onion and garlic: Added for superb flavor. If you don’t have fresh on hand, use 3 teaspoons of onion powder or 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
• Vegetable broth: The beans will soak up the vegetable broth, adding another layer of flavor when cooking. Plus, you’ll reserve some of the cooking liquid, adding some back to the beans when pureeing at the end. To cut down on cost and sodium I use 1 – 2 teaspoons of Better Than Bouillon Vegetable Base to the 8 cups of water called for.
• Spices and peppers: I like to add cumin, a chili powder (chipotle powder is my favorite), and 2 bay leaves. These would also be delicious with an added teaspoon of oregano. For even more flavor add a jalapeno for extra spice, or use a hatch or anaheim chili for a milder flavor. For this recipe I used a hatch chili.
• Salt and pepper: Add up to 1 teaspoon each of mineral salt and pepper. Mineral salt is different from table or sea salt, and includes essential minerals and trace elements. I find it more flavorful and that I don’t need as much. It’s the salt that I use most and highly recommend using it.
• Lime juice: Freshly-squeezed at the end of preparation adds a wonderful brightness of flavor.

How To Make Instant Pot Refried Beans

Making homemade refried beans in the instant pot only requires a few simple steps:

• Start by washing the beans. Rinse the beans under cool running water using a colander. Pick out and remove any odd shaped beans.
• Add ingredients to the instant pot. Place the beans in the bowl of the instant pot, add the onions, garlic, cumin, chili powder, chili peppers (if using), bay leaves, salt, pepper and finish with the liquids.
• Pressure cook the beans. Manually set the Instant Pot to HIGH pressure for 45 minutes, close the vent. Once done, let the pressure cooker steam vent naturally for about 25 minutes.
• Drain the beans. Let the beans cool a few minutes and drain the liquids, reserving up to 2 cups. I love having my Instant Pot lid on hand to help with draining. Simply adjust it askew when tipping the pot, just enough so the beans don’t spill out.
• Mash or Puree the beans. Using a potato masher or immersion blender, mash or puree the beans to desired consistency. Add as much of the reserved liquids you need to thin. Ultimately, you may like the beans un-mashed for a more ranchero or charro style bean.
• Taste for flavor. Taste the beans, adding as much lime juice, salt and pepper as you like.

Now all you have to do is enjoy!

How To Store + Reheat

• Refrigerator: Leftovers will keep for 5 – 6 days in the refrigerator, stored in a covered container.
• Freezer: Refried beans are freezer friendly and will freeze well for up to 2 – 3 months. To freeze, let cool completely and store in freezer safe containers (affiliate link), leaving 1/2 inch head space for expansion. You can also freeze larger portions in large ziplock bags or containers. Let thaw before reheating.
• Reheat: Simply re-warm on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through, adding a little water as needed so the beans don’t stick to the pan. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave, covered, using 30 – 60 second intervals, stirring after each, until warm.

Serving Suggestions

Here is a few ideas on how to use your homemade refried beans:

• Dips: Use refried beans in this 7 Layer Mexican Fiesta Dip.
• Wraps: Use in this delicious Refried Bean & Avocado Lavash Wrap.
• Tortas: It’s perfect for these Avocado & Refried Bean Tortas.
• Tacos: Serve mashed or unmashed in these Roasted Poblano Taco Sliders.
• Burritos: Fold into tortillas with Southwest Tofu scramble for Mexican style breakfast burritos or use in these freezer friendly Spicy Black Bean + Quinoa Burritos.
• Enchiladas, and more: They’re also perfect as a side for enchiladas, quesadillas and tostadas.
• Nacho Bowl: Or make a simple deconstructed nacho bowl.
• Rice: Looking for another side, this Cilantro Lime Rice is perfect!

However you like instant pot refried beans, I hope you enjoy!

More Instant Pot Recipes

• Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
• Instant Pot Black Beans
• Instant Pot Applesauce (Sugar Free)
• Instant Pot Cuban Black Beans
• Instant Pot Red Beans + Rice

If you try this easy pinto beans recipe, please let me know! Leave a comment and rate it below. I love to hear what you think, or any changes you make.

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