I finally joined in on the Instant Pot craze this Christmas when my family gifted me an 8 quart Instant Pot. Let’s just say, I am “In Love” with how quickly I can cook all the things… Boiled eggs – 5 minutes, frozen chicken breast – 30 minutes, dried pinto beans with bacon – 1 1/2 hours!!!!
Check out more Instant Pot Recipes: Instant Pot Apple Butter, Easy Instant Pot Strawberry Jam, Instant Pot Cinnamon Applesauce
If you are a beginner instant pot user this recipe is a good one to start with. I started with the 5 minute boiled eggs, which by the way, peel so beautifully I squeal with delight on the inside every time I peel one. Then I moved on to the chicken breast and dried beans.
Dried beans are really economical. They cost pennies to make. Beans are a great substitute for meat or another source of protein you can easily add to so many meals. They pair perfectly with Spicy Chili Lime Skillet Chicken with a side of Easy Restaurant Style Salsa & Chips.
They may seem intimidating if you have never made them before, but I promise you will love the flavor and the cost of using dried instead of canned beans. The instant pot takes out the hardest and longest step of soaking the beans. Before I had the instant pot I constantly forgot to soak my beans overnight! This wasn’t the end of the world, but definitely added more time to cooking and extra steps to get the perfect beans.
Instant Pot Pinto Beans are so versatile. They really don’t have much flavor, but can easily become the most flavorful dish on the table with just a few seasonings. This recipe is very basic, classic flavors. You can add garlic, jalapeños, sausage, liquid smoke, cajun seasoning, and so much more to change up the flavors!
While you don’t have to soak the beans overnight, you do have to wash them before cooking. Look for little stones in the beans. Most of the time they float to the top, but I always check thoroughly so no one breaks a tooth!
The bouillon gives a rich flavor to the pinto beans. I usually use vegetable bouillon, but you can substitute chicken or beef bouillon. This is not an ad, but I LOVE Better Than Bouillon in any recipe the calls for bouillon. I don’t know if I will ever be able to go back to regular, ol’ powdered bouillon. The flavors are so rich and deep it takes your dish to a whole other level.
The final part of this recipe that I need to explain is the time and pressure. Normally, when the timer dings you depressurize the instant pot by turning the release valve at the top. DON’T do that this time. After your beans cook for 45 minutes on high pressure, leave the instant pot alone. Allow it to switch automatically to the Keep Warm setting and let the timer reach 30 minutes. It will naturally depressurize during that time. And this will allow the beans to continue to cook.
Tips for Instant Pot Pinto Beans:
TIP 1: Freeze leftover beans. Don’t be afraid to make more than what you will use for the meal you are making the beans for. You can easily portion the beans into freezer bags to use for later meals. They still taste amazing!
TIP 2: Bacon. All you need is two or three strips of bacon and your beans will have a rich smokey flavor! Toss them in the pot uncooked. A simple way to take your beans over the top.
TIP 3: Meat Substitute You can substitute beans for ground beef in just about any recipe. These pinto beans make a delicious taco!
TIP 4: Refried Beans Canned refried beans are full of fat and sodium. You can quickly turn these pinto beans into refried beans on the stovetop. Add 1/4 cup of water to 2 cups of cooked pinto beans and smash with a potato masher in a skillet. Add in some taco seasoning or cumin to bump up the flavors. (You can add more water if the beans are too thick)
Instant Pot Pinto Beans
Ingredients
- 1 lb dried pinto beans
- 1 tbsp vegetable bouillon
- 3 strips bacon
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 5 cups water
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Rinse beans and remove rocks
- Add beans, bouillon, bacon, pepper, & water to instant pot
- Close instant pot lid and set to high pressure for 45 minutes.
- When timer beeps do not depressurize. Allow instant pot to automatically switch to Keep Warm and depressurize on its own. Leave for 30 minutes.
- Add salt to taste. *This will vary due to the saltiness of the bacon
This recipe for instant pot pinto beans is a great recipe to start with when you have a new instant pot. Not to mention a classic and delicious recipe that costs pennies.
If you are looking for recipes that will pair well with these Instant pot Pinto Beans check out this round up of Easy Cinco de Mayo recipes.
Check out more Instant Pot Recipes: Instant Pot Apple Butter, Easy Instant Pot Strawberry Jam, Instant Pot Cinnamon Applesauce
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Now that’s what I call beans! I live in the south, and if you don’t have bacon in your beans, you really haven’t made them correctly. LOL
I don’t know how anyone could go without an instant pot! They make life so much easier. I love this recipe for a great meal idea.
Oh yum! You’ve got my mouth watering. That looks so good! I’ll have to try this recipe for sure.
These beans look so delicious! Love how packed with bacon these beans are! Yummy!
I really should get an Instant Pot soon. I’ve been wanting to try new recipes like this. It looks so delicious!
I am cooking with Pressure Cooker and am loving it! I’ve also tried the Instant Pot recipes in a pressure cooker, and they work excellent!
I have looked into different kinds of Instant Pots on the market, and would like to try the one with the WiFi feature.
Instant pot has changed lives and how much time we spend waiting for the food to be ready.
These easy recipes are delightful!
My husband loves pinto beans! I’m saving this recipe to try this weekend
This was delicious! Just what I was craving. I increased the water to 5-1/2 cups (wanted “soup beans” and wasn’t sure if the original recipe would use up all the water) and increased the bouillon (Better Than Bouillon Veg) to 1-1/2 T. Came out perfect.
Absolutely loved this recipe! Turned out great
This makes me so happy to hear! Thank you!