Instant Pot Refried Beans AKA The BEST Refried Beans Recipe

pinto beans

🥗Healthier: black beans

💰Cheaper: canned beans

Canned beans save time and reduce prep work.

jalapeño

🥗Healthier: serrano pepper

💰Cheaper: bell pepper

Bell pepper offers a milder flavor.

vegetable oil

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Canola oil is often less expensive.

lime juice

🥗Healthier: lemon juice

💰Cheaper: vinegar

Vinegar provides acidity at a lower cost.

Place 2 cups of pinto beans in a fine mesh strainer and rinse them, checking for rocks.

Put the rinsed beans into the Instant Pot.

Add 1 onion cut into large chunks, 1 jalapeno (seeds and ribs removed), and 3 cloves of garlic.

Pour in 4 cups of low sodium vegetable broth or chicken broth and 2 cups of cold water.

Add 1 teaspoon of paprika, 2 teaspoons of chili powder, 0.5 teaspoon of onion powder, 0.5 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 0.5 teaspoon of cumin. Do not add salt yet.

Stir the mixture to incorporate all ingredients, then seal the Instant Pot lid with the vent knob pointed towards sealed.

Set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 50 minutes.

Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for up to 30 minutes.

Open the lid and use a slotted spoon to remove the beans, placing them into a blender (or use a colander over a large mixing bowl).

Leave the jalapeno in the bean mixture if you prefer a spicier flavor, or discard it for milder beans.

Add 0.5 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to the blender, along with 0.5 cup of the cooking liquid.

Blend the mixture, adding more reserved liquid until the desired consistency is reached, tasting and adjusting salt as needed.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary