instant pot pinto bean recipe

The Best instant pot pinto bean recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite Instant Pot Pinto Bean recipe. As a busy mom of three, I’m always on the lookout for quick and easy meals that are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. This recipe has been a staple in our household for years, and I’m sure it will become a favorite in yours too. Pinto beans are a type of bean that originated in Central America, and they’re a great source of protein, fiber, and vitamins.

When cooked in an Instant Pot, they become tender and creamy, making them perfect for soups, stews, or as a side dish. I love how versatile this recipe is – it’s perfect for everyday meals, potlucks, or even special occasions like holidays or family gatherings. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal preparation time.

Simply add the pinto beans to the Instant Pot with some aromatics like onion and garlic, and let the pressure cooker do the rest. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious and nutritious meal that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. My kids love helping me cook this recipe because they get to use the Instant Pot – it’s like a fun science experiment! And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good bean-filled meal?

Whether you’re serving it as a main course or as a side dish, this Instant Pot Pinto Bean recipe is sure to become a staple in your household too. So go ahead and give it a try – your taste buds (and your family) will thank you! One of the things I love about this recipe is how customizable it is. You can add your favorite spices or herbs to give it an extra boost of flavor.

I like to add some cumin and chili powder to give it a Southwestern twist. My husband loves when I add some diced tomatoes for an added burst of flavor. And don’t even get me started on how great it tastes with some crusty bread or cornbread on the side! The health benefits of this recipe are numerous too – pinto beans are high in fiber, which can help lower cholesterol levels and promote digestive health.

They’re also rich in folate, which is essential for healthy cell growth and development. And let’s not forget about all the vitamins and minerals they contain – including iron, magnesium, and potassium. This recipe is truly a winner in every way.

Instant Pot Pinto Beans

4.7 from 1422 votes

This Instant Pot Pinto Beans recipe is a quick and easy way to make flavorful beans. Served with a variety of sides, this dish is perfect for a weeknight meal.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time40 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

πŸ₯˜Ingredients

Ingredients

1 lb dried pinto beans
6 cups water
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 bay leaf

πŸ‘¨β€πŸ³Directions

1Rinse the pinto beans under cold water until the water runs clear.
2This step is important to remove any dirt or debris from the beans.
3Select the sautΓ© function on the Instant Pot and add olive oil.
4Once hot, add the diced onion and minced garlic.
5Cook until the onions are translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
6Add the rinsed pinto beans, water, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and bay leaf to the Instant Pot.
7Stir well to combine all ingredients.
8Make sure the beans are fully submerged in the water.
9Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to sealing.
10Select the manual/pressure cook function and set the time for 20 minutes at high pressure.
11The Instant Pot will take about 10 minutes to come to pressure.
12Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for at least 10 minutes.
13After 10 minutes, carefully turn the valve to venting to release any remaining pressure.
14Remove the lid and discard the bay leaf.
15Using a potato masher or the back of a spoon, mash some of the beans to thicken the broth.
16This step is optional but adds a creamy texture to the beans.
17Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
18Serve the pinto beans hot with your choice of sides, such as rice, tortillas, or a side salad.

πŸ”§Equipment

Instant Pot
Measuring cups
Cutting board
Knife

πŸ“ŠNutrition Facts (per serving)

πŸ”₯Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 5gπŸ’›Saturated Fat: 1g❀️Cholesterol: 0mgπŸ§‚Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 55gπŸ₯¦Dietary Fiber: 15g🍬Sugars: 5gπŸ₯©Protein: 20g

πŸ“Notes

Tips: For a spicier version, add 1-2 diced jalapeΓ±os with the onions and garlic. You can also use canned pinto beans if short on time, but adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly.

Watch Video Of How Instant Pot Pinto Beans Works

One of the best things about this Instant Pot Pinto Bean recipe is how well it stores for future meals. Simply refrigerate or freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days or 3 months respectively.

Reheating is easy – simply heat up individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. And don’t forget about all the delicious ways you can serve this recipe!

Try pairing it with some crusty bread or cornbread for a hearty snack or meal. You can also add some diced tomatoes or shredded cheese on top for added flavor.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Pinto Beans

Q: Can I use dried pinto beans instead of canned?

A: Yes, you can use dried pinto beans instead of canned beans. In fact, using dried beans can be more cost-effective and allows you to control the amount of sodium that goes into your meal.

Q: How long do pinto beans take to cook?

A: Cooking time will depend on whether you’re using dried or canned beans. If using dried beans, cooking time can range from 30 minutes to several hours if cooking on the stovetop.

Q: Can I add other ingredients to make this recipe more interesting?

A: Absolutely! Some popular additions include diced onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or any other vegetables you like.

Q: Do pinto beans have any health benefits?

A: Yes! Pinto beans are high in fiber which can help lower cholesterol levels and promote digestive health.

Q: Can I store leftover pinto bean soup in the fridge?

A: Yes! Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

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