I love to cook Instant Pot Mexican Beans in my pressure cooker. They are not only a great source of protein and full of goodness, Mexican beans taste delicious. This Instant Pot pinto beans recipe is super easy to cook and budget friendly.
I am sure you will love making Instant Pot Pinto Beans Mexican style. Cooking beans has never been easier!
Contents
Why You’ll Love Mexican Pinto Beans
- Rich and Hearty: These pinto beans are cooked to perfection, offering a robust, satisfying flavor.
- Versatile Side: Pressure Cooker Mexican beans pair well with a variety of dishes, making your Mexican meals complete.
- Time Efficient: The Instant Pot significantly reduces the usual soaking and cooking time for beans.
Recipe Ingredients
- Pinto beans: Are the star ingredient in Instant Pot Mexican Beans, providing a hearty and creamy base.
- White onion: Adds a mild and sweet flavor to the Mexican beans.
- Minced garlic: Brings a bold and aromatic flavor to the recipe.
- Jalapeño: Adds a spicy kick to the Mexican beans.
- Chili powder: Adds a warm and robust flavor to the beans.
- Cumin: Brings a distinctive earthy and nutty flavor to the Mexican beans.
- Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and subtle spiciness to the beans.
- Garlic powder: Intensifies the garlic flavor in the beans, adding an extra punch of savory goodness.
- Water: Helps soften the beans, allowing them to cook thoroughly and absorb the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Salt: Crucial for seasoning the beans and bringing out their natural flavors.
How To Make Instant Pot Mexican Beans?
Soak 1-pound dried pinto beans in 4 cups of water for at least six hours, if not overnight. I like to soak them in the Instant Pot for less clean up!
Pour the soaked pinto beans into a colander. Rinse the pinto beans well. Discard the water that the beans were soaked in.
Add the pinto beans back into the Instant Pot. Add in your remaining ingredients, including four more cups of water.
Close the Instant Pot by screwing on the lid and closing the valve by pushing it away from you. Set the instant pot to high pressure for 20 minutes (it will take the Instant Pot to come to pressure in about 10 minutes.)
For 15 minutes, allow your Instant Pot to naturally release. After the 15 minutes, manually release by opening the valve with a hot pad or towel to prevent from the hot steam.
Open your Instant Pot and give your cooked beans a stir.
Pro Tips For Cooking Pinto Beans
- Rinse and Soak: Rinse beans, soak for 4 hours or overnight, or use Instant Pot’s quick soak function for 1 hour.
- Flavorful Seasonings: Add onions, garlic, cumin, chili powder, Mexican oregano, and optional ham or bacon for taste. Adjust seasonings cautiously.
- Simmer for Enhanced Flavor: After the Instant Pot cycle, consider simmering the beans on the sauté mode for a few additional minutes. This helps meld flavors and ensures the beans are perfectly seasoned throughout. Adjust consistency by adding water or broth if needed.
Optional Toppings
- Fresh Cilantro: Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for a burst of freshness and citrusy flavor.
- Lime Wedges: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the beans for a zesty kick.
- Avocado or Guacamole: Add diced avocado or guacamole for a creamy, buttery texture.
- Queso Fresco or Cotija Cheese: Crumble queso fresco or cotija cheese on top for a salty, tangy kick.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Store Cooked Beans: Cool beans to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze Cooked Beans: Once cooled, place the beans in a zipper bag or airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
- Reheating: Heat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water until warmed through. Adjust seasoning as needed.
What To Serve With This Mexican Beans?
You can serve your Instant Pot Mexican beans in a bowl by themselves, or on a plate with your favorite Mexican dish! Here are some side dishes to serve with your Mexican Style Pinto Beans.
- Mexican Rice: A classic side dish, Mexican Rice complements the beans perfectly.
- Tortillas or Tortilla Chips: Serve pinto beans with warm tortillas or crispy tortilla chips for a delightful texture contrast.
- Salsa: A Fresh Salsa, whether it’s pico de gallo or a Mango Salsa, adds a burst of flavor. Consider making a simple salsa using tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice.
- Guacamole: Creamy Guacamole is an excellent accompaniment. You can find Instant Pot guacamole recipes for quick and easy preparation.
- Mexican Slaw: A refreshing slaw with cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing can provide a crunchy element to balance the meal.
- Quesadillas: Cheese-filled Quesadillas are a satisfying addition. You can make them in the Instant Pot for a quick and cheesy treat.
- Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled or Instant Pot Mexican Street Corn with mayo, lime, and cheese is a flavorful side dish.
- Chopped Salad: A hearty Chopped Salad with black beans, corn, avocado, and a cilantro-lime dressing can complement the beans well.
FAQ’S
How Long To Soak Pinto Beans?
Soak pinto beans for at least 4 hours or overnight for optimal results. For a quicker option, use the Instant Pot’s quick soak function by boiling dried beans for 2 minutes and letting them soak for 1 hour.
What Seasonings Work Well With Instant Pot Pinto Beans?
Common seasonings include chopped onions, garlic, cumin, chili powder, Mexican oregano, and optionally, ham or bacon for a smoky flavor. Adjust the seasonings based on personal taste preferences.
Can I Add Salt To The Beans Before Cooking In The Instant Pot?
It’s advisable to avoid adding salt to the beans before cooking as it can toughen the beans. Season the beans after cooking is complete.
Can I Use Chicken Broth Instead Of Water?
Using chicken broth instead of water is a fantastic way to add extra flavor to your Instant Pot pinto beans. The broth will infuse the beans with a rich and savory taste. Just be mindful of the salt content in the broth and adjust any additional seasoning accordingly.
How Can I Use The Bean Broth?
Use the bean broth in soups, stews, cooking grains, sauces, freezing for later, moistening leftovers, making bean hummus, or cooking vegetables for added flavor and richness.
Instant Pot Mexican Beans
Ingredients
- 1- pound dry pinto beans
- ½ small white onion chopped
- 4 TBSP minced garlic
- 1 jalapeño seeds and ribs removed and chopped
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 TBSP garlic powder
- 4 cups water
- 1 TBSP salt or more to taste
Instructions
- Soak 1-pound dried pinto beans in 4 cups of water for at least six hours, if not overnight. I like to soak them in the instant pot for less clean up!
- Pour the pinto beans into a colander. Rinse the pinto beans well. Discard the water that the beans were soaked in.
- Add the pinto beans back into the instant pot. Add in your remaining ingredients, including four more cups of water.
- Close the instant pot by screwing on the lid and closing the valve by pushing it away from you. Set the instant pot to high pressure for 20 minutes (it will take the instant pot to come to pressure in about 10 minutes.)
- For 15 minutes, allow your instant pot to naturally release. After the 15 minutes, manually release by opening the valve with a hot pad or towel to prevent from the hot steam.
- Open your instant pot and give your beans a stir.
- You can serve your Instant pot Mexican beans in a bowl by themselves, or on a plate with your favorite Mexican dish! Top with cilantro, jalapeños, or more onion! Enjoy
Nutrition
Notes
- Rinse and Soak: Rinse beans, soak for 4 hours or overnight, or use Instant Pot’s quick soak function for 1 hour.
- Flavorful Seasonings: Add onions, garlic, cumin, chili powder, Mexican oregano, and optional ham or bacon for taste. Adjust seasonings cautiously.
- Simmer for Enhanced Flavor: After the Instant Pot cycle, consider simmering the beans on the sauté mode for a few additional minutes. This helps meld flavors and ensures the beans are perfectly seasoned throughout. Adjust consistency by adding water or broth if needed.
More Tasty Instant Pot Recipes
If you love these pressure cooker pinto beans then you may also enjoy the following pressure cooker recipes:
Can these be made in a crockpot?
Yes but the beans will take around 7-8 hours in the crockpot / slow cooker.