Instant Pot Refried Black Beans

If you’re like me, you’ve probably purchased canned refried beans dozens of times. But, have you ever been brave enough to make your own?! The thought of having to soak dried beans and then simmer them for what feels like an eternity has always sounded like so much hassle to me. Until now. I finally learned the best secret to cooking dried beans, and it’s so incredibly easy you’ll never want to buy the canned kind again!

Enter Instant Pot. Instant Pot refried beans take only 45 minutes to cook and there's no soaking necessary! Whereas traditionally, beans have to be soaked overnight and then simmered on the stovetop anywhere from 45-180 minutes. Who has time for that?! Honestly, there’s a reason I’ve always opted for the canned varieties.

I can guarantee your life will be changed once you try these homemade refried black beans. The flavor and consistency is a million times better than that of the canned kind, after all, you get to puree and flavor them to your liking.

Ingredients in Instant Pot Refried Black Beans

• dried black beans
• white onion
• garlic
• olive oil
• cumin
• oregano
• chicken (or vegetable) broth

How to Make the Refried Beans

1. Add all of the ingredients to an Instant Pot.
2. Cook for 40 minutes, allow pressure to naturally release.
3. Strain the beans and save the cooking liquid.
4. Return the beans to the Instant Pot. Blend with an immersion blender until the desired consistency is reached. Add in liquid if beans are too thick.

What beans can you use for refried beans?

I’ve opted to use black beans for this specific recipe (they are perfect in these sweet pork nachos), but you can easily swap them out for the more traditional pinto beans.

Why are refried beans called "refried beans?"

Contrary to their name, refried beans aren't actually cooked twice. In Spanish, refried beans translate to frijoles refritos or "well-fried beans", not "refried beans". Refried beans is merely a mistranslation. 

Ways to use refried beans

• In a quesadilla
• As a burrito filling
• As a dip for tortilla chips
• In tacos
• As a side dish
• On nachos

More Mexican Inspired Recipes to Try

• Pico de Gallo
• Cafe Rio Sweet Pork
• Creamy Chicken Quesadillas
• Authentic Guacamole
• Instant Pot Sweet Pork Tacos

If you make this recipe, let me know what you think! I’d love it if you could add a star rating ★ and a comment below. Be sure to follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook, too!

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