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
- Add all of the ingredients to an Instant Pot.
- Cook for 40 minutes, allow pressure to naturally release.
- Strain the beans and save the cooking liquid.
- 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!
These Instant Pot Refried Black Beans are so easy to make you'll never want to buy the canned kind again! They make the perfect side dish for any Mexican meal, serve them as a chip dip, or use them in burritos and quesadillas.
- 2 cups dried black beans
- 1 white onion chopped
- 4 garlic cloves or 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 6 cups chicken (or vegetable) broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
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Add all of the ingredients to an Instant Pot.
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Seal the lid, making sure the vent is closed. Press the pressure cook button and set the timer to 40 minutes. Once the time beeps, allow the pressure to naturally release for 20 minutes. Quick release any remaining pressure.
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Strain the beans over a bowl, saving the liquid.
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Return the strained beans back to the Instant Pot. Use an immersion blender to blend the beans to the desired consistency, add liquid back if the beans are too thick.
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Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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