Name: Instant Pot Refried Beans
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 8 Servings
Cuisine: Mexican

It is a Keeper Verified

March 4, 2026

Instant Pot Refried Beans are perfect for when you’re craving Mexican food from home. They’re so easy to make and go great with so many dishes. These are so much better than canned refried beans again. I love to make refried beans in the instant pot because it’s quick and easy; perfect for those busy weeknights. These are so much better than canned beans.

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Instant Pot Refried Beans

It is a Keeper Verified

Ingredients

Warning0 allergens identified

Instructions

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Instructions

Place dry rinsed beans into instant pot and add 5 cups of water

Seal the lid and pressure valve and cook on high for 30 minutes. Manually release pressure when finished.

Drain beans while keeping 2 cups of liquid and set aside.

Place the beans in a food processor with butter and spices. Blend until beans are smooth and creamy. Add left over liquid 1 tablespoon at a time to achieve desired consistency.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Soak Beans for Texture Control 💧
Quick-soak pinto beans for 1 hour before cooking to ensure uniform tenderness and reduce pressure cooking time to just 25 minutes, preventing mushy or undercooked beans.
Bloom Spices in Butter First 🧈
Toast cumin, chili powder, and paprika in butter for 1-2 minutes before adding beans to unlock their essential oils and create a deeply flavorful base that permeates every bite.
Layer Your Seasonings Strategically 🎯
Add garlic and onion powder with the spices, but reserve salt until after pressure cooking completes—this prevents salt from hardening the bean skins and ensures better absorption.
Mash to Your Preferred Consistency 🥄
Use the instant pot's sauté function after cooking to mash beans to your exact texture preference, whether creamy or chunky, while reducing excess liquid by 30-40% for optimal thickness.
Add Fat After Cooking for Better Flavor 🌟
Finish refried beans with an extra pat of butter or drizzle of quality Mexican crema after pressure release—this coats the beans and enhances their richness far better than adding fat at the start.

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About the Cook

It is a Keeper

Hi! I’m Christina… welcome to my kitchen! It’s so nice to meet you! I share tried and true recipes that anyone can make. I believe, if you can read, you can cook.