Instant Pot Pinto Beans

Learn how to cook perfectly tender pinto beans with this simple step-by-step Instant Pot Pinto Beans recipe. No pre-soaking needed!

Instant Pot Pinto Beans

Skip the canned pinto beans and cook your pinto beans in the Instant Pot instead. It’s quick, easy, and cheaper. They are perfect for meal prep and to store for later.

Use this hand-off method to set it and forget it until it’s done! Instant Pot pinto beans are perfect as a side dish, a base for the main dish, tacos, soups, chilis, and so much more. Make a batch to use in meals throughout the week!

How to Cook Pinto Beans in the Instant Pot

In general, 1 cup of dried beans yields about 2 1/2 cups of cooked beans.

1. Rinse and Drain: In a mesh sieve, thoroughly rinse the dried beans in cool running water. Drain well.
2. Combine Ingredients: In the Instant Pot, add the rinsed pinto beans, water, and salt.
3. Pressure Cook: Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve on “sealing”, and cook on high pressure for 30 minutes. Once completed, turn off the Instant Pot and wait 10 minutes to naturally release the pressure. Quick-release any remaining pressure* and remove the lid.
4. Check Doneness: Check for doneness by inserting a fork into one of the beans. If it’s tender and cooked through, they are ready.
5. Drain: Carefully drain the beans.

*How do you quick-release? Quick-release by carefully turning the steam valve to the “Venting” position (I do this with a long handle). Once the steam has completely escaped, the pin will down. You can now carefully open the Instant Pot lid at this time (facing the lid away from you).

Tips for Making Perfect Pinto Beans

• Avoid using older beans: Older dried beans take longer to cook because they lose moisture as they sit. If you do use older beans, keep adding a few extra minutes until they are tender. If the water starts to run low, add 1/2 cup more water before closing the Instant Pot lid.
• Check the bulk section: Check to see if there’s a Bulk section in your grocery store where you can pick up the desired amount at a cheaper price!

Commonly Asked Questions

Do you need to pre-soak the pinto beans? Unless you prefer to soak them beforehand, it isn’t necessary to soak them if you’re cooking them in the Instant Pot.

How long do cooked pinto beans last in the fridge? 3 days if stored in a sealed container in the fridge.

Can you freeze cooked pinto beans? Yes! Make a batch of Instant Pot pinto beans and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

What size Instant Pot did you use? I’ve tested this recipe on both my Instant Pot Duo Mini 3-Quart and Instant Pot DUO 6-Quart with great results. However, you may need to tweak how long you cook the eggs based on preference, the size, model, and brand of your pressure cooker.

How to Serve Instant Pot Pinto Beans

Prepared pinto beans can be used in a variety of ways and make a tasty addition to meals throughout the week. Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy them:

• Serve with Instant Pot Brown Rice or Quinoa
• Boost the protein in a Vegan Power Bowl
• Add as a topping to Cauliflower Tacos or Potato Tacos
• Add them to your next burrito bowl
• Add them to nachos
• Enjoy as a side dish to any meal
• Add to chili and soups

For more Instant Pot Recipes, Check Out:

• Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup
• Instant Pot Cabbage
• How to Cook Hard-Boiled Eggs in the Instant Pot
• Instant Pot Carrots
• Instant Pot Beets

Did you make this Instant Pot Pinto Bean recipe? Leave a comment below and rate the recipe to let us know how it turned out! And be sure to save this easy side dish recipe for later by pinning to your favorite Instant Pot Pinterest board and be sure to tag me on Real + Vibrant’s Instagram to show me what you made!

Instant Pot Pinto Beans

★★★★★ 5 from 10 reviews

• Author: Sapana Chandra
• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Pressure Cooker
• Cuisine: American

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Description

Learn how to cook perfectly tender pinto beans with this simple step-by-step Instant Pot Pinto Beans recipe. No pre-soaking needed! 

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Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried pinto beans
• 4 cups water
• 1 teaspoon sea salt

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Instructions

1. In a mesh sieve, thoroughly rinse the dried pinto beans in cool running water. Drain well.
2. In the Instant Pot, add the rinsed pinto beans, water, and salt.
3. Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve on “sealing”, and cook on high pressure for 30 minutes. Once completed, turn off the Instant Pot and wait 10 minutes to naturally release the pressure. Quick-release any remaining pressure* and remove the lid.
4. Carefully drain the beans and move into a bowl. Season with salt and pepper.

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Notes

Note: I’ve tested this recipe on both my Instant Pot Duo Mini 3-Quart and Instant Pot DUO 6-Quart with great results. However, you may need to make adjustments based on the size, model, and brand of your pressure cooker.

Keywords: Instant Pot Pinto Beans