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 for:
- side dishes
- 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 the pressure?
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).
1. Rinse and drain pinto beans. 2. Add water. 3. Pressure cook. 4. Remove lid and drain cooked beans.
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
- Use in a burrito bowl
- Add as a topping 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!
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Learn how to cook perfectly tender pinto beans with this simple step-by-step Instant Pot Pinto Beans recipe. No pre-soaking needed!
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried pinto beans
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- In a mesh sieve, thoroughly rinse the dried pinto beans in cool running water. Drain well.
- In the Instant Pot, add the rinsed pinto beans, water, and salt.
- 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.
- Carefully drain the beans and move into a bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
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
Irina says
Your recipe of pinto beans cooked in an instant pot is easy to make. It is a keeper for busy weeknight dinners. Great idea and amazing recipe! Thanks for sharing.
★★★★★
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
So happy to hear, Irina! Thank you for your feedback.
Colleen says
My instant pot is new and I have yet to cook beans in it, but I can’t wait to try this. Thank you!
★★★★★
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
Excited for you, Colleen!
Andrea Metlika says
Love how quick and easy these are to make. A perfect side dish.
★★★★★
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
Thank you, Andrea! So glad you enjoyed it.
Justine Howell says
Perfectly tender in no time, the only way to make them homemade anymore.
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
So happy to hear, Justine!
Neha says
Such a nutritious and easy recipe Sapana! I am sure this will be a super hit in my family.
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
Thanks, Neha! hope you enjoy it!
[email protected] says
Where are those measuring spoons from?? love them! I totally need to get an instant pot, wonder if a pressure cooker would work as well!
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
They’re from Target. Yes, a pressure cooker would work well!
Sarah W. says
My beans turned out perfect!
★★★★★
Sapana Chandra says
So glad to hear, Sarah!
Emily Liao says
Thanks for the quick run-down on how to make this in an instant pot!
Sonal says
I love using my instant pot on daily basis and cooking beans in it is the best thing.
★★★★★
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
It makes it so easy! Thanks for stooping by, Sonal.
Sandhya Hariharan says
I really love the simplicity of cooking beans in the Instant Pot. They are an absolutely bliss.
★★★★★
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
Thanks, Sandhya! I love how easy the IP makes it to cook beans.
Noelle says
I love pressure cooker recipes! I never thought to make pinto beans in one, great idea!
★★★★★
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
Thanks, Noelle!
Krissy Allori says
Thank you so much for this recipe. I couldn’t believe how hard it was to find a recipe for beans in the pressure cooker. These were perfect!
★★★★★
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
So happy to hear, Krissy!
Terry Wilcox says
It took me forever to find a recipe on how to cook pinto beans in my Instant Pot (without the fluff – all the other recipes I looked like had other ingredients and flavors I could care less for)! Thank you for creating this – it answers all my questions and I made the perfect beans.
★★★★★
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
That makes me happy to hear, Terry!
Nana says
OMG, it was nearly impossible to google a simple instapot recipie for the humble pinto bean. The ratios & explaination are perfect! I closed the web tab & it took forever to find you again. Had to slog through pintos with added frills. Sounds silly but man, great recipie. My Mexican husband approves. Thank you!
★★★★★
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
Hi Nana, so happy to hear that you and your husband enjoyed this recipe! Thank you for sharing.
Cecilia says
Made these tonight. Pretty sure I’ll never buy canned beans again. Thank you!!!!
★★★★★
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
So happy to hear, Cecilia!
Andrea Metlika says
This is a great IP recipe. I love that you don’t have to soak the beans and how good they look when they are done. Yummy.
★★★★★
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
Thanks, Andrea!
Suzy says
The is the perfect way to cook beans! It’s makes it so quick and hands off! Love it!
★★★★★
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
I love that about the Instant Pot!
susan | the wimpy vegetarian says
Cooking beans in my Instant Pot is my go-to way of cooking them! They’re perfect every single time. Thanks for all the tips!
★★★★★
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
You’re so welcome!
Cindy Gordon says
Another WIN for the instant pot! Such an easy way to make pinto beans!
★★★★★
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
It truly is! Thanks, Cindy!
Heidy L. McCallum says
I may have missed it, but, do you soak your beans? I have been making beans in my instapot but usually, still, soak them so I want to be sure if for this recipe I should or can I skip it? Thanks in advance!
★★★★★
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
You can soak them but it’s not necessary!
Alison says
These are great tips for making beans in an instant pot. I’ve made beans in the crockpot before, but this is a great method to use to save time! I prefer not to buy canned beans and this makes preparing beans so easy!
★★★★★
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
Thanks, Alison! Glad you enjoy this method of making beans.
Mary says
Instant pots make dry beans manageable! It’s like magic!
★★★★★
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
I couldn’t agree more with you, Mary!
Kelly Anthony says
I’ve never thought to buy beans in the bulk section before. Thanks for sharing a great money saving tip!
★★★★★
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
Thanks for stopping by, Kelly!
Jamie says
These beans turned out so tender and soft! It was super easy without having to presoak them!
★★★★★
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
So happy they turned out well for you!
Caitlin says
These turned out perfect – thank you!
★★★★★
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
You’re so welcome!