Transform humble pantry staples into a vibrant, flavorful dish with this incredibly easy Instant Pot Mexican Pinto Beans recipe. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or new to pressure cooking, you’ll discover how simple it is to create authentic, restaurant-quality Mexican pinto beans right in your kitchen. These plant-based, hearty beans are not only delicious on their own but also serve as a versatile foundation for all your favorite Mexican-inspired meals, from burritos and tacos to savory bowls and delectable side dishes. Say goodbye to canned beans and hello to homemade perfection!
If the rich, savory taste of Restaurant Style Mexican Pinto Beans calls to you, then prepare to be amazed by this homemade version. Our recipe delivers beans that are not only bursting with flavor but also wholesome, incredibly satisfying, and remarkably easy to prepare. By utilizing the speed and efficiency of your Instant Pot, you can achieve perfectly tender, spiced beans in a fraction of the time it would take on the stovetop. This makes healthy, plant-based eating accessible even on busy weeknights, ensuring a delicious and nutritious meal is always within reach.
Infused with classic Mexican seasonings, these beans boast an authentic taste that will transport your palate south of the border. The Instant Pot ensures they are ready promptly, making this recipe a true win-win for anyone craving delicious, homemade Mexican cuisine without the long wait. Elevate your culinary skills and bring the vibrant flavors of Mexico into your home with this simple yet sensational pinto bean recipe.
Essential Ingredients & Smart Substitutions for Mexican Pinto Beans
Crafting delicious Instant Pot Mexican Pinto Beans is a flexible affair. You can choose to use a medley of fresh vegetables for a vibrant flavor profile, or easily adapt the recipe using pantry staples like jarred chunky salsa for those times when fresh ingredients aren’t readily available. Either way, your beans will be incredibly flavorful, perfectly tender, and utterly delicious, making them a staple in your meal rotation.
For a Fresh & Flavorful Approach:
- Fresh onions, garlic, bell peppers, and jalapeños. These aromatic vegetables build a robust flavor base.
- Tomato Sauce: Adds a rich, tangy depth to the beans.
- Dried pinto beans: The star of the show, providing a creamy texture and earthy flavor.
- Essential Spices: Chili powder, cumin, oregano, and sea salt. These spices are the heart of authentic Mexican flavor.
Opting for a Convenient Pantry Recipe:
- Jarred chunky salsa: A fantastic shortcut that brings all the vegetable and spice flavors in one go. Choose a good quality organic salsa for best results.
- Bay leaves: Adds a subtle, aromatic background note to the beans, enhancing their overall depth.
- Dried pinto beans: Always the foundation of this hearty dish.
- Essential Spices: Chili powder, cumin, oregano, and sea salt. These ensure the beans maintain their authentic Mexican character, complementing the salsa.
Unlock the Power of a Pantry-Ready Mexican Beans Recipe
Life gets busy, and sometimes, having a full stock of fresh vegetables on hand just isn’t feasible. But that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying a hearty bowl of homemade Mexican pinto beans! This recipe is incredibly adaptable, allowing you to create a delicious meal even when fresh bell peppers or jalapeños are missing from your fridge. Simply swap them out for a jar of good quality salsa, and rest assured, your beans will still be incredibly flavorful and satisfying.
When selecting a jarred salsa, aim for an organic brand packaged in glass that clearly states “no added oil or sweeteners” on the label. This choice ensures you’re still making a wholesome meal while enjoying the convenience of pantry ingredients. The robust flavor profile of a quality salsa will effortlessly infuse your beans with that authentic Mexican taste.
PRO TIP: Cultivating a well-stocked pantry is a game-changer for effortless, nutritious home cooking. Having staples readily available means you can whip up healthy dinners at a moment’s notice. Consider stocking up on essentials from trusted sources like Thrive Market (enjoy 25% off your first order with this link). They offer an excellent selection of healthy foods and household items from top organic brands at wholesale prices, making healthy living more affordable and convenient.
Do You Really Need to Soak Dried Beans Before Cooking? The Great Bean Debate
It’s a common question among home cooks: is soaking dried beans truly necessary? While traditionally recommended, the answer is a nuanced “it depends.” Soaking beans for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, undeniably offers several benefits. It significantly reduces cooking time, helps to soften the beans for a more uniform texture, and can even aid in digestibility by breaking down some of the complex sugars responsible for gas. However, with modern cooking methods like the Instant Pot, skipping the lengthy soak is absolutely an option!
If you’re short on time but still want some of the benefits of soaking, a “quick soak” method is your best friend. Simply cover your dried pinto beans with boiling water and let them sit for as long as you can manage – often, this is just enough time to gather and prepare your other ingredients. Even a brief soak can make a difference in reducing overall cooking time. If you decide to skip soaking entirely, don’t worry! Your Instant Pot is powerful enough to handle unsoaked beans. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as directed in the recipe card, typically by adding an extra 10-15 minutes to ensure they reach that perfect tender consistency. So, no matter your prep style, perfectly cooked Instant Pot Mexican Pinto Beans are within your grasp!
Mastering Instant Pot Mexican Pinto Beans: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making delicious Mexican pinto beans in your Instant Pot is a straightforward process, especially when you have your ingredients prepped and ready. This guide walks you through each step, ensuring a successful and flavorful batch every time. Before you begin, gather all your ingredients to make the cooking process seamless and enjoyable.
Note: If you’ve chosen the convenient “salsa” route and are skipping the fresh vegetables, you can bypass the first four steps and start directly with adding the salsa to the Instant Pot.
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics (Onions)
Begin by turning on your Instant Pot’s “Saute” function. This powerful setting quickly heats the pot, allowing you to perfectly soften your chopped onions. Add a tablespoon or two of water to prevent sticking and achieve tender, translucent onions in just about 3 minutes. Sautéing them first releases their sweet aroma and creates a foundational layer of flavor for your beans.
Step 2: Incorporate Bell Peppers and Jalapeños
Once your onions have softened and become fragrant, it’s time to introduce the vibrant diced red bell peppers and minced jalapeños (with seeds and membranes removed for less heat, or left in for more spice). Continue to sauté for another 2 minutes, allowing these vegetables to slightly soften and blend their flavors with the onions. The beauty of using the Instant Pot for sautéing is that you keep everything in one pot, minimizing cleanup and maximizing convenience!
Step 3: Add Fresh Garlic for Authentic Flavor
Fresh garlic is an absolute must for these Mexican pinto beans, imparting a deep, authentic flavor that truly stands out. Press your garlic directly into the pot using a reliable garlic press or finely mince it with a microplane grater for maximum ease and flavor distribution. Sauté for just 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 4: Deglaze with Tomato Sauce and Add Spices
Pour in the tomato sauce and stir it well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This crucial step, known as deglazing, adds even more flavor to your beans and helps prevent the “burn” warning on your Instant Pot. After stirring, hit the “Cancel” button on your Instant Pot to turn off the sauté function. Then, stir in all your aromatic spices: chili powder, cumin, oregano, and sea salt. The warmth of the pot will help awaken their flavors.
If you’ve opted for the simplified “salsa” method, this is where you’ll begin. Simply empty the entire jar of chunky salsa into the Instant Pot, then proceed to the next step as directed. The salsa replaces the fresh vegetables, tomato sauce, and some of the spices, offering a quick and flavorful base.
Step 5: Combine Beans, Liquid, and Seasonings
Drain your pre-soaked (or quick-soaked) pinto beans and give them a thorough rinse under cold water. Add the rinsed beans to the Instant Pot, along with the measured water and bay leaves. Stir everything together gently to ensure all the ingredients are well combined and the spices are evenly distributed. Once mixed, securely lock the lid onto your Instant Pot, making certain the sealing valve is set to the “Sealing” position. Set your Instant Pot to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” mode and adjust the cooking time to 25 minutes for perfectly tender beans.
Step 6: Natural Pressure Release for Optimal Texture
Once the 25-minute cooking cycle is complete, resist the urge to immediately release the pressure. Instead, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release the pressure. This process typically takes about 15-20 minutes and is crucial for achieving the creamiest, most perfectly cooked beans while also preventing them from bursting. The natural release allows the beans to continue absorbing flavors and liquid as the pressure gradually drops. If you’re not ready to serve immediately, you can simply leave the beans in the sealed pot on the “Keep Warm” setting for up to two hours; they will remain wonderfully warm and delicious.
Once the pressure has fully released naturally, carefully open the lid. Remove and discard the bay leaves. Give the beans a gentle stir, taste, and adjust seasonings if necessary. Your homemade Instant Pot Mexican Pinto Beans are now ready to be enjoyed!
No Instant Pot? No Problem! Stovetop Mexican Pinto Beans
While the Instant Pot offers unparalleled speed and convenience, a lack of one should absolutely not deter you from making these incredibly delicious Mexican pinto beans. This recipe is easily adaptable for stovetop cooking, ensuring everyone can enjoy a bowl of hearty, homemade goodness. The stovetop method follows the same flavorful steps, simply requiring a bit more patience and cooking time. Don’t let anything stop you from savoring these amazing beans!
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Homemade Mexican Style Beans
These versatile Instant Pot Mexican Pinto Beans are more than just a side dish; they can be the star of countless meals! Their rich, savory, and slightly spicy flavor complements a wide array of Mexican and Tex-Mex inspired dishes. Here are some fantastic ideas to serve with your homemade beans:
- As a Hearty Side: Simply serve them warm in a bowl, perhaps garnished with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream (or vegan sour cream), and a squeeze of lime. Perfect alongside any main course.
- Build Your Own Tacos & Burritos: These beans are an excellent filling for soft tacos, hard-shell tacos, or generously stuffed burritos. Pair them with your favorite protein, fresh salsa, guacamole, and shredded lettuce.
- Delicious Burrito Bowls: Create vibrant and nutritious burrito bowls by combining the beans with cauliflower rice or regular rice, grilled vegetables, avocado, corn, and a zesty dressing.
- Upgrade Your Nachos: Spoon these flavorful beans over a bed of crispy tortilla chips, then pile on cheese, jalapeños, and all your favorite nacho toppings for an ultimate snack or meal.
- Enchilada Filling: Use the beans as a delicious and satisfying filling for enchiladas, topped with your favorite sauce and baked to perfection.
- Refried Bean Alternative: For a healthier twist on refried beans, mash a portion of these cooked pinto beans with a little of their cooking liquid until desired consistency is reached.
- Soup & Stew Base: Add leftover beans to a vegetable broth with extra vegetables and spices for a quick and hearty Mexican-inspired soup or stew.
- Huevos Rancheros: Serve a generous portion of warm beans alongside fried eggs, tortillas, and salsa for a classic and filling breakfast or brunch.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: Mix the beans with rice, corn, and other vegetables, then stuff into bell peppers and bake until tender.
- Vegan Sour Cream Recipe (cashews)
- Simple Stovetop Cauliflower Rice
- Healthy Taco Salad with Baked Tortilla Strips
- 4-ingredient Homemade Guacamole Recipe
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📖 Recipe: Instant Pot Mexican Pinto Beans
Instant Pot Mexican Beans
Author:
Debra Klein
Seriously simple Mexican Pinto Bean recipe. An inexpensive and tasty way to make wholesome beans from scratch, perfect for any meal.
Rating: 4.97 from 78 votes
Pin Recipe
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Additional Time
20 mins
Total Time
55 mins
Course
Side Dish
Cuisine
Mexican
Servings
6 Cups
Calories
124 kcal
Equipment
- Wooden Spoon Set
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried pinto beans (soaked 6 hours or overnight*)
- 1 medium onion or 2 small, diced (approximately 1 cup)
- 1 red pepper diced (approximately 1 cup)
- 2 jalapeños, seeds and membranes removed, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, pressed
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 3 Tablespoons chili powder*
- OPTIONAL: for a bit of heat add in ½ teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- 1 Tablespoon cumin
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 cups water
Instructions
- Turn Instant Pot on to “Saute” function. Add onions plus 1-2 Tablespoons water and saute until beginning to soften (approximately 3 minutes), then add in red pepper and jalapeños, continue to saute for another 2 minutes. Hit “Cancel” on the Instant Pot. Stir in the garlic and tomato sauce, mix well. Stir in the spices.
- Drain beans, rinse well and add the drained beans to the pot along with water and bay leaves. Mix well and then lock the lid in place. Make sure the valve is set to seal. Set Instant Pot to manual and adjust the time to 25 minutes.
- When the time is up, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release the pressure. This will take 15-20 minutes. Make sure to manually release any additional pressure before unlocking the lid.
- Discard the bay leaves, and serve warm.
- OPTIONAL GARNISH: sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, avocado slices.
Video
Notes
NO SOAK BEANS: Didn’t soak the beans? NO PROBLEM. Pour boiling water over dried beans and let them soak for as long as you have (i.e., as long as it takes to pull the rest of the ingredients together). Up the cooking time in the Instant Pot by 10 minutes. They’ll be great. How do I know? Yes, it’s happened to me, more than once!
CHILI POWDER: If you like extra spice, add in ½ teaspoon chipotle chili powder as well.
MAKE IT A SIMPLE PANTRY RECIPE: Replace the onions, peppers, jalapeños, garlic, tomato sauce, and 4 cups water with 2 cups prepared salsa (look for a jar that is organic and without added sugar or oil) and 1 ½ cups water. If you opt for this method, skip to step 2 in the instructions. Mix the salsa, spices, water, and drained beans in the Instant Pot (or regular pot on the stove), then proceed as directed.
MAKE IT ON THE STOVETOP: Heat a large sauce pan over medium heat. Follow step one, sauté the onions, red peppers, and jalapeños. Turn the heat down, stir in the garlic, tomato sauce, and spices. Continue to Step 2. Turn the heat back to medium, add rinsed and drained beans plus water and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, turn down so beans are barely simmering, cover and let them cook until tender: about 1 ½ hours.
Nutrition
Serving: 1g
Calories: 124kcal
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 1g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
Sodium: 492mg
Fiber: 8g
Sugar: 4g
Note
The nutrition calculations were done using online tools. To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in any given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients you used. You are ultimately responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information is accurate, complete and useful.
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