You don’t need to soak these Instant Pot black beans before cooking them. They are easy, creamy, tasty, and you don’t even have to use your hands.
Black beans are a versatile and nutritious staple that can be used in everything from burritos to chili. While cooking dried black beans on the stovetop does result in tender flavorful beans it can be time-consuming and require hours of simmering. This is where the instant pot comes in! The instant pot is able to cook dried black beans to perfection in under an hour.
If you’ve been hesitant to try your hand at cooking dried beans in an instant pot, have no fear! This straightforward, 3-step process will help you make tender, flavorful black beans easily every time.
Benefits of Cooking Black Beans in an Instant Pot
There are several advantages to using an instant pot to cook black beans rather than the stovetop method:
-
Speed – Black beans can be cooked start to finish in the instant pot in under an hour. No overnight soaking is required.
-
Convenience – The beans cook unattended after simply securing the lid and pressing a button There’s no need to watch a pot for hours on the stove,
-
Flavor – The pressurized environment helps infuse the beans with flavor from aromatics like onion and broth.
-
Nutrition – Beans retain more nutrients when cooked in the instant pot versus other high heat methods.
-
Cost savings – Dried beans are far less expensive than canned. Cooking at home allows you to control sodium content too
Instant Pot Black Bean Ingredients
Part of what makes this recipe so easy is that it requires just a few simple ingredients:
-
1 cup dried black beans, rinsed and sorted
-
1⁄4 onion, skin on
-
1⁄2 tsp salt
-
1 cup vegetable broth (or water)
-
2 cups water
That’s it! The onion and salt provide flavor, while the liquid helps the beans cook evenly and become tender.
Step-by-Step Instant Pot Black Beans Recipe
Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked black beans every time:
1. Add Beans and Liquid to Instant Pot
Add the dried black beans, onion, salt, broth, and water to the instant pot insert. The onion can be added whole.
2. Secure Lid and Press Pressure Cook
Secure the instant pot lid and make sure the valve is in the sealing position. Select the Pressure Cook or Manual setting and adjust cook time to 30 minutes.
3. Allow Natural Release for 20 Minutes
Once cooking is complete, DO NOT open the lid. Let the instant pot naturally release pressure for 20 minutes before carefully opening the lid. Avoid pushing any buttons during this time.
And that’s it! After natural release, the beans will be tender and ready to use in your favorite recipes. The natural release time allows beans to finish cooking gently without becoming mushy.
Tips for the Best Instant Pot Black Beans
-
Use dried beans that are not expired – old beans take longer to soften. Sort beans to remove any debris.
-
Allow the full natural release time for tender beans. Releasing pressure too quickly can cause beans to overcook.
-
Add smoked paprika, cumin, or other spices after cooking if desired. Spices added before can become bitter.
-
Adjust cooking time up or down based on bean freshness and your texture preference. Newer beans may need less time.
How to Use Instant Pot Black Beans
Homemade black beans are endlessly versatile! Here are just a few ways to enjoy them:
-
Black bean soup – Purée cooked beans with broth and veggies for a fast, healthy soup.
-
Burrito bowls – Top rice bowls with black beans, salsa, avocado and more.
-
Quesadillas – Mix beans with cheese and stuff into tortillas.
-
Bean dip – Purée beans with spices and lime juice for a creamy dip.
-
Enchiladas – Roll cooked beans and veggies up in tortillas and top with sauce and cheese.
-
Buddha bowls – Create veggie-loaded bowls with black beans as the protein source.
-
Chili – Make a hearty pot of chili loaded with black beans.
-
Salad topper – Toss beans with greens, corn, avocado and vinaigrette.
With an abundance of plant-based protein and fiber, black beans are one of the most versatile beans. Whether enjoyed whole, mashed, or puréed, homemade black beans can be used in both savory and sweet dishes. Try swapping them for canned beans in any recipe for fresher flavor.
More Instant Pot Bean Recipes to Try
- Instant Pot Pinto Beans
- Instant Pot White Beans
- Instant Pot Garbanzo Beans
- Instant Pot Lentil Soup
- Instant Pot Hummus
The simplicity of the instant pot makes cooking any type of bean or legume fast and easy. Explore more healthy and budget-friendly bean recipes to add to your repertoire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I double this instant pot black bean recipe?
Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled or tripled based on the size of your instant pot. Just make sure the total volume does not exceed the 1/2 line in your insert. The cook time will remain the same.
Do the beans need to be soaked before cooking?
No soaking is required! The beans can go straight from the bag into the instant pot. Soaking is not necessary.
My beans are old. Should I increase the cook time?
Definitely. Older beans will take a bit longer to soften. Increase cook time in 5-10 minute increments if needed until beans are tender.
What if my instant pot doesn’t have a “natural release” option?
No worries – you can mimic the natural release by allowing the instant pot to sit undisturbed for 20 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure/steam. Avoid pushing buttons or opening the lid during this time.
Can I speed up the cooling process?
It’s best not to quick release the pressure after cooking beans, as this can cause them to overcook. Allow the full natural release time for best results.
Perfect Instant Pot Black Beans
With just 3 ingredients, 1 pot, and a simple 3-step process, you’ll be able to skip the cans and enjoy flavorful homemade black beans anytime. You’ll never go back after discovering how easy it is to cook beans to perfection in the instant pot! Adjust cook times as needed based on bean freshness and your texture preferences for a foolproof black bean recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Beans Recipe
- The Texture of the Beans is PERFECT. This recipe for Instant Pot black beans tastes and feels much better than the canned kind. This recipe for Instant Pot Refried Beans came about because I dislike canned refried beans too. Canned beans tend to be a bit mushy, but these are nice and firm without being chewy, and the insides are soft and creamy.
- They’re Customizable. When you cook your own black beans, you can add spices and ingredients to make them your own. I opted to keep the Instant Pot black beans vegan. But for a special event, I can see black beans with bacon being a tasty change. They can also be used in a recipe without any of the extra flavors, like in Crock Pot Mexican Casserole.
- It’s Very Wallet-Friendly. Black beans are a great deal at $1 to $2 a pound. They are tasty, healthy, and cheap. It’s very cheap to make your own black beans, whether you want to serve them as a side dish or use them in recipes like Slow Cooker Taco Casserole.
Instant Pot Black Beans
From time to time, we’ll send you the best of Well Plated. Already registered? Log in here.
- It’s not necessary to soak 1 pound of dried black beans, which is about 2 cups.
- 1 ½ teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 1 green bell pepper cored, seeded, and diced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 cloves garlic minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 3 cups water
- Avocados, jalapeños, red onion, cilantro, and cherry tomatoes can be diced and added to the dish before serving.
- Drain and rinse the beans. Remove any stones or beans that look bad or cracked. Set aside.
- Add the olive oil and set the Instant Pot to SAUTE. Add the onion, bell pepper, and salt to the oil once it sparks and is hot. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 4 to 6 minutes. Add the garlic, cumin, oregano, bay leaves, and stir them in. Cook for about 30 seconds, or until the spices smell great.
- Add the water and beans and stir. Cover and seal the Instant Pot. Cook on HIGH pressure for 35 minutes. After the timer goes off, let the steam escape on its own for 20 more minutes. Remove the lid. Remove the bay leaves and discard them. You can eat it warm or let it cool down completely and store it in separate containers.
- TO STORE: Put beans in a container that won’t let air in and put it in the fridge for up to four days.
- To reheat, put the beans back in a pot and heat them up on the stove or in the microwave.
- TO FREEZE: Put beans in a container that won’t let air in and freeze them for up to three months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge, or heat it up right from frozen.