Refried Beans You Can Make in 90 Minutes with an Instant Pot (+Video)

Refried beans used to be an all-day affair. But now, this recipe for Refried Beans with an Instant Pot saves the day for something else.

SECRETS FOR MAKING REFRIED BEANS IN AN INSTANT POT

Awhile back, a charity asked me to cook up and freeze some 25 pounds or so of dried pinto beans for future use. It was just the excuse I needed to perfect this recipe for refried beans using the Instant Pot. Here are a few things I learned in the process.

#1

Not all beans are equal.

Old beans take longer to cook than fresher ones. Consequently, if your beans are not tender at the end of the cooking time prescribed in this recipe, seal up the pot and cook for another 10 minutes.

#2

A warning about the cooking time.

Recipes I try from the internet don’t always account for the time it takes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure before the specified time gets started. This time can be considerable, so remember that when comparing recipes.

#3

Tip to decrease the time of cooking:

Pour hot tap water into the Instant Pot after you briefly sauté the onion mixture and while you’re preparing the beans.  As a result, it will take less time for the pot to come to pressure once you add the beans and seal the pot.

#4

Fresh jalapeño peppers can be frozen.

Store in the packaging they come in from the store. Or, wash, seed, and chop finely before freezing them. (Don’t forget to wear gloves when handling peppers. Your eyes will thank you.)

#5

Tomato paste in a tube is the bomb!

Of course, you can open a can of tomato paste and freeze the rest in small portions. But if it’s speed you need, the tube is your friend.

HOW TO COOK UNSOAKED PINTO BEANS IN 90 MINUTES

MORE TEX-MEX TIPS

#1

My favorite tortilla warmer

Since a lot of refried beans end up in burritos, I wanted to mention this tortilla warmer. Don’t underestimate its usefulness when you’re feeding a crowd and trying to keep tortillas warm.

In my book, it’s much better than traditional tortilla warmers that sweat inside and end up dripping water on your tortillas.

#2

Freezing Refried Beans

As for burritos, I like to freeze single portions of these plastic zippered bags and freeze them. They make a cheap and filling snack or lunch.

#4

Don’t put overfill your tortilla when making burritos.

Burritos with beans squishing out everywhere are hard to eat. I learned it from my grandchildren.

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