Instant Pot Pinto Beans

These Instant Pot Pinto Beans are one of my favorite things to keep on hand for quick meals throughout the week. This easy pinto bean recipe makes flavorful beans with very little effort, and they’re perfect for a simple side dish, tacos, taco soup, or chili.   

Originally posted May 2017, updated May 2026

Instant Pot Pinto Beans

I love cooking beans in my Instant Pot. Over the years I have gotten into the habit of cooking pinto beans, black beans, white beans, navy beans, etc. in my Instant Pot in big batches, then freezing them to use later. It’s my favorite way to cook any beans!

The best part? You can make delicious pinto beans from dry beans in much less time than traditional cooking methods. No overnight soak required! 

My Instant Pot Pinto Beans are the base of so many recipes. I seriously love this recipe. Pinto beans are also a great way to add protein to many meals. 

Thanks to pressure cooking, these Instant Pot pinto beans cook up tender and creamy in about an hour, making them one of the easiest Instant Pot recipes for busy families.

If this is your first time cooking beans in a pressure cooker, don’t worry – the cooking process is simple and mostly hands-off. Whether you have a new Instant Pot or another brand of electric pressure cooker, this pinto beans recipe is a great staple to learn.

Why You’ll Love This Pinto Bean Recipe

• No overnight soak needed for these unsoaked beans
• Much faster than a slow cooker
• Budget-friendly way to make your own beans
• Great for meal prep and freezer meals
• Easy to customize with your favorite spice mix
• Perfect side dish for Mexican-inspired meals
• Delicious beans for soups, chili, tacos, and burrito bowls

Ingredients

You could certainly make a plain version of pinto beans in an Instant Pot, but grab this handful of pantry staples to really amp up the flavor!!

• Dry pinto beans
• Beef broth
• Garlic
• Onion powder
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Find the complete recipe with ingredient measurements in the recipe card below.

Tools Needed

• Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker
• Colander
• Measuring cups
• Wooden spoon

How to Make Instant Pot Pinto Beans

This recipe could not be easier! Put everything in your pressure cooker, turn it on and wait!

1. Rinse the dry pinto beans in cold water and sort through them to remove any dirt, broken beans, or debris. Older beans may take slightly longer cook times, so keep that in mind if your beans have been sitting in the pantry for a while.
2. Pour the rinsed dry beans into the Instant Pot liner. Add the beef broth, garlic, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. 

3. Place the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure using the Manual or Pressure Cook setting for 55 minutes.
4. When the cooking time is complete, allow a natural release for 15-20 minutes. After that, carefully perform a pressure release for any remaining pressure.
5. Stir the homemade beans and serve warm as a side dish or use them in your favorite recipes.

Note: If your beans are older and still not tender after the initial cooking time, simply seal the Instant Pot again and cook on high pressure for an additional 10-15 minutes. Allow another natural release before checking for tenderness. Older dry beans can sometimes require longer cook times and the longer they are cooked, the darker they will get but the flavor only gets better!

Pro Tips

• Different brands of pressure cookers can vary slightly, so your exact cooking time may differ a bit.
• If you prefer softer beans for refried beans, add an extra 5-10 minutes of pressure cooking next time.
• For even faster cook times, you can soak the beans in cold water for 8-12 hours before cooking.
• Avoid filling the pot past the recommended water level when cooking beans.
• This pinto bean recipe can easily be doubled if your pressure cooker is large enough.

Ways to Use Instant Pot Pinto Beans

These flavorful beans are incredibly versatile. Here are some of my favorite ways to use leftover pinto beans:

• Refried beans – mash these with some salsa and garlic for quick homemade refried beans
• Add cooked beans to taco meat to stretch a meal or add more protein and fiber
• Chili
• Soups – I love to use them in Taco Soup
• Bean dip
• Side dish for grilled meats

Storage Instructions

Store leftover pinto beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

For freezing, let the beans cool completely, then transfer them along with some of the cooking liquid into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to soak pinto beans overnight to cook in an Instant Pot?

Nope! These Instant Pot pinto beans are made with unsoaked beans, which is one reason they’re so convenient.

Can I use water instead of broth?

Yes! You can substitute water for the broth if needed, although broth gives the beans more flavor.

Can I make these in a slow cooker?

Absolutely, but it takes much longer. Slow cooker pinto beans typically require several hours of cooking, while pressure cooker pinto beans are ready in much less time.

More Instant Pot Recipes

• Instant Pot Red Beans & Rice
• Instant Pot Black-Eyed Peas
• Instant Pot Cauliflower Mash

Happy Cooking!