How to Make Creamy Vegan Instant Pot Refried Beans You’ll Love
If you love Mexican cuisine and want a comforting, protein-rich side that’s vegan and satisfying, these Instant Pot refried beans are a game-changer. Made from dried pinto beans cooked entirely in your pressure cooker, they deliver smoky, creamy flavors without the fuss of the stovetop.
Whether you’re assembling tacos, burritos, or just craving a hearty side, this recipe offers simple steps, handy tips, and flexible variations — all packed into one pot for easy cleanup.
Why These Instant Pot Refried Beans Are So Good
These refried beans stand out because they combine classic smoky, savory flavors with creamy texture, all made conveniently in one pot. Using your Instant Pot speeds up what used to be a long soak-and-simmer process, turning dried beans into silky beans in just about an hour.
Plus, you control the ingredients — no lard, no canned preservatives, just simple spices like cumin, chili powder, garlic, and onion. The one-pot method means less mess, and this simple approach, praised by experts at Nora Cooks and Simple Veganista, has been loved by hundreds of home cooks who rave about how easy and delicious it is.
Ingredients for Instant Pot Refried Beans
You’ll need dry pinto beans as the base — the traditional bean for refried beans. If you want to switch things up, black beans or white navy beans also work great.
Olive oil adds creaminess and flavor, though you can omit it for an oil-free version by using vegetable broth. Aromatics like onion and garlic bring depth.
The spices include chili powder, cumin, and salt, with room for extra seasonings like smoked paprika or jalapeno slices if you want heat. Always use dried beans, never canned, for the best texture and flavor.
Tips for Making the Creamiest Instant Pot Refried Beans
To get perfectly creamy beans every time, here are some expert tips: First, sort and rinse your beans to remove any debris or shriveled beans, which can cause uneven cooking. While soaking the beans isn’t required, soaking for a few hours can help soften them quicker.
Use enough cooking liquid — vegetable broth adds flavor — and always reserve some liquid to loosen your beans when blending. Cook the beans under high pressure and allow a natural pressure release for 15-20 minutes to improve tenderness.
Blend or mash your beans while they’re warm for smooth texture, adding reserved liquid slowly until you reach the desired creaminess. Finally, brighten the flavor at the end with a splash of lime juice or vinegar and adjust salt to taste.
How to Make Instant Pot Refried Beans Step by Step
- Turn on the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and heat olive oil. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant.
- Deglaze the pot with a splash of water or broth to lift flavorful bits from the bottom.
- Add rinsed dry pinto beans, 6 cups of water or broth, chili powder, cumin, and salt. Stir gently.
- Seal the lid, set to High Pressure for 40 minutes.
- After cooking, allow a natural pressure release for 20 minutes, then release any remaining pressure manually.
- Remove the lid, reserve about 2 cups of the cooking liquid, and drain excess liquid.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the beans to your desired smoothness, gradually adding reserved liquid to control thickness. Taste and adjust seasonings.
- Serve warm with your favorite toppings or as a side dish.
Serving Suggestions for Refried Beans
These creamy refried beans are incredibly versatile. Serve them as a protein-packed side with vegan enchiladas or quesadillas for a comfort meal.
Use them as a hearty filling for burritos, tacos, taquitos, or spread them on tostadas. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapenos, diced onions, a squeeze of lime, or vegan cheese for bursts of flavor and texture.
They also work wonderfully topped on vegan burrito bowls for an extra protein boost. And for a perfect dessert to follow your meal, try these foolproof vegan salted caramel brownies.
Recipe Variations to Try
Want to mix it up? Try using black beans instead of pinto for a different flavor profile.
For extra smoky depth, add a teaspoon of liquid smoke or chipotle powder. If you prefer it spicy, sauté jalapeno or add chopped chipotles in adobo sauce.
Skip the olive oil for an oil-free version, using extra vegetable broth instead. To enrich creaminess, stir in cashew cream or vegan sour cream right before serving.
For a quick soak version, pre-soak your beans for 4-6 hours and reduce the pressure cooking time to 15-20 minutes.
How to Store and Freeze Refried Beans
Store your cooked refried beans in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To freeze, portion the beans into flat, freezer-safe bags to save space and seal tightly.
When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally. This makes meal prep and last-minute dinners easy and fast.
Avoid freezing for more than 3 months for best flavor and texture.
Common Questions About Instant Pot Refried Beans
What size Instant Pot should I use? A 6-quart Instant Pot is ideal for making enough refried beans to serve a family of 4 to 5, but smaller 3-quart or larger 8-quart models work too with adjusted ingredient quantities.
Do I have to soak the beans? Soaking is optional. No-soak works fine but soaking can reduce cook time and sometimes improve texture.
Why did I get a BURN message? This usually means not enough liquid or food stuck to the bottom. Avoid by sautéing onion and garlic first and deglazing well, or skip sautéing and add all ingredients at once.
Can I freeze refried beans? Yes! Freeze in flat portioned bags for up to 3 months.
What if I don’t have an immersion blender? Use a potato masher for chunkier beans or blend in batches in a regular blender or food processor.
How do I adjust salt? Add most salt after pressure cooking so you can control taste and avoid toughening bean skins.
Additional Tips for Perfect Refried Beans Every Time
- Don’t skip deglazing your Instant Pot after sautéing to prevent burn messages.
- Use natural pressure release to gently finish cooking your beans.
- Blend beans while still warm; they mash better and blend into a creamier texture.
- Add a splash of lime juice or apple cider vinegar at the end to brighten the flavor.
- Reserve some cooking liquid to adjust consistency; the beans thicken upon cooling.
- Experiment with seasoning quantities gradually to find your perfect flavor balance.
Conclusion
These vegan Instant Pot refried beans prove that healthy, homemade, and creamy Mexican-inspired beans can be easy and delicious. With simple ingredients, easy steps, and flexible options, you can serve them alongside your favorite dishes or enjoy as a protein-packed filling.
Keep a batch in your fridge or freezer for quick meals anytime. Try the recipe, experiment with variations, and make it your own — happy cooking! For another quick and satisfying treat, consider making this easy no-churn dairy free ice cream.