Instant Pot Refried Beans Recipe | LaaLoosh (2024)

One of the best things about living in California is the access to amazing Mexican food. From a “Mom and Pop” hole in the wall, to upscale gourmet, there is definitely no shortage of Mexican restaurants here. And the endless option of fresh, delicious and unique foods they provide make it pretty darn hard not to fall in love with Mexican food. And I have no shame in admitting that I am head over heels!

One Mexican side dish recipe that almost ALWAYS makes it onto my plate is this Instant Pot refried beans.

Refried beans are kinda like the mashed potatoes of Mexican food – they make a delicious and filling side dish that is versatile enough to work with most main entrees. They are thick, hearty, and absolutely satisfying.

Today, I’m really excited to share my Instant Pot Refried Beans recipe with you all. These beans are so ridiculously flavorful, you’ll never be reaching for the canned beans again!

And, I know for a fact that this is the best refried beans recipe you’ll ever have, because it’s adapted from a grandma’s recipe. And we all know that grandmas ALWAYS know best. Amirite? A close friend introduced me to her Grandma Morales’ vegan refried beans recipe, and I was pumped to get in the kitchen and give it a try.

While Grandma Morales may have all day to slow cook beans in the kitchen, I don’t. So I decided to adapt her recipe to the Instant Pot, and boy did that work out well!

In just a little over and hour, and with very little effort. I made the most delicious, authentic refried beans. EVER.

This Instant Pot Refried Beans Recipe makes a nice, large batch, so I was able to not only use it as a side dish, but I kept some in the fridge all week to use for lots of other meals! Want some ideas? The possibilities are plentiful!

WHAT TO MAKE WITH REFRIED BEANS

Once you’ve got a nice big batch ready to go, here some of the most delicious ways to use refried beans:

• on top of nachos
• inside a burrito or taquito
• inside a quesadilla
• as a dip for tortilla chips or fresh veggies
• with eggs inside a breakfast taco

TIPS FOR MAKING REFRIED BEANS

• There is no need to soak the beans beforehand! Who knew?!? I always assumed the beans had to be soaked, but nope. Yay!
• The texture of the beans is really up to you. You can puree them until they are smooth, creamy, and velvety, or you can just mash them up a bit until they are chunky and lumpy. Anything goes, folks. So how much you mash or puree is all a matter of personal preference. I strongly recommend using an immersion blender for the mashing process. It’s quick, and easy, and allows you to easily adjust the texture to your liking.
• The amount of water you use will affect the consistency of your beans. And it is totally up to you. Beans a bit too thick, just add more water. Just make sure to add the water slowly and gradually so that you don’t end up with beans that are too runny.
• Feel free to add more or less of any of the seasonings to your taste. I’m always a little heavy handed on the garlic because I am a garlic fanatic. But you can totally tweak the ingredients you use based on your own taste preference.
• Toppings? Yes, please! Naked refried beans are delish, but load them up with cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, and cilantro on top and your taste buds will be thanking you.

While there may be nothing overly fancy about refried beans, this easy and simple recipe will yield such a bountiful, versatile dish that is going to make your week a lot easier – and much more delicious!

WAIT! I’VE GOT MORE BEAN RECIPES TO TRY!

Chicken, Lentil, and Spinach Soup
Chicken and Black Bean Enchiladas
Chickpea and Sumac Salad Recipe