Instant Pot Pinto Beans

Published: Jul 2, 2019 · Updated: Apr 17, 2020 by Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC · 114 Comments

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Learn how to cook perfectly tender pinto beans in the Instant Pot with this step-by-step recipe. No pre-soak needed.

Instant Pot Pinto Beans - No Soaking Necessary - Real + Vibrant (1)

Skip the canned pinto beans and cook your pinto beans in the pressure cooker in less than an hour. Serve as a side dish, a base for the main dish, tacos, soups, chilis, and more.

In general, 1 cup of dried beans yields about 2 ½ cups of cooked beans. Use these beans.

How to cook pinto beans in the Instant Pot

Detailed ingredient measurements, instructions, and notes can be found on theprintablerecipe card at the bottom of the page. Here is a summary:

1. Rinse and drain: In a mesh sieve, thoroughly rinse the dried beans in cool running water for a couple of minutes. Drain well.

Instant Pot Pinto Beans - No Soaking Necessary - Real + Vibrant (2)

2. Combine ingredients: Add the rinsed pinto beans, water, and salt. Stir well.

Instant Pot Pinto Beans - No Soaking Necessary - Real + Vibrant (3)

3. Pressure Cook: Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve on “sealing”, and cook on high pressure for 30 minutes. Once completed, turn off the Instant Pot and wait 10 minutes to naturally release the pressure.

Quick-release any remaining pressure and remove the lid.

Instant Pot Pinto Beans - No Soaking Necessary - Real + Vibrant (4)

4. Check if done: Check for doneness by inserting a fork into one of the beans. If it's tender and mashes easily, it's ready.

5. Drain: Carefully drain the beans.

Instant Pot Pinto Beans - No Soaking Necessary - Real + Vibrant (5)

Storing leftovers

Store in the fridge: Store any remaining leftovers in a covered container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave.

Store in the freezer: Divide beans into servings and store each in a freezer-safe container. Add frozen beans directly in recipes like soups and chiles. For recipes that require thawed bean, thaw overnight in the fridge.

Tips and suggestions for the best Instant Pot pinto beans

Avoid using older beans: Older dried beans take longer to cook because they lose moisture as they sit. If you do use older beans, it could take much longer to cook.

Check the bulk section: Check to see if there's a bulk section in your local grocery store where you can pick up the desired amount at a cheaper price.

Skip the salt: for a low-sodium option, omit the salt when cooking and add it when using the beans in other recipes.

Vegetable broth: try using vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor.

Commonly asked questions

Can I double the recipe? Yes, this recipe can be doubled if using a larger Instant Pot. Double the ingredients but the same cook time.

Do you need to pre-soak the pinto beans? Unless you prefer, it's not necessary to soak the beans beforehand. However, soaking them will help reduce the cooking time.

How long do they last in the fridge?Cooked beans last 3 days in the fridge when stored in a sealed container.

Can you freeze cooked beans?Yes. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How do you quick-release pressure? Quick-release by carefully turning the steam valve to the “Venting” position. The pin will drop when the steam has completely released and the lid can be opened

What size Instant Pot did you use?I’ve tested this recipe on both myInstant Pot Duo Mini 3-QuartandInstant Pot DUO 6-Quartwith great results. However, you may need to tweak how long you cook the eggs based on preference, the size, model, and brand of your pressure cooker.

How to serve

Prepared beans can be used in a variety of ways and make a tasty addition to meals throughout the week. Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy them:

Enjoy as a side dish to any meal
Add to chili and soups
Serve with brown rice or quinoa
Add to a vegan power bowl or burrito bowl
Add as a topping to cauliflower tacos, potato tacos, or nachos

Instant Pot Pinto Beans - No Soaking Necessary - Real + Vibrant (6)

More Instant Pot recipes

Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup
Instant Pot Cabbage
How to Cook Hard-Boiled Eggs in the Instant Pot
Instant Pot Carrots
Instant Pot Beets

If you tried thisInstant Pot pinto beansrecipe or any other recipe, be sure to rate the recipe and let me know what you think. Follow me onPinterest,Instagram, andFacebookfor more delicious recipes.

5 from 98 votes

Print Pin Rate

Prep time: 1 minute minute

Cook time: 40 minutes minutes

Total time: 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 167kcal

Author: Sapana Chandra

Learn how to cook perfectly tender pinto beans in the Instant Pot with this step-by-step recipe. No pre-soak needed.

Ingredients

▢ 1 cup dried pinto beans
▢ 3 cups water
▢ 1 teaspoon sea salt
▢ 1 bay leaf

Instructions

In a mesh sieve, thoroughly rinse the dried beans in cool running water. Drain well.
In the stainless steel insert, add the rinsed beans, water, bay leaf and salt.
Close the pressure cooker lid, set the valve on “sealing”, and cook on high pressure for 40 minutes. Once completed, turn off the Instant Pot and allow the pressure to release naturally before removing lid.
Carefully drain the pinto beans and move into a bowl. Season, if needed.

Notes

Double recipe: If doubling the recipe, double the quantity of beans and water but use the same cook time.
To store: Let the beans cool completely before storing in an air-tight container in the fridge for 3 days.
To freeze: Cook a bigger batch and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 167kcal, Carbohydrates: 30g, Protein: 10g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 600mg, Potassium: 672mg, Fiber: 7g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 62mg, Iron: 2mg

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Tried this recipe?Mention @realandvibrant and hashtag #realandvibrant!

More 27 Side Dish Recipes

Mango Salsa
Pico de Gallo
Black Bean Soup
Homemade Cranberry Sauce

About Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC

Sapana Chandra is a certified health coach, author of Plant Power Bowls, and founder of Real +Vibrant. Here you’ll find simply delicious vegetarian recipes with step-by-step photo instructions – recipes you’ll be excited to enjoy and share with your loved ones.

Reader Interactions

Comments

Mickey says
December 07, 2020 at 5:36 pm
Thanks for the recipe! First time making beans in my instant pot. Made these today with pinto and navy beans. Added my own seasoning. They were so good!
Reply
Gia says
December 05, 2020 at 1:08 pm
Easy and delicious! Just make sure add half broth in place of water and plenty of herbs & spices, tomatoe sauce (optional) and you have a tasty bowl of beans!
Reply
Caroline says
March 22, 2020 at 7:13 pm
Pinto beans are definitely a favorite, and love how easy these look to be. Great for lots of things, too.
Reply
Deanne says
March 22, 2020 at 5:57 pm
I LOVE making beans in my Instant Pot and this recipe is a keeper. Thank you!
Reply
- Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
  March 22, 2020 at 6:37 pm
  So glad to hear, Deanne!
  Reply
- Rick says
  December 08, 2022 at 10:50 am
  I agree. Worried about the bay leaf, buts great.
  Reply
Aimee Mars says
March 22, 2020 at 5:24 pm
I love a good "how-to" recipe and making fresh pinto beans, rather than buying canned is SO much better. I'm glad to have this recipe in my files.
Reply
- Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
  March 22, 2020 at 6:38 pm
  So glad you enjoyed it, Aimee!
  Reply
Pamela says
March 22, 2020 at 5:23 pm
Delicious beans, love doubling or tripling to freeze a couple batches!
Reply
- Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
  March 22, 2020 at 6:37 pm
  Thank you, Pamela!
  Reply
Cathleen says
March 22, 2020 at 3:31 pm
I have loved playing around with my instant pot these past couple of days, so I would love to try this! Bookmarking it for later 🙂
Reply
Deborah says
February 23, 2020 at 1:06 pm
These were fabulous. Perfect consistency.
Reply
- Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
  March 03, 2020 at 6:00 pm
  So happy to hear, Deborah! Thank you for your feedback.
  Reply
Chelsea Walker says
February 11, 2020 at 10:54 pm
Made these tonight for dinner and they turned out perfect. I won’t be buying canned beans anymore that’s for sure!
Reply
Sandra says
February 10, 2020 at 1:30 pm
These turned out perfect! I added onion, a bay leaf, and cumin for flavor.
Reply
- Emma says
  March 26, 2022 at 2:29 pm
  I also included a few cloves of garlic for extra flavor.
  Reply
Jenna says
February 07, 2020 at 11:01 am
These are so much easier to cook than on the stovetop!
Reply
Lisa says
February 05, 2020 at 8:11 pm
These turned out perfect!
Reply
Teresa says
February 01, 2020 at 6:37 pm
Just what I was looking for - a straightforward recipe on how to cook beans. They turned out perfect! I love that I can flavor them any way I want.
Reply
See Also
Warning! Don't Eat These Foods Imported From China - BetterBe The 40 Best Appetizers From Costco For Your Super Bowl Celebration Quick and Easy Tailgating and Game Day Foods 11 Low Carb Keto-friendly Restaurants and What to Order | KetoVale
Lisalia says
January 31, 2020 at 7:14 pm
I am new to using instant pot and want to branch out beyond meat... This is a great tutorial on how to use it. And something OTHER than meat! I will never have to use canned beans again!
Reply
Katie says
January 31, 2020 at 5:01 pm
So convenient to have ready and on hand! I like freezing bags of these too when they're done.
Reply
Pamela says
January 31, 2020 at 4:21 pm
This is such a great and quick recipe. We love using our pinto beans for tacos!
Reply
Traci says
January 31, 2020 at 4:15 pm
Truly one of my favorite things to make in the instant pot! So easy, creamy, and delicious!
Reply
SHANIKA says
January 29, 2020 at 8:05 pm
I so need to get an Instant Pot to make these beans! They look so tender!
Reply
Kelley says
January 29, 2020 at 7:41 pm
These turned out wonderful! Thank you for the easy to follow recipe!
Reply
Nicole says
January 29, 2020 at 6:23 pm
Thanks so much for this post! I love making beans in the IP!
Reply
Jessica says
January 29, 2020 at 5:18 pm
These are great for meal prepping 1x weekly. Once they are ready I can add them in to so many meals.
Reply
Kelly Anthony says
January 28, 2020 at 2:29 pm
I will never need to buy pinto beans in a can ever again. The pressure cooker can do amazing things like these pinto beans.
Reply
Toni says
January 28, 2020 at 2:07 pm
I really love how easy this is to make!! So good!
Reply
Adriana says
January 28, 2020 at 2:02 pm
This is the best way to make beans, I make all kinds of been in the Instant Pot including pinto thanks for the reminder. Nothing better than homemade!
Reply
Dannii says
January 28, 2020 at 1:31 pm
So many great uses for these and awesome that they can be done in the Instant Pot.
Reply
Jack says
January 28, 2020 at 1:19 pm
Thanks these are much better then the tinned beans
Reply
Alisa Infanti says
January 25, 2020 at 6:11 am
This recipe turned out perfect! So easy and the beans were so tender!
Reply
Julia says
January 25, 2020 at 6:10 am
Gotta try your recipe as buying dried beans is way cheaper than cooked ones!
Reply
Amanda Wren-Grimwood says
January 25, 2020 at 5:35 am
What a great idea! It's easy to buy a tin but more economical to make in bulk yourself.
Reply
kim says
January 25, 2020 at 5:34 am
Love this recipe! It was so delicious and my family ate it up! Will definitely make again!
Reply
Heidy L. McCallum says
January 25, 2020 at 5:21 am
I can't wait to try this recipe in my Insta-pot. I love beans and this recipe looks like a cinch to make. Thanks for all the great tips!
Reply
Tony says
January 21, 2020 at 11:24 am
Recipe is perfect! Whole family loved it. I'm wanting to do a double batch, do you recommend just doubling the ingredients?
Reply
Kerri says
January 13, 2020 at 1:11 pm
I made these last night and can’t wait to use them for meals this week!
Reply
Gary w Silva says
January 10, 2020 at 11:09 am
Hi is it ok to put bacon or linguica in the pot?
Reply
Beena says
January 09, 2020 at 9:27 pm
If I pre-soaked my beans, how would you adjust the cooking times? Excited to try this recipe. Thanks so much!
Reply
- Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
  January 24, 2020 at 10:42 am
  Hi Beena, I'd suggest adjusting the cooking time to 20 minutes in that case.
  Reply
Kathryn says
January 04, 2020 at 5:58 pm
The water to bean ratio was perfect! Thank you.
Reply
Jeannie says
January 01, 2020 at 12:44 pm
How many cups of beans can I put in a 8 quart instant pot please? I need to make enough for 100 to 150 people for a memorial. Thank you,Jeannie
Reply
Jenna says
December 28, 2019 at 7:36 pm
Perfectly cooked and now I have beans for the week!
Reply
Johanna Engles says
December 24, 2019 at 8:15 am
My beans came out perfect! I added a bay leaf, paprika, and cumin, salt, and pepper to add some flavor. Thanks for this!
Reply
Sandhya Ramakrishnan says
December 21, 2019 at 6:20 pm
Love cooking my beans in an Instant Pot. Ever since I got mine about 2 years back, I have never gone back to using my pressure cooker. Thanks for the perfect recipe to cook the pinto beans! We use these in regular basis 🙂
Reply
Jere Cassidy says
December 21, 2019 at 4:50 pm
This is the perfect way to make pinto beans, it's no fail. Came out great.
Reply
Paula Montenegro says
December 21, 2019 at 3:51 pm
I read no soaking needed and I saved this recipe instantly! And they can be frozen. I love them! Thanks for sharing.
Reply
Cathy says
December 21, 2019 at 3:33 pm
Love Pinto Beans in so many dishes! They're so versatile and delish! Excellent tips here to make fresh, no need for canned! Thank you for these tips and inspiration to make them at home!
Reply
Rochelle says
December 17, 2019 at 3:54 pm
If I want to cook more beans, do I need to increase the amount of water? Like if I do 2 cups of beans, will I need 8 cups of water?
See Also
Vegan Mushroom And Spinach Pockets | 86 Lemons
Reply
- Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
  January 24, 2020 at 10:40 am
  Yes, that's correct -- you'll need to double the amount of water. Be sure to use an Instant Pot big enough. Cooking time should remain the same.
  Reply
Beth says
December 14, 2019 at 10:32 am
I have bean (see what I did there) looking for a smaller batch recipe for pinto beans so this is perfect!
Reply
- Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
  December 14, 2019 at 11:18 am
  Haha love the pun! So glad you liked it.
  Reply
Jacqueline Debono says
December 14, 2019 at 9:54 am
I always prefer using dried beans and legumes to canned ones. The Instant Pot is brilliant for cooking them without the hassle of overnight soaking and long cooking!
Reply
- Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
  December 14, 2019 at 11:18 am
  So glad to hear, Jacqueline!
  Reply
Jenn says
December 14, 2019 at 9:19 am
I've got a teenage boy in the house who eats carbs like crazy so I like to have dishes like this on hand and ready for him to eat - thank you for giving me an easy Instant Pot recipe for filing and nutritious beans!
Reply
- Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
  December 14, 2019 at 9:22 am
  Thank you, Jenn!
  Reply
Danielle Wilcox says
December 09, 2019 at 4:36 pm
I made these for my tacos tonight and they were perfect! And I have extra for some other meals this week. Thank you!
Reply
- Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
  December 09, 2019 at 7:24 pm
  Thank you for sharing your feedback, Danielle! So glad to hear.
  Reply
Tara says
December 09, 2019 at 12:34 pm
Love making beans in my Instant Pot. It's actually really easy and so much cheaper than canned! Plus you can control the salt.
Reply
- Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
  December 09, 2019 at 1:02 pm
  Thanks, Tara! I completely agree.
  Reply
SHANIKA says
December 09, 2019 at 12:25 pm
I hardly make Pinto Beans but I love the idea of cooking them in an Instant Pot! Definitely on my must make list!
Reply
- Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
  December 09, 2019 at 12:30 pm
  Thanks, Shanika!
  Reply
Irina says
December 09, 2019 at 10:54 am
Your recipe of pinto beans cooked in an instant pot is easy to make. It is a keeper for busy weeknight dinners. Great idea and amazing recipe! Thanks for sharing.
Reply
- Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
  December 09, 2019 at 12:06 pm
  So happy to hear, Irina! Thank you for your feedback.
  Reply
Colleen says
December 08, 2019 at 2:29 pm
My instant pot is new and I have yet to cook beans in it, but I can't wait to try this. Thank you!
Reply
- Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
  December 08, 2019 at 6:32 pm
  Excited for you, Colleen!
  Reply
Andrea Metlika says
December 08, 2019 at 1:02 pm
Love how quick and easy these are to make. A perfect side dish.
Reply
- Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
  December 08, 2019 at 6:33 pm
  Thank you, Andrea! So glad you enjoyed it.
  Reply
Justine Howell says
December 08, 2019 at 12:56 pm
Perfectly tender in no time, the only way to make them homemade anymore.
Reply
- Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
  December 08, 2019 at 6:33 pm
  So happy to hear, Justine!
  Reply
Neha says
December 08, 2019 at 10:30 am
Such a nutritious and easy recipe Sapana! I am sure this will be a super hit in my family.
Reply
- Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
  December 08, 2019 at 6:32 pm
  Thanks, Neha! hope you enjoy it!
  Reply
estelle@soulandstreusel says
December 08, 2019 at 10:22 am
Where are those measuring spoons from?? love them! I totally need to get an instant pot, wonder if a pressure cooker would work as well!
Reply
- Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
  December 08, 2019 at 10:24 am
  They're from Target. Yes, a pressure cooker would work well!
  Reply
Sarah W. says
December 07, 2019 at 4:52 pm
My beans turned out perfect!
Reply
- Sapana Chandra says
  December 07, 2019 at 4:53 pm
  So glad to hear, Sarah!
  Reply
Emily Liao says
December 06, 2019 at 5:27 pm
Thanks for the quick run-down on how to make this in an instant pot!
Reply
Sonal says
December 06, 2019 at 3:59 pm
I love using my instant pot on daily basis and cooking beans in it is the best thing.
Reply
- Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
  December 06, 2019 at 5:05 pm
  It makes it so easy! Thanks for stooping by, Sonal.
  Reply
Sandhya Hariharan says
December 06, 2019 at 3:34 pm
I really love the simplicity of cooking beans in the Instant Pot. They are an absolutely bliss.
Reply
- Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
  December 06, 2019 at 5:05 pm
  Thanks, Sandhya! I love how easy the IP makes it to cook beans.
  Reply
Noelle says
December 06, 2019 at 2:44 pm
I love pressure cooker recipes! I never thought to make pinto beans in one, great idea!
Reply
- Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
  December 06, 2019 at 5:06 pm
  Thanks, Noelle!
  Reply
Krissy Allori says
December 06, 2019 at 2:43 pm
Thank you so much for this recipe. I couldn't believe how hard it was to find a recipe for beans in the pressure cooker. These were perfect!
Reply
- Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
  December 06, 2019 at 5:07 pm
  So happy to hear, Krissy!
  Reply
Terry Wilcox says
December 06, 2019 at 2:39 pm
It took me forever to find a recipe on how to cook pinto beans in my Instant Pot (without the fluff - all the other recipes I looked like had other ingredients and flavors I could care less for)! Thank you for creating this - it answers all my questions and I made the perfect beans.
Reply
- Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
  December 06, 2019 at 5:07 pm
  That makes me happy to hear, Terry!
  Reply
Nana says
November 24, 2019 at 7:44 am
OMG, it was nearly impossible to google a simple instapot recipie for the humble pinto bean. The ratios & explaination are perfect! I closed the web tab & it took forever to find you again. Had to slog through pintos with added frills. Sounds silly but man, great recipie. My Mexican husband approves. Thank you!
Reply
- Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
  November 27, 2019 at 2:51 pm
  Hi Nana, so happy to hear that you and your husband enjoyed this recipe! Thank you for sharing.
  Reply
Cecilia says
November 14, 2019 at 10:55 pm
Made these tonight. Pretty sure I’ll never buy canned beans again. Thank you!!!!
Reply
- Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
  November 27, 2019 at 2:51 pm
  So happy to hear, Cecilia!
  Reply
Andrea Metlika says
October 13, 2019 at 5:40 pm
This is a great IP recipe. I love that you don't have to soak the beans and how good they look when they are done. Yummy.
Reply
- Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
  October 14, 2019 at 7:36 am
  Thanks, Andrea!
  Reply
Suzy says
October 13, 2019 at 2:28 pm
The is the perfect way to cook beans! It's makes it so quick and hands off! Love it!
Reply
- Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
  October 14, 2019 at 7:36 am
  I love that about the Instant Pot!
  Reply
susan | the wimpy vegetarian says
October 13, 2019 at 1:31 pm
Cooking beans in my Instant Pot is my go-to way of cooking them! They're perfect every single time. Thanks for all the tips!
Reply
- Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
  October 14, 2019 at 7:37 am
  You're so welcome!
  Reply
Cindy Gordon says
October 13, 2019 at 1:04 pm
Another WIN for the instant pot! Such an easy way to make pinto beans!
Reply
- Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
  October 14, 2019 at 7:37 am
  It truly is! Thanks, Cindy!
  Reply
Heidy L. McCallum says
October 13, 2019 at 12:35 pm
I may have missed it, but, do you soak your beans? I have been making beans in my instapot but usually, still, soak them so I want to be sure if for this recipe I should or can I skip it? Thanks in advance!
Reply
- Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
  October 14, 2019 at 7:37 am
  You can soak them but it's not necessary!
  Reply
Alison says
October 03, 2019 at 4:05 pm
These are great tips for making beans in an instant pot. I've made beans in the crockpot before, but this is a great method to use to save time! I prefer not to buy canned beans and this makes preparing beans so easy!
Reply
- Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
  October 14, 2019 at 7:38 am
  Thanks, Alison! Glad you enjoy this method of making beans.
  Reply
Mary says
October 03, 2019 at 3:58 pm
Instant pots make dry beans manageable! It's like magic!
Reply
- Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
  October 14, 2019 at 7:38 am
  I couldn't agree more with you, Mary!
  Reply
Kelly Anthony says
October 03, 2019 at 3:56 pm
I've never thought to buy beans in the bulk section before. Thanks for sharing a great money saving tip!
Reply
- Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
  October 14, 2019 at 7:39 am
  Thanks for stopping by, Kelly!
  Reply
- Melissa says
  January 24, 2020 at 4:21 pm
  I'm so new to this if I wanna do 2 cups of beans do I double the water and how long would I cook it for ??
  Reply
Jamie says
October 03, 2019 at 2:26 pm
These beans turned out so tender and soft! It was super easy without having to presoak them!
Reply
- Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
  October 14, 2019 at 7:39 am
  So happy they turned out well for you!
  Reply
Caitlin says
October 03, 2019 at 1:12 pm
These turned out perfect - thank you!
Reply
- Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
  October 14, 2019 at 7:39 am
  You're so welcome!
  Reply