Get ready to transform ordinary beans into a mouthwatering culinary masterpiece that will have your taste buds dancing! These Instant Pot Loaded Refried Beans are not just a side dish – they're a flavor-packed experience that brings the authentic taste of Mexican cuisine straight to your dinner table. With just a few simple ingredients and the magic of your Instant Pot, you'll create a creamy, spicy, and absolutely irresistible dish that will become a staple in your recipe collection.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried pinto beans
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse the dried pinto beans under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Sort through the beans to discard any damaged beans or stones.
- In the Instant Pot, combine the rinsed pinto beans, diced onion, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, and vegetable broth. Stir well to ensure that the beans are evenly distributed and the spices are mixed throughout.
- Close the lid of the Instant Pot and ensure that the pressure release valve is set to the sealing position.
- Select the 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' setting on the Instant Pot and set the cooking time to 30 minutes on high pressure.
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 10-15 minutes. After that, carefully switch the pressure release valve to the venting position to release any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid of the Instant Pot and stir the beans. If you prefer a creamier texture, use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash the beans to your desired consistency.
- Add salt to taste and mix well. If you like, stir in the shredded cheese until melted and incorporated into the beans.
- Serve the loaded refried beans warm, garnished with chopped cilantro. Enjoy them as a side dish, in tacos, burritos, or as a dip with tortilla chips!
Tips
- Bean Preparation: Always rinse and sort your dried beans before cooking to remove any debris or damaged beans.
- Liquid Ratio: Ensure you have enough vegetable broth to cover the beans completely for even cooking and maximum flavor.
- Seasoning Secret: Toast your cumin and chili powder briefly in the pot before adding other ingredients to enhance their depth of flavor.
- Texture Tricks: For ultra-creamy beans, use an immersion blender instead of a potato masher. For chunkier beans, mash by hand.
- Cheese Optimization: Add cheese after cooking and let it melt naturally for a smooth, integrated texture.
- Storage Hack: These beans freeze beautifully! Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months for quick future meals.
- Customization: Feel free to experiment with different cheese types or add jalapeños for extra heat.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 5mg
