How To Make Pinto Beans In The Instant Pot

You can make pinto beans in the Instant Pot in about an hour, and they come out creamy, tender, and full of flavor every single time.
 
If you’ve been wondering how to make pinto beans in the Instant Pot without soaking them overnight or babysitting a pot on the stove, you’re in the right place.
 
The Instant Pot takes all the guesswork out of cooking pinto beans, and once you try it, you may never go back to the stovetop again.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to make pinto beans in the Instant Pot, from the ingredients you need to the cooking time that works best.
 
We’ll also cover common mistakes and how to fix them so your pinto beans turn out perfect.
 
Let’s get cooking.
 

How to Make Pinto Beans in the Instant Pot (Step by Step)

Learning how to make pinto beans in the Instant Pot is honestly one of the easiest cooking wins you’ll ever have.
 
Here’s the simple process broken down into clear steps.
 

1. Rinse and Sort Your Beans

Start by pouring one pound of dried pinto beans into a colander, then rinse them under cool running water.
 
While rinsing, pick through the beans and remove any small stones, shriveled beans, or debris.
 
You don’t have to soak the beans when you make pinto beans in the Instant Pot, which is one of the biggest advantages of this method.
 

2. Add Beans and Liquid to the Pot

Place the rinsed beans into the inner pot of your Instant Pot, then add six cups of water or broth.
 
For extra flavor, toss in a halved onion, a few garlic cloves, a bay leaf, and a teaspoon of salt.
 
You can also add a smoked ham hock or a piece of bacon if you want that classic Southern flavor.
 
Just make sure your total liquid covers the beans by at least two inches.
 

3. Set the Instant Pot and Cook

Secure the lid and turn the valve to the sealing position.
 
Press the Manual or Pressure Cook button and set the timer for 25 to 30 minutes on high pressure.
 
If you like your beans on the softer side, go with 30 minutes, and if you prefer them firmer, stick with 25.
 
Once the cooking time ends, let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes, then carefully do a quick release for any remaining pressure.
 

4. Check the Texture and Season

Open the lid and give the beans a stir, then taste one to check the texture.
 
If they need more time, put the lid back on and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes on high pressure.
 
Once they’re tender, season with additional salt, pepper, cumin, or chili powder to taste.
 
The liquid will thicken as the beans sit, giving you that rich, creamy consistency you want.
 

Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Pinto Beans

Now that you know how to make pinto beans in the Instant Pot, here are some tips to make them even better.
 

1. Don’t Skip the Natural Release

The natural release is important because it lets the beans finish cooking gently and keeps their skins from splitting.
 
If you do a quick release right away, you risk getting beans that are unevenly cooked.
 

2. Watch Your Salt Timing

Adding salt at the beginning is fine in the Instant Pot, contrary to the old myth that it makes beans tough.
 
Just don’t overdo it, and remember you can always add more after cooking.
 

3. Adjust Liquid for Your Preferred Consistency

If you want soupy beans, use seven cups of liquid.
 
For thicker, creamier beans, use five and a half cups and let them sit after cooking.
 

4. Avoid Overfilling the Pot

Never fill your Instant Pot past the halfway mark when cooking beans, since they expand and foam during cooking.
 
This also helps prevent the dreaded burn notice.
 

Common Mistakes When You Make Pinto Beans in the Instant Pot

Even though making pinto beans in the Instant Pot is simple, a few common mistakes can trip you up.
 

1. Using Too Little Liquid

Beans absorb a lot of water, so skimping on liquid leads to dry, undercooked beans and possibly a burn warning.
 
Always start with at least six cups for one pound of dried beans.
 

2. Forgetting to Sort the Beans

Small stones can hide in dried beans, and biting into one is no fun.
 
Take a minute to sort them before cooking.
 

3. Skipping the Taste Test

Every Instant Pot cooks a little differently, so always taste a bean before serving.
 
If it’s not quite tender, cook a few more minutes.
 

4. Not Seasoning Enough

Beans need bold seasoning to shine.
 
Don’t be shy with garlic, onion, cumin, and smoked paprika.
 

So, How Do You Make Pinto Beans in the Instant Pot?

You can make pinto beans in the Instant Pot by rinsing one pound of dried beans, adding six cups of liquid with your seasonings, and cooking on high pressure for 25 to 30 minutes.
 
Let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes, then season to taste and serve.
 
Once you learn how to make pinto beans in the Instant Pot, you’ll have a cheap, hearty, and delicious staple ready for burritos, soups, rice bowls, and more.
 
So grab your beans and your Instant Pot, and get cooking.