Name: Instant Pot Refried Beans Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 tbsp corn oil or vegetable oil; 1/4 cup yellow onion, diced; 1/2 large jalapeño, sliced (optional); 2 cups pinto beans, dried, rinsed and picked through; 4 cups chicken broth; 1/2 tbsp salt; 1/2 tbsp garlic powder; 1 tsp chili powder; 3 tbsp lard, found in the baking aisle

Nothing beats homemade beans that are creamy, flavorful, and come together with minimal fuss. This Instant Pot Refried Beans Recipe is a total game-changer — it’s quick, hands-off, and gives you that authentic texture and rich taste you usually only find after hours on the stove.

A white bowl filled with two main layers: the bottom layer is creamy brown refried beans with a thick texture, and the top layer is melted bright yellow shredded cheese, mostly covering one half of the beans. Two metal spoons are stuck together in the middle of the bowl, partially sinking into the beans. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, and some blurred green cilantro leaves are visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Instant Pot Refried Beans Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Instant Pot Refried Beans Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Instant Pot Refried Beans Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made my fair share of refried beans over the years, and switching to the Instant Pot transformed the whole process. It’s like having your own Mexican restaurant beans served right from your kitchen, without all the simmering and babysitting. I get that perfectly creamy, slightly chunky texture every time — and you will too!

Speedy and Convenient: You’re done in under an hour, way faster than traditional stovetop refried beans.
Rich, Authentic Flavor: The combination of chicken broth, lard, and spices makes these beans taste like they’ve been simmered low and slow.
Customizable Texture: Whether you like them chunky or ultra-smooth, you control the mash consistency easily.
Perfect for Meal Prep: They keep beautifully in the fridge or freezer, so you’re always ready for taco night, burrito bowls, or quick side dishes.

A white bowl filled with a thick, creamy brown bean dish topped with melted shredded orange cheese. A silver spoon is lifting a scoop of this dish, showing a chunky texture mixed with beans and cheese strands. The surface beneath has a white marbled texture, with fresh green herbs blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Instant Pot Refried Beans Recipe plays a special role to build layers of flavor, while the cooking method brings it all together perfectly. It’s simple stuff you might already have, but knowing why each item is here helps you get it just right.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden corn oil, a small white ceramic bowl of finely diced yellow onion, a few fresh sliced green jalapeño rings, a small white ceramic bowl filled with dried light brown pinto beans, a small white ceramic bowl of rich golden chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse white salt, a small white ceramic bowl of pale beige garlic powder, a small white ceramic bowl of deep red chili powder, a small white ceramic dish with a chunk of creamy white lard placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997

Corn oil (or vegetable oil): Adds that first layer of fat to sauté the onion and jalapeño, building the base aroma and taste.
Yellow onion: Sweet and earthy, it softens during sautéing and adds depth to the beans.
Jalapeño (optional): Just enough heat and brightness to keep things interesting without overpowering the beans.
Pinto beans (dried, rinsed): The star ingredient—these soak up all the flavors and cook to creamy perfection in the Instant Pot.
Chicken broth: Replaces water for a richer, more savory cooking liquid that really boosts flavor.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors—don’t skip it!
Garlic powder: Adds just the right punch without adding extra chopping.
Chili powder: Gives a warm, smoky undertone that rounds out the beans nicely.
Lard: It might sound old-fashioned, but this is what makes your beans authentically rich, silky, and totally indulgent.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One thing I love about my Instant Pot Refried Beans Recipe is how easy it is to tweak depending on your mood or dietary needs. Play around with spice levels, swap fats if you want, or even try out different beans. I encourage you to make this recipe your own—it’s incredibly forgiving and adaptable.

Spice it up: I sometimes add a pinch of smoked paprika or cumin to deepen the flavor, especially if I’m serving it alongside grilled meats.
Make it vegetarian: Just swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and replace lard with olive oil or vegan butter—it’s still delicious!
Try black beans: Switching to black beans changes the vibe but keeps that lovely creamy texture you want.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Instant Pot Refried Beans Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by turning your Instant Pot to sauté mode and heating up the corn oil. Toss in the diced onion and jalapeño slices (if using), and cook for about 3 minutes. Watch for the onions to turn tender and translucent—this step really unlocks their sweetness and sets the stage for flavor.

Step 2: Add the Beans and Spices

Next, pour in the rinsed pinto beans, chicken broth, salt, garlic powder, and chili powder. Give everything a quick stir to combine, then seal the lid and ensure the valve is set to “sealing.”

Step 3: Pressure Cook Your Beans

Set your Instant Pot to High Pressure for 45 minutes. Once cooking is complete, let it naturally release pressure for 20 minutes. Then, carefully finish releasing any remaining pressure. This slow natural release helps the beans absorb all that flavor and become perfectly tender without falling apart.

Step 4: Fry and Mash the Beans

Remove the beans and their cooking liquid to a separate bowl (trust me—beans will be hot, so use oven mitts). Set the Instant Pot back to sauté mode, add the lard, and melt it until it's bubbly and hot. Return the beans to the pot and let them fry for a few minutes. While they’re frying, mash them with a potato masher until you reach your preferred texture. Then, turn off the Instant Pot—you’re done!

Top Tip

When I first made these refried beans in the Instant Pot, I learned that the timing and pressure release really make a difference. Here are some nuggets from my experience to help you nail it every time.

Don’t rush the natural pressure release: Letting the pressure come down slowly keeps the beans intact and soaking up flavor.
Use lard if you can: It might sound old-school, but it adds unmatched creaminess and that classic refried bean taste.
Mash while frying: Mashing the beans as they fry in the fat helps develop that authentic texture and toasty flavor.
Avoid overfilling your Instant Pot: I stick to half capacity when cooking these beans to ensure even, safe pressure cooking.

How to Serve Instant Pot Refried Beans Recipe

Instant Pot Refried Beans - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping these beans with crumbled queso fresco, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and a few squeezes of lime juice. Sometimes I add diced tomatoes or chopped green onions for color and crunch – keeps things fresh and vibrant!

Side Dishes

This recipe shines alongside fluffy Mexican rice, warm corn tortillas, or as a hearty filling for burritos and tacos. It’s a perfect vegetarian protein boost for any Mexican-inspired meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For party nights, I spread these Instant Pot Refried Beans on a platter, top with melted cheese, jalapeño slices, and fresh pico de gallo for an irresistible bean dip. It’s always a hit and looks fancy without extra work.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover beans store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Before serving, I like to add a splash of water or broth to loosen them up as they tend to thicken when chilled.

Freezing

I usually freeze batches in portion-sized containers or resealable bags. Thawed overnight in the fridge, they reheat smoothly without losing texture. Just like fresh!

Reheating

Reheat on low in a skillet or microwave, stirring occasionally. Adding a little broth or water helps keep them creamy. Avoid high heat or direct scorching—they reheat best gently, just like fresh-made.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use canned beans for this Instant Pot Refried Beans Recipe?

You can, but I recommend dried beans for the best flavor and texture. Starting with dried beans lets you control the cooking and seasoning process perfectly, which canned beans won’t allow as easily. If you do use canned, skip the pressure cooking and mash with the sauté step, adjusting liquid as needed.

Is this Instant Pot Refried Beans Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! All the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check your chili powder and chicken broth labels to confirm no hidden gluten ingredients if you’re cooking for someone sensitive or allergic.

How do I adjust the recipe for a smaller Instant Pot?

If you have a smaller Instant Pot (say 6 quarts), you can still make this recipe but may need to increase the cooking time slightly, as smaller pots pressurize faster but sometimes don’t cook beans as evenly. Also, be careful to not fill your pot more than half full to allow for proper pressure buildup and safety.

Can I make this Instant Pot Refried Beans Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Simply swap the chicken broth for a vegetable broth and replace the lard with a plant-based oil like olive oil or vegan butter. The flavor will still be rich, and the texture creamy—perfect for vegan diets.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Refried Beans Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen—quick to whip up, packed with flavor, and ready for so many meals. I love how easy it is to personalize and how much it impresses guests when I serve it as a side. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll wonder how you ever lived without homemade refried beans from your Instant Pot!