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

There's something incredibly comforting about homemade refried beans, and this Instant Pot Refried Beans Recipe brings all that dreamy creaminess and rich flavor to your table with hardly any fuss. Trust me, once you try these, you'll be wondering why you ever bought canned!

A close-up of a white bowl filled with refried beans mixed with melted shredded orange cheese spread on one half, showing a creamy and thick brown texture on the other half. Two silver spoons are inserted into the bowl's center, slightly lifting the beans. The bowl is on a white marbled surface with some green herbs blurred 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 refried beans countless ways, but using the Instant Pot completely changed the game. This recipe is quick, straightforward, and the flavors develop beautifully under pressure. It’s got the perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and savory – plus that irresistibly creamy texture.

Hands-Off Cooking: Once you add the ingredients, the Instant Pot does the heavy lifting, making this super easy to fit into busy days.
Fresh and Flavorful: Real ingredients like fresh onions and jalapeño add depth you just can’t get from canned beans.
Customizable Texture: Whether you like your refried beans chunky or ultra-smooth, you control the mash.
Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch that stores and reheats beautifully, saving time on busy weeknights.

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with smooth refried beans topped with melted bright orange shredded cheddar cheese. A silver spoon holds a scoop of the beans mixed with the melted cheese above the bowl, showing the creamy texture and the soft layer of cheese melting into the beans. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface with soft green leaves blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays a key role. Pinto beans are classic for refried beans because of their creamy texture and mild flavor. The combo of onions, jalapeño, and spices creates a base that’s both savory and slightly spicy. Lard adds richness and a smooth finish that’s hard to beat.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden corn oil, a small mound of diced yellow onion, half a fresh green jalapeño sliced, a small white bowl filled with dried pinto beans, a small white bowl with rich chicken broth, a small white bowl of coarse salt, a small white bowl of pale garlic powder, a small white bowl of deep red chili powder, and a small chunk of natural 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: Great for sautéing because it’s neutral and handles heat well without overpowering flavors.
Yellow onion: Adds a sweet, aromatic foundation when sautéed, deepening the overall taste.
Jalapeño: Optional, but I love the slight kick and freshness it brings.
Pinto beans: The star of the dish, soaked and rinsed to ensure tenderness and avoid grit.
Chicken broth: Infuses beans with savory notes beyond water’s blandness.
Salt: Essential for bringing out all the natural flavors and seasoning the beans.
Garlic powder: A quick way to add garlicky warmth without the fuss of fresh garlic.
Chili powder: Adds subtle smoky depth and gentle heat.
Lard: For frying and mashing, it lends that authentically rich taste and creamy texture.

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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

I’m always tweaking this Instant Pot Refried Beans Recipe depending on what I have on hand or the mood I’m in. Feel free to play around with the spice level or try different fats to finish the dish.

Variation: For a vegetarian option, swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and use olive oil or vegan butter instead of lard. It’s still tasty and creamy!
Extra Creamy: Stir in a splash of sour cream or some shredded cheese right at the end for an indulgent twist.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper during the sauté step to dial the heat up or introduce smoky notes.
Herbaceous Touch: Try finishing with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice for brightness and zing.

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

Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Jalapeño

Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode and pour in the corn oil. When it’s shimmering hot, add your diced onion and sliced jalapeño. Cook for about 3 minutes until the onions soften and start to turn translucent. This step unlocks those sweet and slightly spicy aromatics that form the base of the beans.

Step 2: Add Beans and Broth, then Pressure Cook

Next, toss in your rinsed pinto beans along with the chicken broth, salt, garlic powder, and chili powder. Lock the lid in place and make sure the valve is set to “Sealed.” Set your Instant Pot to cook on High Pressure for 45 minutes. After the timer goes off, let the pressure naturally release for 20 minutes before flipping the valve to release any remaining steam.

Step 3: Fry and Mash in the Lard

Carefully remove the beans and their cooking liquid—this stuff is hot, so take your time. Pour out the Instant Pot liner and set it back in the pot. Heat it on Sauté again, add the lard and let it melt until bubbly. Return your cooked beans to the pot and let them fry lightly in the lard for 3–5 minutes. Then, grab a potato masher and press the beans right in the pot, mashing to your preferred consistency. I like mine a little chunky, but smooth feels just as good!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to really nail this Instant Pot Refried Beans Recipe and get that perfect creamy yet hearty texture every time.

Don’t Skip the Natural Pressure Release: Letting the pot naturally release pressure for 20 minutes ensures the beans finish cooking gently and stay creamy without turning mushy.
Use the Sauté Step for Flavor: Frying the mashed beans in lard or fat adds that classic refried flavor and texture you won’t get just by mashing them straight away.
Mash to Your Liking: Invest in a good potato masher and decide how chunky or smooth you want – better to do this whilst frying for easy mixing.
Watch Your Pot Capacity: Don’t fill the Instant Pot more than half full when doubling the recipe, or you risk triggering the burn warning or uneven cooking.

How to Serve Instant Pot Refried Beans Recipe

Instant Pot refried beans - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping these refried beans with fresh diced onions, a sprinkle of crumbly cotija cheese, and a few spoonfuls of chopped cilantro. A squeeze of lime brightens everything brilliantly. If you want a touch of heat, sliced pickled jalapeños are a killer garnish too.

Side Dishes

Pair these beans with warm homemade tortillas, Mexican rice, or grilled veggies. They’re perfect alongside tacos or piled atop tostadas. Honestly, I sometimes just eat them straight with tortilla chips for a snack—they’re that good!

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I spread the refried beans in a shallow dish, top with layers of melted cheese, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, and a dollop of sour cream—it’s basically a bean dip party centerpiece. You can also swirl in roasted corn or chopped cooked chorizo for extra flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover refried beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When I reheat, I add a splash of water or broth and stir well to restore creaminess—instant comfort food ready to go!

Freezing

I’ve frozen these beans successfully in portion-sized containers. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently over low heat. They won’t lose their texture and stay delicious for up to three months frozen.

Reheating

Whether from fridge or freezer, I reheat refried beans on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring frequently. Adding a little water or broth to loosen them up prevents clumping and keeps that creamy mouthfeel.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Instant Pot Refried Beans Recipe with canned beans?

Using dried beans is best for texture and flavor here, but if you’re in a pinch, you can start with canned pinto beans. Skip the pressure cooking and just mash and fry them in lard or oil on Sauté mode—just watch the moisture levels so they don’t get too thin.

How spicy are the beans with jalapeño included?

The jalapeño adds a mild to medium heat depending on how much you use and if you include the seeds. If you prefer mild flavors, you can omit it entirely or deseed it before adding. Adjust the chili powder as well to keep heat comfortable.

Can I use an 8-quart Instant Pot or smaller for this recipe?

This recipe was tested in an 8-quart Instant Pot. Smaller models can work too, but they might require a slightly longer pressure cooking time because they reach pressure faster. Also, avoid filling the pot more than half full to prevent overflows or burn warnings.

What’s the best way to mash the beans?

A potato masher works wonderfully here because it lets you control the texture easily. I like mashing while the beans are frying in the lard—it softens them up and helps ingredients blend evenly. If you prefer, a hand blender can make ultra-smooth beans, but watch out for overprocessing.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Refried Beans Recipe has become my go-to whenever I want a comforting, homemade dish without hours in the kitchen. It’s approachable, flavorful, and truly tastes like something made with love. Give it a try — once you do, you’ll understand why I keep it in heavy rotation!