How to Make Instant Pot Black Beans
Tender, deliciously flavored, and easy to make, these Instant Pot Black Beans are a great side. Cooking black beans from dry beans has never been easier thanks to the Instant Pot. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, this method will give you perfectly tender and flavorful beans every time. Here’s everything you need to know to make Instant Pot black beans, along with tips, tricks, and delicious ways to use them.
Serve as a side for Tacos Al Pastor or atop Navajo Tacos for a great meal.
Why Make Black Beans in the Instant Pot?
The Instant Pot is a magical tool I love using for things like Pot Roast or Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs, but making black beans in the Instant Pot is a game-changer for several reasons:
- Time-Saving: No need to soak beans overnight. The Instant Pot significantly reduces cooking time.
- Flavorful: Cooking beans under pressure infuses them with deep, rich flavors.
- Economical: Dried beans are more cost-effective than canned ones.
- Control Over Ingredients: You can avoid unnecessary preservatives and additives.
Selecting Dry Black Beans
When selecting dry black beans, look for:
- Freshness: Choose beans that are glossy and smooth. Avoid any that look shriveled or have cracks.
- Cleanliness: Check for small stones or debris. Most brands do a good job of cleaning, but it’s always good to give them a quick look.
What You Need to Make Black Beans
- 1 pound of dried black beans (about 2 cups)
- 5 cups of water or stock/broth (for added flavor)
- 1 cup white onion, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, smashed
- 1 teaspoon each: cumin, chili powder, oregano
- Salt and Pepper to taste
How to Make Black Beans from Dry Beans
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Rinse and Sort the Beans: Place the beans in a colander and rinse them under cold water. Sort through them to remove any debris or damaged beans.
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Prepare the Instant Pot: Turn the Instant Pot on to the Saute function, add the oil and heat. Then add the spices, and cook for 30 seconds, then add in the onion and garlic, continue to cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Add Beans: Add the beans to the Instant Pot along with onion, garlic, and spices, and stir to coat. Turn off saute function.
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Set the Instant Pot: Add the water or stock to the pot, secure the lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting and adjust the time to 55 minutes.
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Pressure Release: Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for a few minutes, then do a quick release. Allowing a little natural release time helps the beans finish cooking and enhances their texture.
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Drain and Season: Carefully open the lid and taste the beans, season the beans with salt and pepper to your preference.
Tips and Tricks for Using the Instant Pot
- Pre-Soaking (Optional): While not necessary, pre-soaking can reduce cooking time and make the beans easier to digest.
- Avoid Overfilling: Beans expand as they cook, so ensure your Instant Pot is no more than halfway full.
- Deglaze the Pot: After sautéing onions or spices, add a bit of water or broth to deglaze the pot and prevent the burn warning.
Substitutions and Variations
While this is a great basic recipe for black beans, I love mixing things up, so here are a few fun options for how to do that:
- Broth Instead of Water: Use vegetable or chicken broth for added flavor.
- Spice It Up: Add spices like smoked paprika, chipotle chili powder, or onion powder to suit your taste.
- Aromatics: Include diced bell peppers, jalapeños, or fresh herbs like cilantro for a flavor boost.
- Rotel: Add a can of rotel to get extra flavor.
- Chicken Bullion: Add a few cubes or a spoonful of chicken bullion or cooking concentrate for even more flavor.
How to Use Your Cooked Black Beans
- Tacos and Burritos: Use them as a filling for a protein-packed meal. I love adding them into these Sweet Potato Black Bean Burritos or even as an addition to these BBQ Chicken Burritos. And they are great as a side for Easy Chicken Tacos, Shredded Beef Tacos, Grilled Fish Tacos, along with some Cilantro Lime Rice or Mexican Rice.
- Soups and Stews: Add them to soups or stews for extra heartiness. We love black beans in this Black Bean Boo-dle Soup or this Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup.
- Salads: Toss them into salads for added texture and nutrition.
- Rice and Beans: Pair with rice for a classic, comforting dish.
- Dips: Blend with spices and olive oil to make a delicious black bean dip. I love this recipe, and will often use these black beans from the instant pot to make the Best Ever Black Beans
Storing Black Beans
- Refrigerator: Store cooked beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze beans in portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Be sure to label with the date.
Making black beans in the Instant Pot is a simple and efficient way to enjoy this versatile legume. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking to add more plant-based proteins to your diet, this method is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy your perfectly cooked black beans in a variety of dishes, and savor the convenience and flavor that the Instant Pot brings to your cooking.
Other Great Recipes:
- Red Beans and Rice
- Black Eyed Peas (Slow Cooker)
- Instant Pot Chicken Broccoli Rice
- Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken
- Instant Pot Chicken Wings
Black Beans
Equipment
- 1 Instant Pot Pressure cooker
Ingredients
- 1 pound dry black beans
- 1 cup white onion minced
- 5 cups water beef, or chicken broth
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 3 Tablespoons garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon Oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Turn Instant Pot on to Saute.
- Add oil into the bottom of the liner, and heat the oil until hot.
- Add the spices, and fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add onions, and garlic and fry another 30 seconds.
- Place the beans in a colander and rinse them under cold water. Sort through them to remove any debris or damaged beans. Add beans to the pot, and continue frying for 30 seconds, stirring until beans and onions are fully are coated with spices.
- Turn off sauté function.
- Add 5 cups of water or broth to the pot.
- Secure lid and lock into place. Set the valve to the sealing position.
- Cook on high pressure for 55 minutes, then quick release the pressure. Or cook for 35-45 minutes, and let the pressure naturally release.
- Taste beans and add salt and pepper to your preference.
Notes
Nutrition
Our recipe card software calculates these nutrition facts based on averages for the above ingredients, different brands, and quality of produce/meats may have different nutritional information, always calculate your own based on the specific products you use in order to achieve accurate macros for this recipe.
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