Instant Pot Pinto Beans
Instant Pot Pinto Beans are so easy to make with just 7 ingredients! This no-soak recipe uses dried beans cooked in the pressure cooker. These pinto beans are full of rich flavor, creamy and are great to serve as a main dish with a fresh salad and cornbread. But don't stop there! They're also perfect as a side dish, in tacos, chilies and just the thing when you're feeding a crowd.
Servings: 8
Calories: 213kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 8 once ham steak - cut into cubes
- 1 small onion - chopped
- 2 tablespoons garlic - minced
- 1 pound dried pinto beans
- 4 cups vegetable stock
- 1 ½ cups water
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
Instant Pot
- Set Instant Pot to sautee. Add olive oil, onion and, chopped ham. Cook for approximately 3 minutes. Add garlic and, cook for 1 minute. Pour in vegetable stock and water. Add beans, salt and, pepper.
- Secure lid on Instant Pot and close. Set to PRESSURE COOK/MANUAL and set timer to 45 minutes.
- Once timer goes off, allow the steam to release naturally, which will take about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Remove the lid and stir beans. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve with your favorite toppings.
- ** Beans can be kept in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for 3 months.
Stove Top
- Add the dried beans to all large pot, cover with cool water and allow to soak overnight. Drain the beans.Sautee the onion and ham, add garlic and cook for 1 minute.Add in the stock, water, salt, and pepper.Bring the beans to a boil over high heat and boil for 15 minutes. Reduce the temperature to low and allow the pinto beans to simmer until they tender about 2 to 3 hours. Add water to the beans as needed.
Notes
Vegetarian Version: This gluten-free recipe can be made vegetarian by simply skipping the ham. You can boost the smoky, savory flavor with 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika or ½ teaspoon of liquid smoke, a bay leaf, cumin or chili powder. You can also sauté diced mushrooms or celery with the onion and garlic for an extra layer of umami. The result is a hearty, flavorful pot of beans that’s just as comforting and delicious—completely meat-free!
Recipe Variations:
- Spicy Beans: Add a chopped jalapeño when sautéing the onion and garlic, or toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper with the red pepper flakes.
- Smoked Meats: Swap the ham steak for a smoked turkey leg, bacon, or even leftover BBQ pork for a decadent, smoky twist and added protein.
Nutrition
Serving: 1cup | Calories: 213kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 784mg | Potassium: 805mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 294IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 70mg | Iron: 3mg