Make Instant Pot Black Beans using soaked or unsoaked dried beans for delicious side dishes, taco or burrito toppings, or add to soups. A simple hands-off process means your time is free to relax with this delicious black beans recipe! Much quicker than the traditional methods, the pressure cooking process reduces the time and produces tender black beans every time.
Why this works
- Economical - dried beans are great and budget-friendly, like pinto beans! A healthy food that can go into your favorite black bean recipes.
- Time-Saving - make these Instant Pot Black Beans in about an hour with simple ingredients and use them in recipes like soup, black bean cakes, or burrito bowls. Add them into rotation with Buffalo Chicken Meatballs!
- Lots of choices - to soak or not to soak - your choice! Each will have a different cooking time, but either way is quick. You can turn up the spice if you want to, or add in the spices to make even more flavorful beans!
Ingredients you will need
Here is a quick snapshot of the ingredients you'll need. Scroll down to the recipe card, where you'll find exact measurements.
Ingredient notes
- Dry Black Beans - recently purchased beans from the grocery store will cook best as the beans get older, they require longer cooking times.
- Vegetable stock - I prefer vegetable stock, but you can use chicken broth as a substitute. You can also use only water if you like.
- Bay leaves - if your bay leaf is fresh, you will only want to use one, but if they are old, you may want to add two of them.
How to Make Pressure Cooker Black Beans
Preheat the Instant Pot Pressure Cooker to Saute, and add a small amount of olive oil then minced garlic. Saute until fragrant, then add in the salt and bay leaf. Saute for a few seconds longer, then turn off the saute function.
I use two cups of black beans which is the equivalent of one pound of beans. You can double the recipe if you like to make a big batch. The amount of cooking time will remain the same.
If soaking your beans, place them in a pot or large bowl and cover them with 2-3 inches of cold water. Allow soaking overnight. Drain and rinse prior to cooking.
If not soaking your beans, rinse them prior to cooking and pick them over for any that are broken.
Add dried soaked or unsoaked black beans to the Instant Pot. Pour in the vegetable broth and water, then stir together. Place the lid on the Instant Pot and seal it.
Cooking times for soaked beans
If using soaked black beans, cook for 9 minutes on high pressure, followed by a 15-minute natural pressure release.
Cooking times for unsoaked beans
If using unsoaked black beans, cook for 50 minutes on high pressure, followed by a 10-minute natural pressure release.
Expert tips
If, for some reason, your black beans did not cook completely, simply reseal the Instant Pot and cook for 5 minutes longer with a quick release.
For more flavor for the Instant Pot beans, add cumin, diced jalapenos or green bell pepper, cayenne pepper, ham hock, bacon, or even chili powder to the beans before cooking. You can make more beans if you like.
For every cup of beans, the ratio will be one cup of black beans to three cups of water.
FAQs
One pound of dry beans equals two cups which usually yields 5-6 cups of cooked beans.
If you overcook black beans, they will break apart. If you undercook them, they will remain firm.
Serving suggestions
Serve Instant Pot Black Beans over rice as part of a perfect side dish, in a stew or soup, and add to tacos, enchiladas, or salads. These keep well and are a perfect addition to your favorite meal prep chicken. You could even make refried black beans with these delicious beans.
Storage & reheating
Store in an airtight container or storage bag for up to one week. If freezing the Instant Pot, Black Beans allow them to cool completely. Put in freezer containers or freezer bags and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator prior to reheating.
How to video
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Recipe
Instant Pot Black Beans (Soak or No Soak)
Ingredients
- 2 cups black beans rinsed and sorted
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- Rinse and sort the black beans. Pick out any broken beans or foreign objects.
- If soaking, place beans in a bowl, then cover with 4 inches of water. Soak for 8-24 hours.
- Heat Instant Pot on saute function. Add olive oil and garlic.
- Saute garlic until fragrant or about 30 seconds. Turn off saute mode.
- Add the salt, bay leaf, vegetable broth, and water to the pot.
Unsoaked Black Beans Cooking Time
- Cook unsoaked black beans on high pressure for 50 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural pressure release.
Soaked Black Beans Cooking Time
- Cook soaked black beans on high pressure for 9 minutes, followed by a 15-minute natural pressure release.
- Serve immediately, or store for up to one week in the refrigerator in an airtight container. To freeze, cool completely, then store in a freezer bag or container for up to three months.
Video
Notes
If, for some reason, your black beans did not cook completely, simply reseal the Instant Pot and cook for 5 minutes longer with a quick release.
Nutrition
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