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–+ servings

Refried Beans Instant Pot Recipe

Learn how to make delicious frijoles refritos (refried beans) using an Instant Pot, complete with step-by-step instructions and tips for adding authentic flavors.
Refried Beans Instant Pot Served
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Diet: Gluten Free
Difficulty: Easy
Newsletter: 2026-04-30
Allergen: Dairy
Calories per serving: 309kcal

Ingredients

~~ For the Pot ~~
  • 1 pound (453.59 g) pinto beans ; sorted
  • 2 quarts (1.89 l) water
  • ½ teaspoon (0.49 teaspoon) *Ham base
  • 1 clove (1 clove) Garlic, cut
  • 1 (1) Bay leaf
  • ½ teaspoon (0.49 teaspoon) *Epazote
~~ For the Beans ~~
  • ½ (½) Onion ; chopped
  • ½ teaspoon (0.49 teaspoon) *Ham base
  • 1 tablespoon (0.99 tablespoon) butter
  • 1 cup (236.59 ml) pot liquor, liquid left after beans are cooked
  • ¼ cup (37.5 g) Cotija Cheese

Instructions

  • Mise en place
    Refried Beans Instant Pot Mise En Place
  • Put the beans, ham base, garlic, Epazote, and bay leaf in the cookwell of the Instant Pot.
    Refried Beans Instant Pot Water
  • Cover with enough water to the fill line, about 2 quarts. Cook under pressure for 50 minutes then naturally release.
  • Melt the butter with the ham base in a cast iron skillet,
    Refried Beans Instant Pot Ham Base
  • Saute the onion until translucent.
    Refried Beans Instant Pot Onions
  • Use a spider to add drained beans to the pot.
    Refried Beans Instant Pot Liquor
  • Add some of the liquid the beans were cooked in (pot liquor).
    Refried Beans Instant Pot Pot Liquor
  • Use an immersion blender to mash the beans.
    Refried Beans Instant Pot Blending
  • When all the beans are creamy, top with cheese.
    Refried Beans Instant Pot Cheese
  • Enjoy!
Scan for full nutrition info and step-by-step photos. https://the-good-plate.com/wprm_print/refried-beans-instant-pot-recipe