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

There’s something deeply satisfying about making creamy, flavorful beans right at home, and this Instant Pot Refried Beans Recipe is exactly that. It takes all the guesswork out of the process while delivering rich, smoky perfection any day of the week.

A white bowl filled with two main layers: the bottom layer is creamy brown refried beans with a thick texture, and the top layer is melted bright yellow shredded cheese, mostly covering one half of the beans. Two metal spoons are stuck together in the middle of the bowl, partially sinking into the beans. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, and some blurred green cilantro leaves are visible 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

This Instant Pot Refried Beans Recipe quickly became one of my kitchen staples because it’s simple, hands-off, and consistently produces beans bursting with flavor and luscious texture — without the canned bean shortcut.

Time Saver: Using an Instant Pot means these beans cook much faster than traditional stove-top methods without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Rich Flavor: Sautéing the beans in lard at the end adds an amazing depth of authentic richness that really sets this recipe apart.
Customizable Heat Level: The optional jalapeño gives you control over spiciness – you can dial it up or down as you like.
Perfect Texture: Mashing them right in the pot as they fry means you get perfectly creamy yet slightly rustic refried beans every time.

A white bowl filled with a thick, creamy brown bean dish topped with melted shredded orange cheese. A silver spoon is lifting a scoop of this dish, showing a chunky texture mixed with beans and cheese strands. The surface beneath has a white marbled texture, with fresh green herbs blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Instant Pot Refried Beans Recipe all play a vital role in creating that satisfying balance of creamy texture and bold, savory flavor. Plus, they’re pantry-friendly and simple, which means a trip to the store will be a breeze.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden corn oil, a small white ceramic bowl of finely diced yellow onion, a few fresh sliced green jalapeño rings, a small white ceramic bowl filled with dried light brown pinto beans, a small white ceramic bowl of rich golden chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse white salt, a small white ceramic bowl of pale beige garlic powder, a small white ceramic bowl of deep red chili powder, a small white ceramic dish with a chunk of creamy 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 (or vegetable oil): A neutral oil that’s perfect for sautéing onions and jalapeño without overpowering flavors.
Yellow onion: Adds natural sweetness and savory depth to the beans.
Jalapeño (optional): Brings a subtle heat and fresh bite to balance the richness—use more or less depending on your spice preference.
Pinto beans (dried): The star ingredient! Using dried beans lets you control texture and flavor, and they absorb seasoning beautifully.
Chicken broth: Cooks the beans with extra flavor; you can swap for vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian.
Salt: Essential for seasoning; helps bring out all the other flavors in the beans.
Garlic powder: Adds warmth and depth without the bite of raw garlic.
Chili powder: Provides subtle smokiness and a little heat, enhancing the overall profile.
Lard: The secret weapon! It enriches the final frying step with authentic flavor and creaminess that’s hard to beat.

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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 love making this recipe just as is, but I’m also a big fan of tweaking heat levels and adding my own touches to fit whoever I’m cooking for. It’s nice to have a base you can trust, then personalize with little extras.

Mild Version: Leave out the jalapeño and reduce the chili powder for a bean that kids and spice-sensitive friends will adore.
Vegan Swap: Switch chicken broth for vegetable broth and swap lard for vegan butter or olive oil, and you get plant-based creamy goodness.
Spicy Kick: Add extra jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper while sautéing to turn up the heat just right.
Chunkier Beans: Mash less for a rustic texture that’s perfect on tostadas or in burritos.

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

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

First things first, turn your Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add the corn oil. Once it's hot and shimmering, toss in your diced onion and sliced jalapeño. Give it about 3 minutes to soften and get fragrant—you want the onion tender but not browned. This step is key because it builds a flavorful foundation for the beans.

Step 2: Pressure Cook the Beans

Now, add the rinsed pinto beans along with the chicken broth, salt, garlic powder, and chili powder. Stir everything together, close the lid, and make sure the valve is sealed. Set your Instant Pot to cook on HIGH pressure for 45 minutes. After it’s done, let it naturally release pressure for about 20 minutes to avoid splattering and ensure tender beans.

Step 3: Mash and Fry in Lard

Carefully scoop the beans and liquid into a separate bowl—they’ll be very hot, so watch your fingers! Return the inner pot to the cooker, switch back to Sauté mode, and melt the lard until it’s hot and bubbly. Pour in the beans and let them fry for a few minutes. As they’re frying, grab a potato masher and mash them directly in the pot until you reach your favorite consistency. The frying in lard makes the beans silky with that authentic refried flavor.

Top Tip

When I started making refried beans in my Instant Pot, the breakthrough moment was realizing the difference the frying step makes. I used to just mash and serve them, but frying in lard turns them from “just good” to “wow, restaurant quality.”

Use Fresh Beans: Rinsing and picking through dried beans ensures none are dusty or damaged, which can affect texture and taste.
Natural Pressure Release: Don’t rush this step — letting the pressure come down naturally helps the beans cook evenly and stay creamy.
Don't Overfill: My Instant Pot is 8 quarts—I never fill it past half full with beans and liquid to avoid safety issues and ensure proper cooking.
Perfect Mashing: Mash while frying — this helps the beans absorb the lard’s richness and develop that classic texture.

How to Serve Instant Pot Refried Beans Recipe

Garnishes

My go-to garnishes for refried beans are a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco, a handful of chopped fresh cilantro, and just a squeeze of fresh lime juice. These bright flavors cut through the creamy intensity and add layers of freshness you’ll appreciate.

Side Dishes

These beans are a dream alongside tacos, enchiladas, or stuffed peppers. I also love serving them with fluffy Mexican rice or loading them onto tostadas for a simple, satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, I spread the refried beans on a platter, drizzle with a bit of hot sauce, scatter diced avocados on top, and serve with warm tortilla chips. It’s a crowd-pleaser every time and feels festive without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep beautifully for about 4 to 5 days, and the flavors actually deepen overnight.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well too! Portion the beans into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

I reheat leftover refried beans gently on the stove over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen them. Stir often to prevent sticking and keep that creamy texture intact.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use canned beans instead of dried in this Instant Pot Refried Beans Recipe?

Using dried beans allows for better texture and flavor control, which is why this recipe calls for them. Canned beans are already cooked and often too soft, so they wouldn’t hold up well during the pressure cooking and frying process here. If you're short on time, you might explore a quick stovetop refried beans recipe instead.

Can I freeze leftovers of this Instant Pot Refried Beans Recipe?

Absolutely! These refried beans freeze beautifully. Portion them into airtight containers or freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove with a bit of water or broth.

What’s the best way to get creamy refried beans without them turning too mushy?

The trick is to mash while the beans fry in hot lard or oil, as in this recipe. This helps the beans absorb the fat and develop that creamy yet slightly textured consistency. Also, using dried beans and cooking them just until tender—not overly soft—prevents mushiness.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Yes! Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and replace the lard with olive oil or a plant-based butter. The flavor won’t be exactly the same, but you’ll still get delicious, creamy beans with plenty of depth.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Refried Beans Recipe quickly became a favorite for me because it takes an old classic and makes it easy, reliable, and downright delicious. Whether you’re making a big batch for a fiesta or just want a simple side for taco night, these beans bring comfort and flavor that’s worth every step. Give it a go—you’ll be amazed at how the Instant Pot turns dried beans into creamy, dreamy refried perfection.