If you're a fan of smoky and spicy flavors, then you'll love this Easy Chipotle Pinto Beans Recipe in the Instant Pot. This copycat recipe will show you how to recreate the delicious chipotle pinto beans in the comfort of your own kitchen. We hope you enjoy this family-favorite side dish as much as we do!
We love to serve these beans with our Chicken Tinga Enchiladas and a Fresh Avocado and Tomato Salad.
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Pinto beans are a popular legume in Mexican cuisine, known for their creamy texture and mild flavor. Chipotle's pinto beans are infused with the smoky and spicy essence of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
This combination adds a depth of flavor to the beans, making them a perfect addition to various dishes. Now you can easily recreate this restaurant favorite with our simple copycat recipe.
Looking for more amazing Mexican recipes? Try out these Healthy Air Fryer Tostadas or this delicious Redneck Caviar Recipe. Crave the kick in chipotle spices? Then you'll love this Chipotle Seasoning for Chicken recipe or this quick and easy Chipotle Corn Salsa Recipe.
Why We Love This Recipe
- Quick and Convenient: Thanks to the Instant Pot, you’ll have a large batch of flavorful chipotle pinto beans in a fraction of the time compared to stovetop cooking. Just like our Refried Beans from Scratch!
- Bold, Smoky Flavor: Chipotle peppers add the perfect balance of smoky heat that keeps you coming back for more.
- Beginner-Friendly: With minimal effort required, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
- Versatile and Delicious: Enjoy these beans as a side dish, in burrito bowls, tacos, or as a hearty addition to your favorite Mexican-inspired meals.
Ingredients
- Pinto beans: Creamy legumes that form the base of this dish.
- Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce: Smoked and dried jalapeño peppers packed in a tangy and spicy tomato-based sauce.
- Ancho chili powder: Known for its slightly sweet and smoky flavor.
- Onion: Adds savory flavor to the beans.
- Garlic: Enhances the overall taste and aroma.
- Cumin: A ground spice that adds warmth and depth to the dish.
- Bay Leaf: Bay leaves infuse a subtle earthy flavor and aroma.
- Oregano: Use Mexican oregano if you have it on hand.
- Vegetable bouillon cubes: Plus added water provides the liquid base for cooking the beans. *You could also use vegetable or chicken broth.
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
Beans: Use canned pinto beans instead—just drain, rinse, and adjust the Instant Pot cooking time.
Broth Swap: Use chicken or vegetable broth instead of vegetable cubes + water.
Soup: Blend some beans with broth for a smooth base, then add tomatoes, corn, and spices. Simmer and serve with cilantro and lime.
Dip: Mash or blend the beans, then mix in tomatoes, jalapeños, and cheese. Serve with tortilla chips.
Bowls: Serve over rice or quinoa with avocado, tomatoes, cheese, and salsa for a hearty meal.
How to Make this Easy Chipotle Pinto Beans Recipe in the Instant Pot
STEP ONE: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by rinsing the pinto beans under cold water to remove any debris. Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Additionally, chop the chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (or leave them whole for removal later).
STEP TWO: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode until it reaches medium heat. Add the olive oil and chopped onion to the pot and sauté until the onion becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and saute for one more minute.
STEP THREE: Add the Remaining Ingredients
Now, add the other ingredients. Put the rinsed pinto beans, chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, ground cumin, chili powder, oregano, bay leaves, salt, pepper, vegetable cubes, and water into the Instant Pot.
STEP FOUR: Pressure Cook the Beans
Close the Instant Pot lid and set it to high pressure. Cook the beans for 60 minutes under high pressure. After the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 20 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release. Remove bay leaves and serve warm.
Expert Tips for Success
👩🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!
✔️ DO: Start with one chipotle pepper if you prefer a milder dish, then adjust to taste.
✔️ DO: Soak dried pinto beans overnight to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.
✔️ DO: Blend or mash a portion of the beans for a thicker, creamier sauce.
✔️ DO: Freeze in small portions for an easy, ready-to-use meal anytime.
Storage
Store chipotle pinto beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Recipe FAQs
Simply soak pinto beans overnight, then cook them in a pot with chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, onion, garlic, cumin, and salt for 1-1.5 hours or until tender.
Yes! Rinse and drain the beans, then sauté them with onion and garlic. Add in chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, chili powder, ground cumin, oregano, bay leaves, salt, and a little broth. Simmer for 5-10 minutes.
It is not necessary, but it does help to soften them. It also reduces the cooking time and makes them easier to digest.
One pound of beans is approximately equal to 2 cups. However, it's important to note that the volume of beans may vary slightly depending on the specific type of bean.
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📖 Recipe
Easy Chipotle Pinto Beans Recipe in the Instant Pot
Equipment
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 3 cups dried pinto beans
- 1 medium chopped onion
- 1-2 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 1-2 tablespoon adobo sauce from the chipotle pepper can
- 1 teaspoon ancho chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 Knorr extra large vegetable bouillon cubes
- water enough to fill to the ½ line in Instant Pot
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- squeeze of lime (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the pinto beans under cold water to remove any debris. Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode until it reaches medium heat. Add the olive oil and chopped onion to the pot and sauté until the onion becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and saute for one more minute.
- Put the rinsed pinto beans, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, chili powder, ground cumin, oregano, bay leaves, salt, pepper, vegetable cubes, and water into the Instant Pot.
- Close the Instant Pot lid and set it to high pressure. Cook the beans for 60 minutes under high pressure. After the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 20 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release. Remove bay leaves and whole chipotle peppers. Serve warm.
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Video
Notes
- Beans: Use canned pinto beans instead—just drain, rinse, and adjust the Instant Pot cooking time.
- Broth Swap: Use chicken or vegetable broth instead of vegetable cubes + water.
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