Homemade Refried Beans from Scratch is a creamy Instant Pot refried bean recipe made with dried pinto beans, butter, onion, and bouillon. It works well for taco nights, meal prep, and homemade Mexican sides. The beans cook until tender and blend into a rich, smooth texture with deep, savory flavor.
If you like this Mexican recipe, you may also love our Easy Chipotle Beans Recipe.
Homemade Refried Beans Recipe at a Glance 🔎
- 🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes
- ⏱️ Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- 👥 Servings: 6
- 🔥 Cook Method: Instant Pot pressure cooking
- 🍽️ Cuisine (or General Category): Mexican side dish
- 👩🍳 Pair With: Vegetarian Quesadillas with Black Beans and Corn, Chicken Tinga Enchiladas, Air Fryer Tostadas Mexicanas.
- ⭐ Difficulty Level: Easy
Need an AI‑Friendly Version? Summarize or save this recipe.
Disclaimer: AI summaries may vary and are not guaranteed to match the original recipe provided here.
We reserve some of the cooking liquid so the beans can be blended to the exact texture we want at the end. ~Jami
Why We Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: The Instant Pot drastically reduces cooking time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile Dish: Great as a side dish, dip, or filling for burritos and tacos. Serve these beans with a simple Tomato and Avocado Salad and 3 Ingredient Quesadilla for a complete meal.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love the rich, savory flavor of these beans.
Key Ingredients
- Beans: Pinto beans are classic, but black beans work well too. They provide the base for our refried beans.
- Onion: Adds a depth of flavor. We use half an onion, which is later removed.
- Bouillon Paste: Improves the savory taste of the beans.
- Butter: Adds richness and creaminess.
- Water: Essential for cooking the beans.
- Salt: Brings out the flavors.
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
- Beans: Use black beans instead of pinto beans for a different flavor.
- Butter: Replace with olive oil for a dairy-free option.
- Bouillon Cubes: Use vegetable broth or chicken broth instead.
- Diet: Make it vegan by using vegetable oil instead of butter and vegetable broth.
Save This Recipe 💌
Enter your email below and we'll send it to your inbox. Plus, you'll get new recipes from us each week!
How to Make Refried Beans from Scratch
STEP ONE: Prepare the Beans
Rinse and sort the beans to remove any debris. Place the beans, whole onion, bouillon paste, and enough water to cover the beans by about 2 inches (approximately 8 cups) into the Instant Pot.
STEP TWO: Seal and Pressure Cook
Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 60 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 20 minutes before opening the lid.
STEP 3: Remove the Onion
Carefully remove the whole onion from the beans and discard. Drain the beans, reserving 2-3 cups of the cooking liquid.
STEP 4: Blend the Beans
Using an immersion blender, blend the beans in the Instant Pot until they reach your desired consistency. While blending, gradually add the butter until it is fully incorporated. If the beans are too thick, add some of the reserved cooking liquid, ½ cup at a time, until the beans are smooth and creamy.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if necessary. Serve hot as a side dish or use as a filling for burritos, tacos, or other dishes.
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 Use a potato masher or an immersion blender to get a creamy consistency.
Storage
Store leftover refried beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth and warm on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Homemade Refried Beans Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can make refried beans ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth and warm on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Pinto beans are traditionally used for refried beans due to their creamy texture and mild flavor. However, black beans can also be used for a slightly different taste and texture.
An immersion blender is a great tool for making refried beans smoother. Blend the beans to your desired consistency, and add more cooking liquid if needed to achieve a creamy texture.
Refried beans can be used as a filling for tacos and burritos, or spread over tortilla chips for nachos. They can be added to quesadillas and make a great dip when topped with cheese, tomatoes, and jalapeños. For a quick meal, try them on Mexican pizzas or crispy tostadas with lettuce, cheese, salsa, and avocado.
More Instant Pot Bean Recipes You'll Love ♥️
Did You Try This Recipe?
Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and comment below. Don't forget to share it on Instagram, Facebook, & Pinterest. Thank you! 💛
📖 Recipe
Homemade Refried Beans from Scratch (Instant Pot Recipe)
Equipment
- Potato masher
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
Ingredients
- 3 cups dried beans pinto or black beans
- ½ medium onion whole
- 2 tablespoons Better than Chicken Bouillon paste
- 1 stick unsalted butter
- 8 cups water
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Rinse and sort the beans to remove any debris.
- Add the beans, whole onion, bouillon paste, and enough water to cover the beans by about 2 inches to the Instant Pot (approximately 8 cups). Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 60 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 20 minutes before opening the lid.
- Carefully remove the whole onion from the beans and discard. Drain the beans, reserving 2-3 cups of the cooking liquid.
- While blending the beans with an immersion blender, gradually add the butter until it is fully incorporated. Continue blending until the beans reach your desired consistency. If the mixture is too thick, add ½ cup at a time of the reserved cooking liquid until the beans are smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if necessary. Serve hot as a side dish or use as a filling for burritos, tacos, or other dishes.
Save This Recipe 💌
Enter your email below and we'll send it to your inbox. Plus, you'll get new recipes from us each week!
Video
Notes
- Rinse and sort the dried beans before cooking.
- Reserve extra cooking liquid before blending the beans.
- Blend gradually while adding butter for a smoother consistency.
- Adjust the texture slowly with the reserved liquid instead of adding too much at once.
Comments
No Comments