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, found in the baking aisle

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a bowl of creamy, flavorful beans that feel homemade. This Instant Pot Refried Beans Recipe delivers that comfort in a flash using your pressure cooker, making traditional refried beans easier than ever while packing in a deep, rich flavor that elevates any meal.

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 recipe was an instant favorite in my kitchen because it combines the best of classic Mexican flavors with the convenience of modern cooking. Using the Instant Pot makes these beans creamy, hearty, and full of punch without standing over the stove for hours. Plus, it’s incredibly forgiving — so even if you’re new to beans or pressure cooking, you’ll find success here.

Speed and Simplicity: No soaking needed and the pressure cooker does the heavy lifting in under an hour.
Rich, Deep Flavor: The combination of lard, chili powder, and garlic powder makes these beans taste like they’ve simmered all day.
Customizable Texture: You can mash them chunky or silky-smooth depending on your mood or dish.
Great for Meal Prep: These beans reheat beautifully and hold well in the fridge or freezer for easy meals.

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

Getting the ingredients right sets the stage for those authentic refried beans. Each element brings its own role — the oil and onions start the flavor base, the jalapeño adds subtle heat, and the spices lift the beans to savory perfection. Here’s why I choose these ingredients:

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: These neutral oils are great for sautéing without overpowering the flavor.
Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and depth, caramelizing slightly for a richer bean base.
Jalapeño: Optional but worth it for a subtle kick that wakes up the beans.
Pinto Beans (dried): Classic beans for refried style, they mash easily and absorb flavors well.
Chicken Broth: Cooks the beans with savory notes, deeply enhancing the bean flavor better than water.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out natural flavors.
Garlic Powder: A gentle garlic note that melds beautifully without overpowering.
Chili Powder: Adds earthiness and a touch of warmth to complement the beans.
Lard: Traditional fat that gives refried beans their authentic creamy texture and silky mouthfeel.

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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 tweaking my Instant Pot Refried Beans Recipe to suit whatever I’m craving or what I have on hand. Sometimes I leave out the jalapeño if I want it milder, or swap lard for butter or olive oil to adjust the richness. Feel free to make this recipe yours — that’s part of the fun!

Variation: I’ve made these vegan by swapping out the lard for olive oil or vegan butter — still delicious and creamy but lighter.
Spice level: For extra heat, add more jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne.
Texture: I sometimes blend half the beans for ultra-smooth texture, then stir in the rest mashed chunky for contrast.

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

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode and heat the corn oil until shimmering. Toss in diced onion and the sliced jalapeño if you’re using it. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes fragrant. This simple step builds the flavorful base that the beans will soak up.

Step 2: Add Beans and Seasonings, Pressure Cook

Add your rinsed dried pinto beans right into the pot along with the chicken broth, salt, garlic powder, and chili powder. Secure the lid and ensure the valve is sealed. Set to HIGH pressure for 45 minutes. Once cooking completes, let the pressure release naturally for 20 minutes before releasing any remaining pressure manually. The beans should be tender and full of flavor.

Step 3: Mash and Fry in Lard

Carefully transfer the beans and liquid into a separate bowl (be mindful, it’s hot!). Return the Instant Pot liner to sauté mode and melt the lard until bubbly. Add the beans back and let them fry for a few minutes. Use a potato masher to mash the beans right in the pot to your preferred texture — creamy or chunky, you decide! This frying step adds that signature refried flavor and luscious texture.

Top Tip

Over the years of making refried beans, I’ve learned a few tricks that really make this Instant Pot version shine. These tips help you avoid common pitfalls and get the perfect creamy texture every time.

Don’t Skip the Natural Pressure Release: It allows the beans to finish cooking gently and retain their shape without turning to mush.
Use Chicken Broth, Not Water: It adds extra savory depth that makes a difference in flavor.
Mash While Frying: Mashing the beans as they fry in the lard helps achieve that creamy silky texture and lets you control the consistency.
Don’t Overfill Your Instant Pot: Keep it no more than half full to avoid pressure issues and uneven cooking.

How to Serve Instant Pot Refried Beans Recipe

Instant Pot refried beans - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to top my refried beans with a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheddar for a little salty richness. Fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime brighten it all up. Sometimes I add diced fresh tomatoes or a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra pop of flavor and color — it never fails to impress!

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs perfectly with my favorite tacos, enchiladas, or as a hearty side for grilled meats. A warm corn tortilla, Mexican rice, and a simple avocado salad turn it into a meal that’s comfort food at its best.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party platter, spread the refried beans on a large plate, top with layers of melted cheese, guacamole, and salsa, then serve with tortilla chips for a bean dip twist. It's always a crowd-pleaser and much easier than juggling different dips!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooking, let the beans cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to 4-5 days, and you’ll find the flavors even deepen overnight — bonus!

Freezing

I often freeze leftover refried beans in small portions — they thaw quickly in the fridge or microwave. Just be sure to leave some room in your container for expansion. Freezing doesn’t compromise their texture too much, making it perfect for quick meals later.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If the beans thicken too much, stir in a little water, broth, or even a splash of olive oil to loosen them up for that fresh-from-the-pot feel.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use canned beans for this recipe instead of dried?

Canned beans can work in a pinch, but you’ll miss out on the rich flavor and texture you get from cooking dried beans from scratch in the Instant Pot. If you do, reduce the cooking time and skip the pressure cooking step, but for best results, start with dried beans.

What if I don't have lard—can I substitute another fat?

Absolutely! While lard gives the classic texture and flavor, you can substitute with butter, bacon fat, or even olive oil depending on your dietary preferences. Each fat will slightly change the flavor profile but still yield tasty beans.

How do I adjust cooking time for different Instant Pot sizes?

Smaller Instant Pots, like 6-quart models, may come to pressure faster, but usually, the cook time stays the same. If your beans don’t seem tender after cooking, you can add a few more minutes under pressure next time. Avoid filling the pot more than halfway for safety and even cooking.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! To make this recipe vegan, simply swap the lard for a plant-based fat like olive oil or vegan butter and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The rest of the ingredients and method stay the same, giving you delicious vegan refried beans.

Final Thoughts

Making refried beans from scratch might have sounded intimidating before, but with this Instant Pot Refried Beans Recipe, you get all the authentic flavor and creamy texture with less fuss and less time. It’s one of those recipes I keep coming back to because it feels like a little warm hug on a plate — and I hope you enjoy it just as much as I do. Give it a try soon and make it your own!