Who doesn’t love refried beans? Here is an easy, Instant Pot refried bean recipe. They are so simple to throw together, and they pack in some great flavor. 

Pressure Cooker Refried Beans

One of my favorite parts of going to a Mexican restaurant is getting rice and refried beans.

I don’t know why, but there are few things I enjoy more than dipping my tortilla chip into the beans, and then piling rice on top.

Of course, I am rather picky about refried beans. The kind in the can? Yeah, they don’t quite cut it. There’s just something about them that just is off putting.

However, I discovered a few years ago how easy it is to make your own refried beans – this is my homemade refried bean recipe I really enjoy. It’s also the base for this refried bean dip, which is equally amazing and delicious.

But as with most things, I thought it would be fun to make an Instant Pot version – beans are a very popular thing to cook in the Instant Pot, so I figured refried beans would be no big deal.

These are absolutely delicious! You do need a blender or an immersion blender (I LOVE my immersion blender) to make them smooth at the end…but to be honest, you could easily just use a potato masher if you don’t mind the consistency being a little chunkier.

Where Do I Find Ham Hock?

This recipe uses ham hock, which, I know, sounds a little different. It makes this recipe even more delicious, though.

Fortunately, they shouldn’t be too hard to find. You should be able to buy one at your local grocery’s meat and seafood section.

Can I make these refried beans ahead of time?

These are best prepared right before serving for optimal taste and texture, however, you can reheat them if you need to.

How long can you keep refried beans in the fridge?

When stored in an air tight container, refried beans should last in the refrigerator about 3-4 days.

Can I make these vegetarian?

If you’d like to make these vegetarian, you will need to omit the ham hock and use a vegetable broth instead of the chicken broth.

Do I Need to Soak the Beans?

Nope! When cooking beans in the Instant Pot, there’s no need to soak your beans ahead of time.

How to Make Refried Beans in the Instant Pot

Ingredients:

• 16 ounces dry pinto beans, rinsed and sorted
• 1 ham hock
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 5 cups water
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions:

1. Add all ingredients to inner pot.
2. Turn pressure valve to sealed.
3. Set on manual pressure for 45 minutes.
4. After a 20-minute natural release, do a quick release to let out remaining pressure.
5. Reserve 1 cup liquid, drain the beans and then discard the ham hock.
6. Blend beans in a blender or food processor and add in reserved iquid as needed to reach desired consistency. You could also use a potato masher if you don’t mind if it’s a little chunkier. 

Are these refried beans gluten free?

Yes, but always double check the ingredient lists for ingredients you purchase to double check!

What are some substitutions?

• Instead of the ham hock, you could use some bacon.
• You could use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth
• You could use black beans instead of pinto beans
• You can add some lime juice for some added zing and flavor

How many refried beans should you plan on per person?

I usually suggest 1/2 a cup for children and 1 cup for adults.

More Tex Mex Side Dishes:

• Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice – Cafe Rio Copycat
• How to Make Canned Refried Beans Taste Better
• Easy Avocado, Corn, and Black Bean Salad
• Easy Fresh Peach Salsa Recipe
• Easy Blender Salsa with Fresh Ingredients
• Easy Instant Pot Corn on the Cob

Homemade refried beans are the BEST, and they are very easy to make. This recipe for Instant Pot refried beans are so delicious and make for the perfect side dish.