Name: Instant Pot Black Beans (With Spicy Option!)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound (2 cups) dried black beans, rinsed and sorted; 1 small yellow onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bay leaf; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 4 cups water or vegetable broth

Why You’ll Love Instant Pot Black Beans Recipe

Quick and Easy: The Instant Pot does most of the work for you. In less than an hour, you’ll have perfectly cooked beans that are ready to be used in various meals.
Customizable: You can adjust the spice levels according to your preferences, from mild to spicy.
Nutritious: Black beans are high in fiber and plant-based protein, making them an excellent choice for a healthy, filling meal.

Ingredients Needed

2 cups dried black beans
1–2 jalapeños, chopped (optional, for spice)
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 cups vegetable broth
2 cups water
Juice of 1 lime (optional)
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Directions

Rinse the Beans: Start by rinsing the dried black beans thoroughly to remove any debris or dust. This step helps ensure the beans cook evenly.
Add Ingredients to the Instant Pot: Place the rinsed beans into the Instant Pot. Stir in the chopped jalapeños (if using), chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Then, add the vegetable broth and water.
Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the pressure to High for 30 minutes. The Instant Pot will bring the beans to pressure and cook them.
Natural Release: Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 20 minutes. This helps the beans finish cooking and become tender.
Check and Drain: After the natural release, carefully open the lid. Give the beans a stir, and if you prefer drier beans, you can drain some of the excess liquid. If you want to keep the beans a bit saucy, leave some liquid in the pot.
Add Lime and Cilantro: For added flavor, squeeze the juice of a lime into the beans and garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired.

Serving Suggestions

These black beans are incredibly versatile. You can use them in a variety of dishes:

Tacos: Serve them in soft or hard taco shells with your favorite toppings.
Burrito Bowls: Layer them with rice, sautéed veggies, and a dollop of guacamole.
Side Dish: Pair them with roasted vegetables or a simple salad for a light meal.
On Rice: Serve over steamed rice for a hearty, plant-based meal.

Variations

You can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste:

Mild Version: Skip the jalapeños and cayenne for a milder bean recipe that can be used in a variety of dishes.
Smoky Flavor: Swap the cayenne for smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a smoky twist.
Herbed Beans: Add fresh herbs like oregano or thyme after cooking for a more aromatic flavor profile.
Sautéed Onions and Garlic: If you prefer extra savory flavor, sauté onions and garlic before pressure cooking the beans.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator: Once cooled, store the beans in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: You can freeze the cooked beans for up to 6 months. Just be sure to store them with some of the cooking liquid to maintain their texture.
Reheating: To reheat, place the beans in a saucepan on the stove and heat with a little of the cooking liquid. Alternatively, you can microwave them until warmed through.

FAQs

How Long Should I Cook the Beans for a Firmer Texture?

If you prefer firmer beans, reduce the cooking time to 25 minutes on high pressure and allow for a 20-minute natural release.

Can I Soak the Beans First?

While soaking beans overnight can reduce the cooking time, it’s not necessary for this recipe. The Instant Pot will cook the beans just fine without soaking.

Can I Use Broth Instead of Water?

Yes, using vegetable broth instead of water will add extra flavor to your beans, making them even more delicious.

Can I Make These Beans Less Spicy?

If you don’t like spice, feel free to reduce or omit the jalapeños and cayenne pepper.

Can I Use Canned Beans?

While this recipe is designed for dried beans, you can use canned beans. However, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time since canned beans only need to be warmed through.

How Should I Serve These Beans?

These black beans are versatile. Use them in tacos, burrito bowls, salads, or as a side dish. They also work great in soups and stews.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Black Beans recipe is an easy, healthy, and versatile way to prepare black beans. Whether you like them spicy, mild, or savory, you can customize them to suit any meal. They’re a great addition to your meal prep and can be enjoyed throughout the week. Perfect for everything from burrito bowls to a simple side dish, these beans are a pantry staple that can enhance countless dishes.