Refried Beans: Easy, Nutritious, and Delicious

A plant-based and flavorful Mexican comfort food recipe for your meal prep staple, busy weeknights, or Taco Tuesdays.

Are you looking for a delicious and healthy meal prep staple that makes weeknights easy? 

These instant pot refried beans are not only delicious, but they're also easy and nutritious. The ingredients are simple and very open to substitutions. 

I love using an instant pot for this recipe, as it’s a great time saver and convenience.

Going out to Mexican restaurants is always fun, but nothing beats the rich and satisfying flavor of homemade beans. And when we make them ourselves, we control how much oil, salt, and extra additives go into them.

Pinto beans are a great source of plant-based protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients like magnesium, iron, and potassium.

Plus, the added vegetables pack a punch of flavor and an extra boost of nutrients—and no one will ever know they’re there.

Sweating the vegetables and using the bean broth make these beans extra flavorful and nutritious. Once the beans are cooked, this recipe comes together in 30ish minutes. 

Our family loves planning themed meals around different cuisines, and this recipe is always a hit.

Plus, it’s a perfect way to get everyone of all ages involved in cooking—and a great way to spend family time together. We love pairing these refried beans with homemade chips, salsa, and Mexican rice.

You can also use this Mexican-inspired recipe for tacos, burritos, tostadas, taco dip, or nachos —it’s comfort food at its best.

Be sure to check the recipe notes to see how simple it is to make these easy and delicious refried beans. Not only are they a tasty and healthy meal prep option, but also a great way to introduce more plant-based foods into your diet.

Delicious Refried Beans: Quick and Easyhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_Wr5eL1vtUA plant-based and flavorful Mexican comfort food recipe for your meal prep staple, busy weeknights, or Taco Tuesdays.

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Refried Beans: Easy, Nutritious, and Delicious

Yield: 7

Author: Julie

Prep time: 15 MinCook time: 40 MinInactive time: 40 MinTotal time: 1 H & 35 M

Creamy refried beans are a delicious plant-based Mexican comfort food. This simple and flavorful recipe is perfect as your meal prep staple, for busy weeknights, or for Taco Tuesdays.

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Ingredients

• 5 cups dry pinto beans
• 12 cups water for the instant pot, depending on your instant pot size
• 1 white onion, diced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 3 celery stocks, diced
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced
• 1 tomato, diced
• 7 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 bouillon cubes
• 1 Tbsp onion powder
• 1 Tbsp garlic powder
• 1 Tbsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne
• 2 tsp Mexican oregano
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 cup water or more as needed for vegetables
• 1 Tbsp salt or to taste

Instructions

1. Clean beans and remove any debris. Rinse thoroughly in a strainer.
2. Place the pinto beans in your large capacity instant pot, along with the water. Do not fill over your max fill line; halve the recipe if needed.
3. Close the lid and place the steam release valve on sealing.
4. Pressure cook on manual for 40 minutes or 25 minutes for pre-soaked beans. (see notes)
5. Let the beans naturally release pressure in the instant pot.
6. Place the diced veggies, 1/2 cup water, and bouillon in an extra-large skillet or pan that’s large enough to hold the beans and liquid. You can also replace the water with broth or 2 tablespoons of oil if you prefer.
7. On low to medium heat, sweat the veggies until they release their natural juices. Add an additional 1/4 cup of water at a time, if necessary, to avoid burning or drying out. Keep an eye on them as they can overcook fast. Stir often. This takes about 10 minutes.
8. Add all your seasonings except the salt.
9. Stir to incorporate.
10. Pour the beans and liquid into the pan with the cooking liquid.
11. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a soft rolling simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
12. Turn off the heat.
13. Blend or mash to desired consistency.
14. Enjoy!

Notes

1. This refried bean recipe is a staple in our weekly meal prep. First thing when I wake up on meal prep day, I make the beans in the instant pot. That way, when I start meal prepping, they‘re ready and waiting. 
2. Soak beans overnight to reduce cooking time in the instant pot.
3. You can also make the beans on the stove. Here’s an easy method.
4. For smooth and creamy refried beans, I use an immersion blender. It’s an excellent way to get little ones to eat more veggies. They don’t even know they’re there! For textured refried beans, use a potato masher.
5. This recipe makes a large batch of beans. You can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat on the stovetop before serving.
6. Omit jalapeno and reduce the cayenne pepper if you‘d like a less spicy version.
7. Experiment and modify; it truly is a forgiving and flexible recipe. 
8. Though this recipe is plant-based, it’s also open to additions for meat eaters, such as Mexican chorizo. 

Topping Ideas

• Shredded Cabbage
• Fresh white/red/green onions
• Tomatoes
• Avocados
• Guacamole
• Chile de arbol salsa
• Creamy tomatillo salsa
• Cashew sour cream
• Pico de gallo
• Pickled jalapenos
• Squeeze of lime juice
• Fresh cilantro
• Minced garlic
• Corn tortillas
• Crushed tortilla chips
• Drizzle of olive oil

Recommended Products

Edward & Sons Not Chicken Bouillon Cubes

3 In 1 Stainless Steel Immersion Blender

Mexican

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Whether you’re looking for a new meal plan staple, a quick and easy dinner, or your next Taco Tuesday addition, these beans are sure to be a hit.

These refried beans are bursting with nutrition and flavor— and the instant pot makes it so easy. It's Mexican-inspired comfort food at its best — and a delicious way to introduce more plant-based foods to your meal rotation.

This recipe is simple, open to substitutions, and can be used in a variety of ways. And best of all, once the beans are cooked, this recipe comes together fast. Experiment and see how this meal prep staple turn busy weeknight dinners and Taco Tuesdays into easy.

I hope you love it! :)