Mexican-style Instant Pot pinto beans are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a side dish, added to tacos, burritos, or salads, or even served as a main course. This recipe combines the convenience of using an Instant Pot with the traditional flavors of Mexican cuisine to create a flavorful and hearty dish that the whole family will love. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can have delicious pinto beans ready to enjoy in no time.
Ingredients for Mexican-Style Instant Pot Pinto Beans
- 1 pound dried pinto beans, rinsed and picked over
- 6 cups water
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, diced (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
How to Make Mexican-Style Instant Pot Pinto Beans
Step 1: Prepare the Beans
- Rinse the pinto beans under cold water and pick out any stones or debris.
- Place the beans in the Instant Pot and cover with 6 cups of water.
Step 2: Add the Ingredients
- Add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced jalapeño pepper (if using), ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and bay leaf to the Instant Pot.
Step 3: Cook the Beans
- Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the sealing position.
- Cook on high pressure for 30 minutes.
- Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
Step 4: Finish the Dish
- Open the Instant Pot and stir the beans.
- If the beans are too liquidy, you can use the sauté function to cook them down for a few minutes.
- Stir in the chopped cilantro and lime juice.
- Serve the beans warm as a side dish or use them in your favorite Mexican recipes.
About the Main Ingredients
Pinto Beans: Pinto beans are a staple in Mexican cuisine and are prized for their creamy texture and earthy flavor. They are also a great source of protein, fiber, and vitamins, making them a healthy addition to any diet.
Onion and Garlic: These aromatics add depth of flavor to the beans and are commonly used in Mexican cooking.
Jalapeño Pepper: Adding a diced jalapeño pepper gives the beans a bit of heat. You can adjust the amount of pepper depending on your preference for spiciness.
Spices: Ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, and dried oregano add classic Mexican flavors to the beans.
Cilantro and Lime: These fresh ingredients add brightness and a pop of flavor to the beans. The cilantro adds a fresh, herbal note, while the lime juice adds acidity.
Bay Leaf: The bay leaf adds a subtle earthy flavor to the beans as they cook.
