How to Make Mexican-Style Instant Pot Pinto Beans

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

1. Rinse the pinto beans under cold water and pick out any stones or debris.
2. Place the beans in the Instant Pot and cover with 6 cups of water.

Step 2: Add the Ingredients

1. 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

1. Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the sealing position.
2. Cook on high pressure for 30 minutes.
3. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.

Step 4: Finish the Dish

1. Open the Instant Pot and stir the beans.
2. If the beans are too liquidy, you can use the sauté function to cook them down for a few minutes.
3. Stir in the chopped cilantro and lime juice.
4. 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.