I am sharing how to make a Mexican-style Black Beans recipe using the Instant Pot (electric pressure cooker), and a regular pot on the stovetop. My family loves Mexican food. I often make my Vegetarian Burrito Bowls using this Easy Instant Pot Mexican Black Beans recipe which is my take on the authentic Mexican black bean recipe.
It’s an easy, dump-and-go kind of recipe that I love to make in the pressure cooker as it makes the perfect creamy black beans every time. Canned beans are easier to grab but these homemade black beans are more healthy, delicious, and flavorful! They are as delicious or more than the popular Chipotle or any restaurant-style black beans. If you love one-pot Mexican meals, try these easy Instant Pot Mexican Rice and Beans, and Instant Pot Vegetarian Taco Pasta.
What Are Black Beans?
Black beans, also known as black turtle beans are small, black colored legumes. They are popular in many cuisines worldwide, especially in Latin American, Caribbean, and Southwestern dishes. They are known for their high protein and fibre content making them very nutritious. Black beans are used to make curries, soups, stews, salads, dips and as a filling for tacos, burritos, and enchiladas. You can buy dried black beans from grocery stores, supermarkets, or bulk food stores. Make sure the dry beans are uniform in size and color, without any signs of mold or damage. Store black beans in an airtight container in a cool, dry place like a pantry or cupboard.
Recipe Ingredients
Black Beans - dried black beans are the main ingredient for this recipe. They are a protein-rich legume with a mild, earthy flavor and a creamy texture when cooked. Aromatics - Freshly garlic, and onions for best flavor. Depending on your spice preference you can add or skip the jalapenos. Spices - I use a combination of cumin powder, dried oregano, red chili powder, bay leaf, and salt for maximum flavor. Oil: I use avocado or olive oil for this recipe. Fresh cilantro and lime juice: for serving and garnishing Please refer to the recipe card for exact measurements of ingredients.
Do You Need To Soak Black Beans Before Cooking?
You do not have to soak black beans before cooking them in the Instant Pot. The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking function allows you to cook dried beans quickly and efficiently. While soaking helps soften the beans and reduces the cooking time, it breaks down the skins and leaves the black beans mushy and dull-colored (sort of gray). So I usually don’t soak my black beans. Add the dry beans to your Instant Pot and pressure with liquid and spices and you have delicious nutritious beans ready!
How To Make Instant Pot Mexican Black Beans (Stepwise photos)
1 - Start your Instant Pot (IP) in the sauté mode. Once the IP displays hot, add oil and bay leaf 2 - Stir in onions, and jalapeno (optional), and saute till onions are translucent. 3 - Add the garlic and saute until the raw garlic smell goes away. 4 - Press “Cancel” to turn off the Instant Pot. Add spices - red chili powder, cumin powder, oregano, salt, and mix well. (Ensure the spices dont burn) 5 and 6 - Add the rinsed black beans along with 2 cups of water/broth. With a spatula scrape any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot to deglaze. 7 - Close the Instant Pot lid and keep the pressure value in the sealing position. Press the “manual” or “pressure cook” or “bean/chili” button and cook on high pressure for 40 mins. 8 - Once cooking completes, allow a natural pressure release. When the pressure has fully released, open the lid. 9 - Add lime juice and fresh cilantro. Mix the beans (gently). Flavorful black beans are ready to serve!
Variations:
Dry black beans recipe - If you prefer to use the black beans as filling, simmer them until water is almost soaked, stirring intermittently to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Refried black beans - mash the cooked beans using a potato masher to an almost pureed consistency. Adjust consistency as needed using a tablespoon of water at a time. Taste and adjust seasoning as well. Mexican black beans with canned beans - Instead of dry black beans add canned black beans that are washed and drained. Since canned beans are already cooked, there is no need to pressure cook them. Just add water to make a curry consistency and simmer to get the flavors absorbed. Pressure Cooker Black Bean Soup - Add 2 more cups water or broth and set pressure cook time for 50 mins. Mash a few of the black beans to create a thick and creamy soup texture.
What to Serve with Black Beans
Black beans are versatile and here are some options to serve with delicious beans:
Serve Instant Pot black beans with fluffy white rice or basmati rice to make Burrito bowls. Or with brown rice or quinoa for a healthier twist. Use black beans as a filling for crunchwrap, tacos, burritos, quesadillas or enchiladas. Add black beans to salads for a protein boost. Use black beans in soups and stews for added heartiness and flavor. Top black beans with fried or scrambled eggs for a protein-packed breakfast or brunch option.
Storage Instructions
Allow the cooked black beans to cool completely before storing them. To refrigerate - Store the beans in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can reheat in a pot on the stovetop or the microwave. To freeze - Portion the beans into smaller containers or freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion, and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen beans overnight in the refrigerator or reheat them directly.
Recipe Tips
Before cooking, rinse the dried black beans under cold water to remove any debris or impurities. Older beans or the ones that have been stored for a long time, may need additional cooking time to reach the soft consistency. You dont need to soak the black beans before cooking them in the Instant Pot. If you do soak black beans overnight, you can reduce the cooking time to 20-25 minutes. You can also add diced bell pepper while sauteing onions for more flavor. Taste the beans after cooking and adjust the seasoning as needed. I recommend natural pressure release for this recipe. This makes the beans nice and soft and helps absorb moisture. For a one-pot meal, you can cook brown rice, pot in a pot with black beans in the Instant Pot. For 1 cup of brown rice use 1.25 cups of water.
More Mexican Recipes
I hope you enjoy this Easy Instant Pot Mexican Black Beans Recipe !! If you try this recipe, please rate it by clicking stars ⭐️ on the recipe card. Thank you ❤️! You can also follow me on Facebook and Instagram to see what’s cooking in my kitchen!!
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