How To Make Pinto Beans In An Instant Pot

Instant Pot pinto beans* with smoked brisket: Fast, flavorful weeknight dinner. Tender beans infused with smoky brisket essence, ready in a fraction of the time for a satisfying meal on busy evenings.*

Related Beans Posts:

• Fried Blackeyed Peas
• Red Beans and Rice
• Pinto Beans with Ground Beef

Instant Pots were made for beans, as they save an incredible amount of time and cook the beans to perfect texture while providing comforting and deeply intense flavor.

Get ready for a flavor-packed weeknight delight that’s as bold and vibrant as “Greatest Man Alive” by Three Times Dope! Our Instant Pot pinto beans recipe, infused with the smoky essence of leftover brisket, is pure savory goodness waiting to elevate your taste buds.

Picture tender beans simmered in a rich broth, absorbing every ounce of the seasoned brisket’s essence, creating a melody of hearty, soulful flavors that’ll have you feeling like the culinary king of the night!

Beats and Eats (Music To Pair With Beans)

Three Times Dope's song "Greatest Man Alive" pairs well with instant pot pinto beans because both exude a sense of confidence, boldness, and authenticity. The song's upbeat rhythm and empowering lyrics complement the hearty and flavorful nature of instant pot pinto beans, creating a lively and enjoyable experience that resonates with self-assurance and satisfaction.

what you need to make beans and brisket

• Pinto Beans* - start with dry pinto beans. Soaked beans are ok, but not required.*
• Smoked Brisket - use leftover homemade smoked brisket or buy from your favorite BBQ spot. If making your own use my Texas Smoked Brisket recipe
• Onions
• Jalapeños
• Bell Peppers
• Pickled Cactus - totally optional, but if you’re looking for it check the pickle/vinegar aisle.
• Beer (Lager or Pilsner)
• Chicken Stock or chicken broth
• Water
• Garlic Cloves
• Ground Cumin
• Kosher Salt
• Black Pepper
• Smoked Paprika
• Dried Oregano
• Garlic Powder (optional)

For a pinto bean instant pot recipe, you can find dry pinto beans in grocery stores and bulk bins.

Cook Pinto Beans (step by step)

Soaking the beans is optional when cooking pinto beans. Out of habit, I usually do. If you choose to not, then add a few extra minutes on the pressure cooking time to ensure the beans fully cook.

STEP 1

Turn on and heat it using “Saute” function on high settings. Once display reads “Hot” saute the brisket chunks briefly (2-3 minutes) to release some of the flavor. Remove the brisket and set aside.

STEP 2

Add the onions, bell peppers, and jalapeños sautéing 3-4 minutes. For the last minute add the garlic plus half the spices and mix well.

STEP 3

Add the beans plus the bay leaves and give it a quick stir. Add the beer and deglaze the pan. Add the water, the stock, and the remaining spices then mix well.

STEP 4

brisket back to the pot. Cancel “saute” then close the lid. Cook pressure cooker pinto beans using manual pressure cook settings at high pressure for 60 minutes. Allow pressure to release naturally for about 20 minutes.

This is a filling one pot dish that you should enjoy as a main dish. Feel free to add a dinner salad and accompany cooked pinto beans with some good cornbread. Eat with your favorite hot sauce.

What To Serve With Pinto Beans

Instant pot pinto beans can be served with a variety of dishes to create a complete and satisfying meal. Some great options to serve alongside instant pot pinto beans include:

1. Rice: Serve the beans over steamed white or brown rice for a classic and filling combination.
2. Cornbread: Enjoy the beans with a side of warm cornbread for a delicious contrast of textures and flavors.
3. Grilled or Roasted Vegetables: Add some freshness and nutrition to your meal with grilled or roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or sweet potatoes.
4. Avocado: Sliced avocado or guacamole can add a creamy and nutritious element to your plate.
5. Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can complement the beans well and add a refreshing touch.
6. Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw provides a cool and crunchy contrast to the warm and savory beans.
7. Tortillas or Bread: Serve the beans with warm tortillas or crusty bread for a hearty and comforting meal.
8. Sautéed Greens: Include some sautéed greens like spinach, kale, or collard greens

recipe considerations

Sauteing** is a critical step to maximizing flavor** so don’t skip it.

Beer adds complexity to the dish, so definitely go for a brew that you like and has some depth to it. AVOID light beers!

Make sure you have enough liquid ingredients to cover beans by about 2 inches.

Use dry beans and rinse them well to ensure any and all hard pebbles have been removed

This recipe also works with other beans as well including kidney and pinto.

For thicker, creamier beans, mash a few beans after cooking and add back to the rest of the beans.

Serve with a side of hot water cornbread and perhaps some Southern green beans.

I don’t recommend canned beans for this recipe.

For leftovers you can make your own batch of refried beans.

If you enjoyed this pinto bean recipe, please rate and comment below!

Substitutions and Variations

Here are some substitutions and variations you can consider for an Instant Pot pinto beans with smoked brisket recipe:

1. Beans Substitutions:
   • You can substitute pinto beans with other beans like black beans, kidney beans, or navy beans.
   • For a different texture, you can use dried lentils or split peas instead of beans.
2. Meat Substitutions:
   • Instead of smoked brisket, you can use smoked sausage, ham hocks, or bacon for a different flavor profile.
   • If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can skip the meat entirely or use plant-based alternatives like smoked tofu or tempeh.
3. Flavor Variations:
   • Experiment with different spices and herbs such as cumin, paprika, chili powder, oregano, or bay leaves to add depth of flavor.
   • Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, or balsamic vinegar for umami richness.
   • Incorporate diced onions, garlic, bell peppers, or tomatoes for additional layers of flavor.
4. Liquid Substitutions:
   • Instead of water, you can use chicken or vegetable broth to cook the beans and brisket for added richness.
   • For a tangy twist, consider using beer or apple cider as part of the cooking liquid.
5. Cooking Techniques:
   • If you don't have an Instant Pot, you can prepare the recipe in a slow cooker or on the stovetop, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
   • To intensify the smoky flavor, you can briefly sear the brisket before adding it to the Instant Pot.
6. Garnish and Serving:
   • Garnish the dish with fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or green onions before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
   • Serve the beans and brisket over cooked rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Cooking Beans in Instant Pot

Cooking beans in an Instant Pot offers several benefits that make it a popular and convenient cooking method:

1. Time-Saving: The Instant Pot significantly reduces cooking time compared to traditional stovetop methods. Beans that typically require hours of simmering can be cooked in a fraction of the time, making it ideal for busy schedules.
2. : The Instant Pot is a versatile appliance that combines multiple cooking functions in one, such as pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, and more. This means you can cook, simmer, and even keep warm your beans without needing multiple pots or constant monitoring.
3. Consistent Results: The precise temperature and pressure control of the Instant Pot ensure uniform cooking and consistent results every time. You don't have to worry about unevenly cooked beans or overcooking them.
4. No Soaking Required: While soaking beans overnight can help reduce cooking time and aid digestion, the Instant Pot allows you to cook beans from dry without soaking. This can be a time-saving option when you're short on time or forgot to soak the beans in advance.
5. Flavor Infusion: The sealed environment of the Instant Pot traps flavors, allowing spices, herbs, and seasonings to penetrate the beans more deeply. This results in flavorful and aromatic beans without the need for excessive seasoning.
6. Hands-Off Cooking: Once you set the cooking time and pressure level, the Instant Pot does the rest of the work, allowing you to attend to other tasks or simply relax while your beans cook to perfection.

Storing Leftover Beans

Storing leftover pinto beans properly helps maintain their flavor and quality. Here's a guide on how to store them:

1. Cool Down: Allow the cooked pinto beans to cool to room temperature before storing them. This prevents condensation and bacterial growth in the storage container.
2. Refrigeration:
   • Transfer the cooled beans into an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag.
   • Seal the container tightly to prevent air exposure, which can cause the beans to dry out.
   • Label the container with the date to track freshness.
   • Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
3. Freezing:
   • For longer storage, freezing is a great option.
   • Place the cooled beans in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
   • Press out excess air and seal the container or bag tightly.
   • Label with the date and store in the freezer.
   • Frozen pinto beans can last for 2 to 3 months without significant loss of quality.
4. Thawing and Reheating:
   • To use frozen pinto beans, transfer them to the refrigerator to thaw overnight.
   • Alternatively, you can thaw them in the microwave using the defrost setting or gently heat them in a saucepan on the stove.
   • Reheat the beans in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly heated.
   • Add a splash of water or broth if the beans appear dry while reheating.

MORE RECIPES

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Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice

Instant Pot Brown Stew Chicken

Instant Pot Jerk Chicken

Instant Pot Collard Greens and Brisket

Instant Pot Beef Tips and Rice

Southern Pinto Beans

Southern Butter Beans

MAKE THESE BEANS

Instant Pot pinto beans with smoked brisket is a hearty and flavorful dish that's perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you crave a comforting meal. The tender beans infused with the smoky essence of brisket, along with aromatic spices and savory broth, create a satisfying and delicious combination.

Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with your favorite sides, this dish is sure to please your taste buds and become a go-to recipe for quick and delicious dinners

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