Name: Easy, Instant Pot Black Beans (No Soak)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 28 min
Total time: 53 min
Ingredients: 1 pound dry black beans (rinsed, not soaked); 2 cups water; 2 cups broth (I used beef broth, chicken or vegetable is fine); 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon red cayenne pepper (optional for spice); salt and pepper to taste (I like to go light on the salt and pepper beforehand, and adjust to taste once the beans have cooked.); 2 bay leaves

Easy, Instant Pot Black Beans (No Soak) is the best, quick electric pressure cooker recipe using dried beans to make Mexican, Cuban, or plain beans. This dish is perfect in a small batch or large and includes tips for the perfect water to bean ratio. Cooking beans doesn’t get much easier!

instant pot black beans in a blue bowl with cilantro and lime

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FOR THE FULL LIST OF INGREDIENTS AND COMPREHENSIVE INSTRUCTIONS, PLEASE SEE THE RECIPE CARD AT THE END OF THIS POST. BEFORE YOU SCROLL, THERE’S IMPORTANT INFORMATION IN THIS BLOG POST.

I’m no stranger to making Mexican taco friendly recipes or beans using the Instant Pot! Be sure to check out my Instant Pot Steak Tacos and Instant Pot Baked Beans recipes. These black beans will pair wonderfully as a side dish. You can even stuff them inside your favorite burritos, enchiladas, and more.

Table of Contents

Dried Beans Are Healthier Than Canned Beans

Dried beans can be a healthier choice because canned beans are typically loaded with added sodium. Some canned varieties also include chemicals, added sugar, or high fructose corn syrup.

Making your own can be very advantageous. Dried beans are also a lot cheaper than canned beans.

rinsed black beans, 2 cups of water, 2 cups broth, and seasonings in a glass

How to Cook Black Beans in the Instant Pot

Add rinsed beans, water, broth, and seasonings to the pot.
Seal and pressure cook the beans for 28 minutes.
Allow the beans to naturally release steam for 20 minutes.

collage photo of black beans in an Instant Pot

What is The Ratio of Beans to Water?

The water to bean ratio should include enough liquid to cover the beans. You can use water only, instead of a mix of broth if desired. The broth adds flavor.

Using 4 cups of liquid results in moderate liquid in the pot once the beans have cooked. There won’t be a ton of liquid, but the pot will also not be dry. I didn’t have to drain any excess liquid. If you like a lot of liquid with the beans add another cup or two of water.

How Long to Cook Black Beans

Cooking the beans for 28 minutes results in beans that are soft, but are not mushy. If you like firmer beans lower the cook time to around 20-22 minutes. If you like mushy beans, increase the cook time to 32 minutes or more.

wooden spoon full of cooked black beans in an instant pot

How Many Cups is 1 Pound of Black Beans

One pound of dry beans is 2 cups. One pound of dry beans will produce about 6 cups of cooked beans

Pair these Beans With These Side Dishes

Leftover Taco Meat Bowls
Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
Air Fryer Taco Egg Rolls
Air Fryer Quesadillas.

Black Beans Freezer Tips

You can freeze the beans for up to 6 months. I like to use sealable bags labeled using a Sharpie.

More Instant Pot Recipes

Instant Pot Baked Beans
Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice
Instant Pot Gumbo
Instant Pot Potato Salad

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4.34 from 3 votes

Easy, Instant Pot Black Beans (No Soak)

Save this recipe here.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Cuban, Mexican

Keyword how to cook black beans in an Instant Pot, instant pot black beans

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 28

natural release of steam 20

Total Time 53

Servings

Calories 134kcal

Author Brandi Crawford

Ingredients

1 pound dry black beans rinsed, not soaked
2 cups water
2 cups broth I used beef broth, chicken or vegetable is fine

Optional Seasoning (if you want seasoned beans)

1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon red cayenne pepper optional for spice
salt and pepper to taste I like to go light on the salt and pepper beforehand, and adjust to taste once the beans have cooked.
2 bay leaves

Instructions

Rinse the black beans well. Pick out any broken beans or shells.
Add the rinsed beans to the pot with the water, chicken broth, and seasonings. There should be enough liquid to cover the beans in the pot. If you don't have enough liquid, add more.
Close the pot and seal. Cook on Manual > High-Pressure Cooking for 28 minutes.
When the pot indicates it has finished, allow the steam to release naturally for 20 minutes.
Open the pot and remove the bay leaf and the beans. Cool before serving. You can serve with fresh lime and cilantro if desired.

Video

Notes

You want enough liquid to cover the beans. Add more liquid if needed.

You can use water only, instead of a mix of broth if desired. The broth adds flavor.

Using 4 cups of liquid results in moderate liquid in the pot once the beans have cooked. There won't be a ton of liquid, but the pot will also not be dry. I didn't have to drain any excess liquid. If you like a lot of liquid with the beans add another cup or two of water.

28 minutes results in beans that are soft, but are not mushy. If you like firmer beans lower the cook time to around 20 minutes. If you like mushy beans, increase the cook time to 32 minutes or more.

One pound of dry beans is 2 cups. One pound of dry beans will produce about 6 cups of cooked beans

Recipe Tools Used in this RecipeAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nutrition (displayed with net carbs)

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 134kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 2g

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Nutrition DataMacros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.

Naima

Tuesday 28th of March 2023

The beans came out perfect!! So tasty.

staysnatched

I’m glad you enjoyed them!

DeErica

Sunday 10th of April 2022

Full of flavor and the right amount of spice. Pairs well with the pollo asado and cilantro lime rice!!

Such a great pairing!

Jan

Friday 1st of April 2022

I cooked for 30 minutes in my instant pot and let it cool down for 25 before I open the lid and they’re still only halfway done! Disappointed since I’m trying to get my casserole made for tonight!

Monday 11th of April 2022

Thanks for sharing. Your measurements may have been different. The recipe works for myself and others.

Katye Brzozowski

Monday 25th of October 2021

These came out PERFECT. Such great flavor and super easy to follow!

Wonderful! I'm so glad to hear it.

Kitty Marie

Friday 2nd of April 2021

@staysnatched, the actual recipe portion of your post states 1 cup, not 2. Just FYI :) thanks for the recipe! I’m trying it out now.

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