This no soak Instant Pot Black Beans recipe is so easy and delicious that you’ll never need to buy canned beans again!
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Do you love black beans but don’t love how long they take to cook on the stovetop? If so, then you’ll love this black beans recipe!
Pressure cooking them in the Instant Pot or Ninja Foodi makes them fast and easy. Plus, you don’t have to presoak them beforehand.
Easy No Soak Black Beans
Dry beans are a healthy and affordable way to get protein and fiber in your diet. Plus, they’re low in fat and calories.
They are also versatile, meaning you can add them to other meals like burritos, chili, and salads.
You can also freeze them and add them to Instant Pot meals, slow cooker meals, or serve them on their own.
But sometimes, cooking them the traditional way can be time-consuming. You have to soak beans overnight, then cook them for hours on the stovetop.
With this Instant Pot black beans recipe, you can have them on the table in a fraction of the time! And, you don’t even have to presoak the beans beforehand – you’ll love this no soak recipe.
Just add them to the pot with some water or broth, and let the Instant Pot do its thing. In no time, you’ll have perfectly cooked black beans ready to be used in your favorite recipes!
Love beans? Try our Instant Pot Calico Beans, Calico Bean Casserole, Navy Bean Soup, and Instant Pot White Beans.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Dry black beans – Since this Instant Pot Black Beans is a no-soak recipe, presoaking is optional. For soaked black beans, you can reduce the Instant Pot’s natural pressure release time to 10 minutes.
- Salt – This is optional and can be omitted or reduced depending on your dietary needs.
- Hot water – preheating the liquid saves time.
- Hot broth – I used chicken broth for this recipe but you could also use vegetable broth, beef broth, or just add more water.
Optional, but highly recommended:
- Onion – for added flavor
Equipment Needed
- Instant Pot (or any electric pressure cooker)
- Colander
- Pot holder
- Storage containers or Ziploc bag – for storing black beans
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How to Cook Dry Black Beans in the Instant Pot (no soak)
Rinse the beans. Rinse and pick through your dried beans, removing any shriveled beans or rocks.
Then you can place the dry black beans in the Instant Pot liner. You will also need to add salt, broth, and water.
For added flavor, cut an onion into quarters and add that, too, like I have here.
Note: Using hot water and broth helps bring the pot to pressure faster, reducing your cooking time.
Pressure cook black beans. Twist on the pressure cooker lid and turn or push the pressure lever (if needed). Set it to high pressure for 30 minutes.
After pressure cooking is done, allow the pot’s pressure to naturally release for 20 minutes, then do a quick release by twisting or pressing the pressure lever/button.
Ready to serve. Carefully remove the pot liner using a pot holder and drain the black beans into a colander. Rinse the beans until the water runs clear.
You can serve the beans on their own as the main dish or use them in another recipe. You can also store them in the refrigerator or freezer to use later.
Recipe Variations
- For a little bit of spice, add a diced jalapeño pepper to the pot with the other ingredients.
- To make these black beans even more flavorful, sauté a diced onion in the Instant Pot before adding the rest of the ingredients.
- Add bay leaves, cumin, or other spices to the pot for even more flavor.
- Garlic lovers can add a few cloves of minced garlic to the pot.
- For a bit of acidity, add a splash of lime juice or white vinegar to the pot before cooking.
How to Serve Instant Pot Black Beans
There are so many ways to enjoy these black beans! Serve them on their own, as a side dish, or use them in another recipe. Here are some ideas:
- Instant Pot Black Beans and Rice: Serve black beans over Basmati or brown rice with chicken, diced avocado, shredded cheese, or sour cream for a simple and satisfying meal.
- Mix black beans with salsa, lime juice, and chopped cilantro for a delicious bean dip. Serve with tortilla chips or fresh veggies.
- Mix black beans with sautéed veggies and serve over pasta or rice for a quick and easy vegetarian meal.
- Use black beans instead of ground beef in tacos, burritos, or enchiladas.
- Stir cooked black beans into soups or stews for extra protein and flavor.
- Mash black beans and use them as a spread on sandwiches or wraps.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Instructions for Black Beans
Cooked black beans can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. To freeze cooked beans, add them to a Ziplock freezer bag or an air-tight storage container and use them within 3 months.
To reheat, simply thaw (if frozen) and heat on the stove over low heat until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of water or broth if the beans seem dry.
You can also reheat black beans in the microwave. Place them in a microwave-safe dish and heat them on high power for one to two minutes. Stir them once or twice during cooking. If they seem dry, add some water or broth.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ratio of beans to water in an instant pot is 1 pound of dried beans to 6 cups of water. This is the same ratio for both soaked and unsoaked black beans.
Yes, black beans can be cooked without soaking. The cook time is 30 minutes for no soak black beans.
For no soak black beans, it can be cooked under high pressure for 30 minutes. If you are using presoaked black beans, it will take about 15 minutes.
The bean setting on Instant Pot is preset for 15 minutes. This is the cooking time for presoaked black beans. If you use no soak black beans, you will need to cook them for 30 minutes.
Get the Full Black Beans in Instant Pot Recipe Here
Instant Pot Black Beans
Equipment
- colander
Ingredients
- 1 pound dry black beans
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups hot water (preheating your liquid saves time)
- 3 cups hot chicken broth (can substitute with more water)
optional (for added flavor)
- 1 onion quartered
Instructions
- Rinse and pick through your dried beans, removing any shriveled beans or rocks. Place the dry beans in the Instant Pot liner, then add the salt, broth, water, and onion if using. Pro Tip: Hot water and broth help bring the pot to pressure faster, reducing your cooking time.
- Twist on the pressure cooker lid, turn or press pressure lever (if needed), and set on high pressure for 30 minutes. When done, allow a 20 minute natural pressure release (leave pot undisturbed), then do a quick release my twisting or pressing the pressure lever/button.
- Using pot holders, carefully remove the pot liner and drain the black beans into a colander. Rinse the beans until the water runs clear.
- Serve the beans alone, use them in another recipe (as you could canned beans), or store them in the refrigerator or freezer to use later (see notes below).