How To Cook Dry Pinto Beans in the Instant Pot {No Soaking Required}

WW Recipe of the Day: Instant Pot Pinto Beans {No Soaking Required}

Cooking dried beans used to take lots of planning and time. You would have to soak the beans overnight and then cook them most of the following day.

I remember jumping out of bed to go soak the beans on many occasions. This is why canned beans were a staple in my pantry.

The Instant Pot (affiliate link) has changed all that. Now you can cook dried beans in minutes not hours. And best of all NO SOAKING required.

Tender, flavorful and absolutely delicious, these no soak Instant Pot (affiliate link) pinto beans are so versatile.  These days I just store a can for emergencies.

A Little About Beans

Beans are nutritious and versatile. They can be used to bulk up most meat dishes, vegetarian meals, or even many casseroles.

Beans and rice are two humble pantry staples. Together the make a complete protein.

Look across most cultures and you're bound to find a version of beans and rice. Economical and healthy. Let this simple recipe for beans be your guide when exploring tasty recipes from around the globe.

How Many Calories and WW Points in these Pinto Beans cooked in the Instant Pot?

According to my calculations, each ½-cup serving has 123 calories and:

3 *SmartPoints (Green plan)
0 *SmartPoints (Blue plan)
0 *SmartPoints (Purple plan)
3 *PointsPlus (Old plan)

To see your WW PersonalPoints for this recipe and track it in the WW app or site, Click here!

How to Make InstantPot Pressure Cooker Pinto Beans Step by Step

Step 1: Gather and prepare all ingredients.

Step 2: Rinse dry pinto beans. Add the pound of beans to a 6-8 quart instant pot (affiliate link).

Pour in water to cover the beans by 1-2 inches (approximately 7-8 cups). Add bay leaves if using.

Step 3: Cook on high pressure for 30-35 minutes.

Step 4: Let the pressure release naturally. If the beans aren’t done to you liking, just reseal the pot and cook for another 5-10 minutes. The hot pan should come to pressure quickly.

Step 5: Salt cooked beans to taste. Remove bay leaves, if used, before serving.

Instant Pot Cooking Times + Tips for Dried Beans

I do all types of beans the same way. Here are some Instant Pot pressure cooking time guidelines for a few of my favorites:

• Black Beans: 25-30 minutes (high pressure)
• Great Northern: 30-35 minutes (high pressure)
• Pinto Beans: 30-35 minutes (high pressure)
• Garbanzo Beans: 40-45 minutes (high pressure)
• Cannellini Beans: 40-45 minutes (high pressure)

Remember cook times are just a guideline. Not only does your personal preference and use come into play, but there are also lots of variables in the beans themselves—like how long they have sat on a shelf that can increase cooking time.

It's easy to check them and continue cooking if they aren't done enough.

Remember it will initially take 10-15 minutes for the instant pot to come to full pressure and another 10-15 minutes to naturally release.

Instant Pot Pinto Beans Additions & Variations

Substitute all or part vegetable broth (affiliate link) for the water. (I like Better than Bouillon Vegetable Base (affiliate link)) 

Begin by sauteeing 2 - 3 slices of chopped bacon for several minutes before proceeding with the recipe.

Add additional seasonings to suit your tastes. Such as:

• Chopped onion
• Chopped jalapeno
• Minced fresh garlic
• Canned diced tomatoes
• Soy sauce
• Garlic powder
• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Dried oregano
• Cayenne

How to Serve Pinto Beans

1. Beans (of any type) and rice make a satisfying meal.
2. Top roasted acorn with black or pinto beans for a hearty vegetarian option.
3. Add link to acorn squash recipe that is coming.
4. Serve with tacos, burritos, nachos or enchiladas.
5. Pairs well with any Mexican entree or casserole.
6. Enjoy as a side with any type of burger.
7. Beans are great for breakfast. Serve alongside scrabbled eggs and toast.
8. Serve with your favorite light & healthy cornbread.

Ways to Use Leftover Pinto Beans

• Add firm beans to any salad.
• Use in vegetarian bean burgers.
• Make chili.
• Puree your favorite beans to make a satisfying dip.
• Portion and freeze some beans to use in future meals and recipes.
• Add them to a soup.
• Use them in your favorite recipe in place of canned beans.
• Smash a few to make refried beans to serve with tacos.
• Make a version of cassoulet.

Are You Ready To Firmly Plant Yourself
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*Points® calculated by WW. *PointsPlus® and SmartPoints® calculated by Simple Nourished Living; Not endorsed by Weight Watchers International, Inc. All recipe ingredients except optional items included in determining nutritional estimates. SmartPoints® values calculated WITHOUT each plan's ZeroPoint Foods (Green plan, Blue plan, Purple plan) using the WW Recipe Builder.

More Easy Healthy Bean Recipes for Weight Watchers

• Tex-Mex Turkey and Pinto Bean Chili
• Quinoa and Black Bean Southwest Skillet
• Cauliflower "Rice" and Beans
• Turkey and Pinto Bean Burritos

Kitchen Items Used To Make This Recipe:

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