How to Cook Beans in the Instant Pot (No Soak Needed)
This foolproof method gives you perfectly tender, flavorful beans—no soaking required! Ideal for meal prep, soups, bowls, tacos, and more.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry beans black, pinto, etc.
- 3 cups water or low-sodium vegetable broth
- Optional: 1 garlic clove 1/4 onion, bay leaf, or a small piece of kombu
- Salt to taste after cooking
Instructions
- Rinse the beans under cold water. Pick out any debris or broken beans.
- Add the beans and 3 cups of water or broth to the Instant Pot.
- If using, add aromatics like garlic, onion, or bay leaf.
- Lock the lid and set the valve to “Sealing.”
Pressure cook on HIGH:
- - Black/pinto/white/navy beans: 30–35 minutes
- - Kidney beans: 35–40 minutes
- Let the pressure release naturally for at least 20 minutes.
- Carefully open the lid. Taste and add salt as needed.
- Store in the fridge with cooking liquid for up to 5 days or freeze in portions.
Notes
-For firmer beans: Reduce cook time by 5 minutes.
- For softer beans: Add 5 minutes of pressure cooking time.
- Beans not soft enough? Seal and cook for another 5–10 minutes.
- Freeze cooked beans (with liquid) in mason jars or freezer-safe bags.
- For softer beans: Add 5 minutes of pressure cooking time.
- Beans not soft enough? Seal and cook for another 5–10 minutes.
- Freeze cooked beans (with liquid) in mason jars or freezer-safe bags.