Instant Pot Charro Refried Beans: A Flavorful & Fuss-Free Recipe

Forget spending hours simmering beans on the stovetop! This Instant Pot Charro Refried Beans recipe delivers authentic, smoky, and deeply flavorful beans in a fraction of the time. Perfect as a side dish, burrito filling, or as a base for your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes, these beans are a game-changer. This recipe combines the convenience of an Instant Pot with the robust flavors of traditional charro beans, resulting in a dish that’s both quick and incredibly satisfying.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Speed and Convenience:** The Instant Pot dramatically reduces the cooking time for dried beans. No pre-soaking required!
* **Authentic Flavor:** We’re using a combination of aromatics, spices, and bacon to create a complex and authentic flavor profile reminiscent of traditional charro beans.
* **Versatile:** These beans are delicious on their own, but also perfect in burritos, tacos, tostadas, nachos, and more.
* **Healthy and Budget-Friendly:** Dried beans are a nutritious and economical pantry staple. This recipe transforms them into a restaurant-quality dish.
* **Freezable:** Make a big batch and freeze for easy weeknight meals.

## What are Charro Beans?

Charro beans, also known as *frijoles charros*, are a traditional Mexican dish originating from the northern states. They are characterized by their flavorful broth and hearty additions like bacon, chorizo, tomatoes, onions, and peppers. Think of them as a cross between chili and bean soup – warm, comforting, and packed with flavor.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Dried Pinto Beans:** The foundation of our recipe. You can use other beans like kidney beans or black beans, but pinto beans are the most authentic choice.
* **Bacon:** Adds a smoky and savory depth of flavor. Diced bacon is rendered and used as the cooking fat, infusing the entire dish.
* **Onion:** Provides a foundational aromatic layer.
* **Garlic:** Essential for that pungent, savory flavor.
* **Jalapeño:** Adds a touch of heat. Adjust the amount based on your preference.
* **Tomatoes:** Canned diced tomatoes provide acidity and sweetness.
* **Chicken Broth:** Used as the cooking liquid. You can substitute with vegetable broth or water, but chicken broth adds richness.
* **Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce:** These provide a smoky, slightly spicy flavor that’s characteristic of charro beans. Use 1-2 peppers, depending on your spice tolerance.
* **Cumin:** A warm, earthy spice that complements the other flavors.
* **Chili Powder:** Adds depth and complexity.
* **Oregano:** Mexican oregano is preferred, but regular oregano will also work.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Remember that the bacon and broth already contain salt, so season accordingly.
* **Optional Garnishes:** Chopped cilantro, diced avocado, crumbled queso fresco, a squeeze of lime juice.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Instant Pot:** A 6-quart or larger Instant Pot is recommended.
* **Cutting Board and Knife:** For chopping vegetables and bacon.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Wooden Spoon or Spatula:** For stirring.
* **Potato Masher or Immersion Blender (Optional):** For creating the refried texture.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions for perfectly cooked Instant Pot Charro Refried Beans:

**Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients**

* Rinse the dried pinto beans thoroughly under cold water, removing any debris or damaged beans. While pre-soaking isn’t required for the Instant Pot, you can soak the beans for a few hours or overnight if you prefer. This can help reduce cooking time and make the beans even more tender.
* Dice the bacon into small pieces.
* Chop the onion, garlic, and jalapeño.
* If using chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chop them.

**Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics**

* Turn on your Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” function.
* Add the diced bacon to the Instant Pot. Cook until crispy, rendering the fat. This will take about 5-7 minutes. If the bacon starts to stick, add a tablespoon of olive oil.
* Remove the crispy bacon from the Instant Pot and set aside. Leave the rendered bacon fat in the pot. This is where all the flavor is!
* Add the chopped onion to the Instant Pot and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
* Add the chopped garlic and jalapeño to the Instant Pot and sauté for another minute, until fragrant.

**Step 3: Add the Remaining Ingredients**

* Turn off the “Sauté” function.
* Add the rinsed pinto beans, canned diced tomatoes (with their juice), chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper to the Instant Pot.
* Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring that the beans are completely submerged. Add more broth if necessary. There should be about an inch of liquid above the beans.

**Step 4: Pressure Cook the Beans**

* Secure the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the steam release valve is in the “Sealing” position.
* Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function and set the cooking time to 45 minutes for unsoaked beans or 30 minutes for soaked beans. High pressure is recommended.

**Step 5: Natural Pressure Release**

* Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 20 minutes. This helps the beans cook more evenly and prevents them from bursting.
* After 20 minutes, carefully release any remaining pressure by moving the steam release valve to the “Venting” position. Be cautious, as hot steam will be released.

**Step 6: Mash the Beans (Optional)**

* Open the Instant Pot lid carefully.
* At this point, you have a delicious pot of charro beans! If you want refried beans, you can now mash some of the beans to create a creamy texture.
* Using a potato masher or an immersion blender, mash about half of the beans directly in the Instant Pot. Leave the remaining beans whole for a chunkier texture. Alternatively, you can remove a portion of the beans and mash them separately, then return them to the pot.
* If the beans seem too thick, add a little more chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

**Step 7: Season and Serve**

* Taste the beans and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, cumin, or chili powder to your liking.
* Stir in the reserved crispy bacon.
* Serve the Instant Pot Charro Refried Beans hot, garnished with chopped cilantro, diced avocado, crumbled queso fresco, and a squeeze of lime juice, if desired.

## Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Charro Refried Beans

* **Don’t Skip the Bacon:** The bacon is crucial for adding that signature smoky flavor. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, you can substitute with smoked paprika or liquid smoke, but the flavor won’t be quite the same. You can also try using vegetarian bacon alternatives.
* **Adjust the Spice Level:** If you’re sensitive to heat, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño before chopping it. You can also reduce the amount of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce or omit them altogether. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce.
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Fresh aromatics like onion, garlic, and jalapeño will contribute to a more vibrant flavor.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Instant Pot:** Make sure the beans are covered with enough liquid. Overcrowding can prevent the beans from cooking evenly.
* **Adjust the Cooking Time:** Cooking times may vary depending on your Instant Pot model and the age of your beans. If the beans are still too firm after the initial cooking time, add a few more minutes of pressure cooking. If using very old beans, soaking them beforehand is highly recommended.
* **Deglaze the Pot:** After sautéing the bacon, onion, garlic, and jalapeño, deglaze the Instant Pot by adding a splash of chicken broth and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This will add extra flavor to the beans and prevent a “Burn” notice.
* **Salt After Cooking:** Add salt gradually after the beans are cooked. The broth and bacon already contain salt, so you don’t want to over-salt the dish.
* **Reheat Carefully:** When reheating the beans, add a little broth or water to prevent them from drying out. You can reheat them on the stovetop or in the microwave.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Feel free to add other ingredients to customize your beans. Some popular additions include chorizo, ham, bell peppers, corn, and epazote (a traditional Mexican herb).

## Serving Suggestions

These Instant Pot Charro Refried Beans are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes:

* **As a Side Dish:** Serve alongside grilled meats, chicken, or fish.
* **In Burritos and Tacos:** Use as a filling for burritos, tacos, and quesadillas.
* **On Tostadas and Nachos:** Spread a layer of beans on tostadas or nachos as a base for other toppings.
* **With Eggs:** Serve with scrambled eggs or huevos rancheros for a hearty breakfast.
* **In Bean Dip:** Blend the beans with cream cheese, salsa, and other seasonings to create a delicious bean dip.
* **As a Soup:** Add more broth and vegetables to create a flavorful bean soup.

## Variations

* **Vegetarian/Vegan Charro Beans:** Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the smoky flavor. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers, corn, and zucchini.
* **Spicy Charro Beans:** Add more jalapeños or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce.
* **Smoky Charro Beans:** Use smoked bacon or add a teaspoon of liquid smoke to the beans.
* **Cheesy Charro Beans:** Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, or queso Oaxaca after the beans are cooked.
* **Charro Bean Soup:** Add more broth, diced tomatoes, and vegetables like corn, bell peppers, and carrots to create a hearty soup.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerator:** Store leftover Instant Pot Charro Refried Beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freezer:** For longer storage, transfer the cooled beans to freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Recipe Card

**Instant Pot Charro Refried Beans**

A flavorful and easy recipe for Instant Pot Charro Refried Beans, perfect for a quick and delicious meal.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Natural Pressure Release: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Servings: 6-8 servings

**Ingredients**

* 1 pound dried pinto beans, rinsed
* 6 slices bacon, diced
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
* 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
* 6 cups chicken broth
* 1 teaspoon cumin
* 1 teaspoon chili powder
* 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (Mexican oregano preferred)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional garnishes: chopped cilantro, diced avocado, crumbled queso fresco, lime wedges

**Instructions**

1. Turn on your Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” function. Add the diced bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
2. Add the chopped onion to the Instant Pot and sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and jalapeño (if using) and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
3. Turn off the “Sauté” function. Add the rinsed pinto beans, diced tomatoes, chipotle peppers, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper to the Instant Pot. Ensure the beans are submerged in liquid.
4. Secure the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the steam release valve is in the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function and set the cooking time to 45 minutes for unsoaked beans. If using soaked beans, reduce the cooking time to 30 minutes.
5. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 20 minutes. Then, carefully release any remaining pressure by moving the steam release valve to the “Venting” position.
6. Open the Instant Pot lid carefully. Using a potato masher or immersion blender, mash about half of the beans to create a refried texture. Leave the remaining beans whole for a chunkier consistency.
7. Taste the beans and adjust the seasoning as needed. Stir in the reserved crispy bacon.
8. Serve the Instant Pot Charro Refried Beans hot, garnished with chopped cilantro, diced avocado, crumbled queso fresco, and a squeeze of lime juice, if desired.

**Notes**

* For vegetarian/vegan charro beans, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth. Add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a smoky flavor.
* Adjust the amount of jalapeño and chipotle peppers based on your spice preference.
* Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Enjoy!

## Conclusion

This Instant Pot Charro Refried Beans recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves the authentic flavor of charro beans but doesn’t have hours to spend cooking them on the stovetop. The Instant Pot makes the process incredibly easy and convenient, while the combination of bacon, aromatics, and spices creates a complex and satisfying flavor profile. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish, using them as a filling for burritos, or topping your nachos with them, these beans are sure to be a hit. So, ditch the canned beans and give this recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed! The speed and simplicity of the Instant Pot combined with the delicious flavors of traditional charro beans make this a winning recipe for any home cook.