With an Instant Pot and about 1 hour, you can make perfectly cooked red beans every time! Let us show you how.
About Red Beans
Red beans look similar to red kidney beans, but they’re smaller and more round. These mild-tasting, creamy beans are most commonly used to make Louisiana Red Beans and Rice. Learn about the history of this dish here.
Instant Pot Red Beans
The Instant Pot is our preferred method for cooking red beans because it’s quick and easy (no soaking required!), and yields perfectly tender beans!
Here’s what you need to know:
- Ratio = 1 part red beans : 3 parts water
- Cook Time = 28-30 minutes
- Release = 15 minute natural release, then release any remaining pressure
Red beans are delicious with rice or Cajun baked fries or added to soups, stews, chili, or salads. They can also be used to make refried beans.
Did you find this helpful? If so, be sure to check out our Instant Pot Cooking Times Guide for perfectly cooked grains and beans every time!
If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo #minimalistbaker on Instagram. Cheers, friends!
Instant Pot Red Beans (Fast, Tender, No Soaking!)
Instructions
- Add red beans and water (or vegetable broth) to the Instant Pot and stir to prevent sticking. Pressure cook on high for 28-30 minutes (28 minutes for more firm, 30 for more tender // it will take about 8 minutes for the Instant Pot to pressurize before cooking begins).
- Once the timer goes off, allow to naturally release for 15 minutes, then release any remaining pressure. Carefully remove lid once steam has fully escaped and strain off any excess cooking liquid.
- Enjoy immediately with rice or Cajun baked fries or added to soups, stews, chili, or salads. They can also be used to make refried beans. Store cooled leftovers in the refrigerator up to 5 days or in the freezer up to 1 month. Reheat in a saucepan on the stovetop, adding a little water, as needed, to prevent sticking.
Notes
*Total time includes active cook time, release time, and the time it takes for the Instant Pot to heat up (~8 minutes).
Patricia says
Your directions on using instant pot were great and easy to follow.
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
We’re so glad to hear it! Thank you for sharing, Patricia! xo
Jen says
30 minutes was absolutely not enough time and I was even only doing half the amount of beans. Luckily I factored extra time in before the ribs came off the smoker.
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
We’re so sorry to hear that, Jen! Is it possible the beans were old or there was any salt or acidic ingredients added to them? Those factors can cause them to need additional time.
Bill says
30 minutes of pressure cooking time followed by 15 minutes of natural pressure release worked out perfectly for me.
1 cup of beans with 3 cups of vegetable stock.
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Thanks for sharing, Bill!
Caroline McCasland says
This recipe turned out perfect! This will be my go to for beans from now on! Thank you
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Woohoo! We’re so glad to hear it, Caroline. Thanks so much for sharing! xo
Caroline McCasland says
You’re so welcome!
alperen says
Please consider making a cooking time table for presoaked beans. They are easier to digest for some of us.
Thank you very much,
Thanks for the request, Alperen. We found that most of the beans didn’t need soaking. But a few did, and those were included in this list!
karlen kovalcik says
Beans were partially crunchy. Bummer.
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
So sorry to hear that, Karlen! Is it possible you have hard water, are at high altitude, or are using beans that are old? You could also try soaking them for next time to ensure they soften. We didn’t find it necessary in our testing though.
Amrita says
Please consider making a cooking time table for presoaked beans. They are easier to digest for some of us.
Thank you very much,
Amrita
We have that here! It includes the few beans that we believe are best when soaked before the instant pot.