Easy Pressure Cooker Black Beans

Pressure cooker black beans with seasonings are a great healthy side dish you can make in an Instant Pot or Ninja Foodi. Dry beans turn tender in no time. 

Ninja Foodi Black Beans

We will tell you all about cooking beans in a pressure cooker here, and why this will be a game changer for y’all going forward! I had never ever bought a bag of peas or beans at the store in a bag because I would have no idea what to do with them. Sounded way too complicated, until I got this machine.

Yes, you can make these in a Crockpot Express or Ninja Foodi too. Next to our pressure cooker refried beans they’re a great Cinco de Mayo or Memorial Day side dish.

Pressure Cooker Black Beans No Soak

Here’s where we start. Grab a bag of beans at the grocery store and rinse them off. Why? Because there tends to be debris on them and every once and a while a pebble. You don’t want to chomp down on that! Whether you are making slow cooker black beans, or the faster method like this you want to wash them first.

Let’s start with the fact that there is NO pre soaking required when cooking dry beans in an Instant Pot. YOu can get them tender and the perfect texture in no time. Then enjoy as a side dish or throw them into our Instant Pot Mexican casserole and enjoy.

Pressure Cooker Black Beans Water Ratio

With any type you choose you will want to cover the top and then some. First off you never want to pass the no fill line inside the pot, ever. You are going to need to cover them with water PLUS 3 inches above that. Then you will be good to go. You need enough for them to absorb and plump up. Add seasonings too at this time.

Are black beans really good for you?

• Like other legumes, black beans are known for their high protein and fiber content. They also contain several other key vitamins and minerals that are known to benefit your health.

Tip #1 – By themselves the flavor is somewhat bland. BUT if you add ALL THE THINGS below and use broth instead of cups of water when you cook them they’ll have tons of flavor.

From start to finish it will take under an hour for these to become tender and delicious. This quick cooking method is due to not having to soak beans ahead of time. If you want to do a 30 minute quick soak that is fine but not necessary. Some prefer soaked black beans because it reduces the gases when done.

How do you cook dried black beans?

Tip #2 – When cooking black beans in an Instant Pot you need pressure to release naturally when the cook time is up. This vs. a quick release will help tenderize them well. 

1. Pick over broken dried beans and rinse with water well.
2. Put into your pressure cooker with broth (or water) and seasonings, stir
3. Close lid and steam valve and set to cook on high pressure for 25 minutes
4. Allow for a 15 minute to 20 minute natural release when done (that means don’t touch the steam valve).
5. Drain (or not, some like to have liquid in it) and serve.

How do I make black beans thicker?

If you would like to thicken the black bean liquid, you can use a potato masher or spoon to mash some, about 1/4 of them. Stir fresh cilantro into beans. Taste and adjust for seasoning with a bit more salt and pepper.

Some like a splash of vinegar and/or sugar. Serve with lime wedges over Instant Pot white rice. OR use them in our Instant Pot black beans and rice recipe.

How do you know when black beans are done?

A well cooked bean should be creamy on the inside with skin that is intact, not crushed or broken. The best way to tell if a bean is cooked is to taste it really. Some like it more tender than others but you definitely don’t want it hard or crumbly on the inside.

Instant Pot Black Beans

All you need is this:

• Bag of dry black beans
• Electric pressure cooker
• Broth is much better than water
• Garlic
• Onions
• Cumin
• Salt

Fresh cilantro is great when done and/or feta cheese is a great addition too.

If you had more time you could use a slow cooker but don’t use that method on an Instant Pot. To be honest, that mode doesn’t work well at all!

• I used to use my Crockpot for all things until I got this! Now it just doesn’t make much sense to drag that out unless I am leaving all day and want dinner done in the evening.
• The closest is our Crockpot baked beans that work well when having a barbecue with friends.

What to serve with black beans?

1. Chipotle black bean taquitos or tacos are fabulous
2. Shrimp on top a bed of tender beans is a great meal that’s low in fat and high in fiber.
3. A great appetizer is black bean crostini with salsa and a shrimp on top is fabulous
4. You could mash them and make a hearty black bean dip
5. Grab some tostada shells and load them up with veggies and some rotisserie chicken on top
6. They’re a great addition inside any type of homemade or jarred salsa really

Chicken taco bowls are probably our favorite things ever, you can see them below.

How do you store cooked black beans?

To store leftover beans allow them to come to room temperature first before placing them into airtight containers and in the refrigerator or freezer. Beans will stay fresh in the fridge for about 7 days and in the freezer for a couple of months.  

• I’m telling you, these are SO versatile. Make a big pot when a large group is coming over and not only is it a yummy side dish but it’s super cheap to make.

Are black beans good for losing weight?

Well that’s not the reason why we make them but they are quite healthy and that is our focus.

If eaten as part of a healthy weight loss diet they could help you lose weight. Since they’re high in fiber and low in fat they keep you full for long periods of time and help keep your blood sugar stable. There are lots of choices like Instant Pot black bean soup and more.

Dry Black Beans in Instant Pot

You can jump to recipe or read quickly how it’s done and then double check you have all the necessary ingredients below and get started.

1. Rinse your dry black beans under cold water. If you put them into a colander it makes it a bit easier. You just want to ensure you remove all debris and dirt. Sometimes there are small rocks, discard those.
2. Pour them into your pressure cooker with all other ingredients listed in the recipe card below. You can opt to add some cilantro in if desired too.
3. Close pressure cooker lid and close steam valve. Set to high pressure for 25 minutes total. Then allow the pot to naturally release steam for 15 minutes.
4. Release remaining steam and lift lid. Turn pot off. Taste and add more seasonings if you desire.

This timing is appropriate for 16 oz. of dried legumes. If you are doubling this recipe it would take more time. I am unsure of the exact amount as I find it turns out better to just cook 1 bag at a time.