Instant Pot Black Beans: Abuela Approved Recipe

Experience the Rich Flavors of Abuela’s Kitchen with Modern Ease

Years ago, I was fortunate enough to learn from an incredible cook—Abuela. She was petite with the brightest green eyes and a smile that could light up a room. But her real magic was in the kitchen.

The only catch? She spoke only Spanish…

Armed with Abuela’s guidance, I managed to pull it off. Now, I’m sharing this cherished recipe with you.

These black beans are incredibly versatile. Enjoy as a hearty soup, mix into rice for Moros, simmer into a dip, or turn leftovers into bean burgers!

No soaking needed—thanks to the Instant Pot’s pressure magic. What used to take hours now takes just 35 minutes.

After Thanksgiving success with 70 people, Abuela finally nodded and said: “Not bad.”

You may also want to check out my Pinterest Instant Pot board for more great pressure cooker recipes!

★★★★★

5 from 8 reviews

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Yield: 6-8 servings

Instant Pot Black Beans Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Serve up a delicious bowl of Instant Pot Cuban black beans, bursting with flavor from tomatoes, onions, and peppers. This easy recipe is ready in just 35 minutes and perfect for any meal. Abuela approved!

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Ingredients

• 1 lb. black beans
• 1 large green pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 medium onion, peeled and chopped
• 8 sprigs coriander (you can use cilantro)
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 Bay Leaf
• 1/4 pound salt pork, quartered (or ham hocks)
• 14 ounce can diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup white, distilled vinegar
• 1 tsp sugar
• 32 oz. chicken stock
• Sofrito Ingredients:
• 2 green bell peppers, seeded and cut into thin strips
• 1 large onion, cut into thin strips
• 3 Tbsp. Olive Oil
• 1 Clove Garlic, minced

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients, except vinegar, sugar, and sofrito, to Instant Pot.
2. Chicken Stock should cover the beans to a depth of 1.5 inches above beans–you may need more or less water by this measurement.
3. Place lid on Instant Pot
4. Close vent and set to manual 25 minutes.
5. While the beans are cooking, add all sofrito ingredients to the pan and cook until onions and peppers are soft.
6. When Instant Pot beeps, let rest on natural release for 10 minutes.
7. Release pressure.
8. Once depressurized, remove the lid.
9. Add sofrito to beans and stir well.
10. Add vinegar and sugar to beans and stir well.
11. Mash some of the beans against the Instant Pot and stir to make thicker.
12. Serve and enjoy

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 343Total Fat: 21gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 16mgSodium: 760mgCarbohydrates: 28gFiber: 8gSugar: 7gProtein: 12g

Nutritional Information may not be accurate

Did you make this recipe?

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Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Resting Time: 10 minutes (natural pressure release)
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 1 lb black beans
• 1 large green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 medium onion, peeled and chopped
• 8 sprigs coriander (cilantro)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 2 bay leaves
• ¼ lb salt pork (or ham hocks)
• 14 oz can diced tomatoes
• ¼ cup white vinegar
• 1 tsp sugar
• 32 oz chicken stock
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper

Sofrito

• 2 green bell peppers, thin strips
• 1 large onion, thin strips
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Directions

1. Rinse beans: Remove debris, rinse under cold water, add to Instant Pot.
2. Add main ingredients: Exclude vinegar, sugar, sofrito. Cover with stock (1.5″ above beans).
3. Pressure cook: Seal lid, high pressure for 25 minutes.
4. Make sofrito: Sauté peppers, onion, garlic in olive oil until tender.
5. Release pressure: Natural release 10 min, then quick release.
6. Finish beans: Stir in sofrito, vinegar, sugar. Mash a few beans to thicken.
7. Serve: Enjoy hot, with rice, as dips, or sides!

Make Refried Black Beans

1. Remove bay leaves.
2. Reserve 2 cups bean liquid, drain excess.
3. Mash beans in pot or bowl, adding liquid for consistency.

Try our Instant Pot deep clean guide afterward—your pot will thank you!

Tips & FAQs

Can I soak the beans?

Nope! Soaking isn’t needed; the Instant Pot does all the work quickly.

Can I swap protein?

You can use bacon or skip meat to make it vegetarian—just increase stock/water.

How to store and reheat?

Refrigerate up to 5 days, freeze up to 3 months. Reheat gently adding liquid.

Serve Ideas & CTA

Perfect with rice, tacos, burritos, or tossed in salads. Leave a ⭐ rating below & share your experience!

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