You can make Instant Pot Rice and Beans recipe tonight! With dried black beans, no soaking and no sauteing. I have re-tested and updated the recipe in May 2023 as some readers have reported beans were not fully cooked.
Instant Pot chicken and rice and Instant Pot chili are other favorite rice and bean recipes.
Table of Contents
- Instant Pot Beans and Rice
- Ingredients for Instant Pot Rice and Beans
- How to Make Instant Pot Rice and Beans
- 1. Add All Ingredients to the Instant Pot
- 2. Cook for 25-30 Minutes
- 3. Add Cilantro and Stir
- FAQs and Substitutions
- What to Serve Instant Pot Rice and Beans With?
- How to Make a Freezer Meal
- More Rice and Beans Recipes to Try
- More Instant Pot Recipes to Try
- Instant Pot Rice and Beans Recipe
Instant Pot Beans and Rice
OK, this healthy Instant Pot rice and beans recipe is a weeknight dinner saver! It’s like Instant Pot black beans meet Instant Pot brown rice and cook together in one pot in under 40 minutes.
There is barely any chopping required and no soaking of dried beans is necessary with this Instant Pot beans and rice recipe. Just like with Instant Pot baked beans, I repeat, you do not need to soak the beans!
And don’t even think about sauteing the onion. Food cooked under pressure comes out more flavorful than cooked on the stovetop. Sauteing is not necessary with many Instant Pot recipes.
Just like you can cook chicken, rice and beans at same time when making chicken burritos.
Are you ready to have healthy dinner on the table in 40 minutes?!
Ingredients for Instant Pot Rice and Beans
This delicious Mexican inspired Instant Pot rice and beans recipe consists of simple ingredients, mostly pantry staples similar to Instant Pot white chicken chili:
- Brown rice
- Dry black beans
- Canned diced tomatoes
- Onion
- Vegetable broth or water
- Spices: Cumin, chili powder, garlic powder and salt.
- Fresh cilantro and green onion (optional)
How to Make Instant Pot Rice and Beans
1. Add All Ingredients to the Instant Pot
- It is super important to add Instant Pot rice and beans ingredients in the following order to the bottom of the Instant Pot: onion, brown rice, black beans, water or vegetable broth, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, salt and diced tomatoes.
- Do not change.
- Do not stir.
2. Cook for 25-30 Minutes
- Close the lid, turn pressure vent to Sealing position and press Pressure Cook on High pressure or Manual for 25 minutes – if you have 8 quart Instant Pot, 30 minutes – if you use 6 quart Instant Pot.
- Instant Pot will take about 10 minutes to come to pressure.
- You can chop cilantro or make cucumber and tomato salad in the meanwhile. It goes amazing with this Instant Pot rice and beans.
- After wait 10 minutes and release remaining pressure using Quick Release method by turning valve to Venting and open the lid.
Update
Recipe retested in May 2023: I have originally cooked this recipe in my 8 quart Instant Pot for 22 minutes and quick release, at a sea level. A few readers reported beans were not cooked. I just re-tested the recipe in my 6 quart Instant Pot and it needs 30 minutes cook time with preferably 10 minutes Natural Release. Larger pot cooks food faster because it takes longer to come to pressure. If you live at altitude 2000 feet and above, maybe cook rice and beans in Instant Pot for 30-35 minutes and use Natural Release.
What If Rice Came Out Mushy or Crunchy?
When it comes to rice cooked in a pressure cooker, it’s a little bit of trial and error method for everyone. Sometimes different varieties of brown rice cook differently. Also rice could be old.
I always use long grain brown rice and buy one brand. Last time my husband bought different brand and it needed maybe 1 more minute cooking. Once you find “your rice” you will know how long it cooks and you can add extra minutes.
If your rice comes out crunchy: Stir, close the lid and let it sit for 20 minutes. It will get there. Also, next time cook Instant Pot rice and beans for 30-35 minutes and let pressure come down on its own. It could be the altitude or rice and beans brand.
Unfortunately, you can’t re-close the lid, cook for extra 2 minutes and say that’ your new cooking time. You have to try recipe from scratch again to find your rice cooking time.
If your rice comes out mushy: Cook a few minutes less next time. Easy-peasy.
Can I Use Natural Release?
You can use Natural Pressure Release where remaining pressure subsides on its own. You can pre-program this recipe and dinner can wait for you on the counter when you get home. Since Instant Pot keeps cooking while releasing pressure slowly, consistency might be a bit more soft. Which is not a big deal. It’s a hearty recipe anyways.
3. Add Cilantro and Stir
- Stir gently. Don’t “attack” Instant Pot rice and beans recipe with a wooden spoon at 100 miles per hour. Husbands are known for that. Stir gently.
- I see some liquid. My beans are “dry”. Don’t panic, just stir. Stirring should take care of extra liquid. If beans or rice is a teeny weeny crunchy, close the lid and let sit for 10 minutes. It will get there.
- Don’t forget to add a small bunch of finely chopped cilantro. It changes everything!
FAQs and Substitutions
Cooking in a pressure cooker is a trial and error method. I test Instant Pot recipes thoroughly because different kinds of rice or beans require different cooking times, for example. For best results, I recommend to follow the recipe.
Below I hope to cover all possible questions about variations and substitutions for Instant Pot rice and beans recipe.
No. White rice and brown rice require different amount of liquid and cooking time. Also brown rice is more nutritious containing the bran. It is so nutty and hearty. Why don’t you give it a try? Might take a few times to get used to but health benefits will be well worth it.
No. The beauty of Instant Pot is that dry beans don’t have to be soaked. There is a popular belief that soaking makes beans less gassy and more nutritious. I honestly didn’t notice any difference.
And as for the second point, it’s hard to tell. So for the sake of convenience, I love this recipe just like I love Instant Pot black bean soup that requires no soaking!
No. Believe it or not pinto and red beans take longer to cook in a pressure cooker. I was completely surprised by this discovery while test cooking Instant Pot black beans, Instant Pot red kidney beans and Instant Pot refried beans. Black beans cook the fastest out of all beans. Making Instant Pot rice and beans together a reality.
No. I hate to be “the recipe Grinch” but it’s just the reality. Canned beans are already cooked. If we use canned beans, what is going to happen to all that liquid that gets soaked up by dried beans?!
Yes. I finally said “yes”. Chicken breast or thighs added on top of rice will work. No other changes necessary. And if you decide to go with some sort of kielbasa one time, it’s delish!
No, sorry. It will probably instigate a “burn notice”.
Cut ingredients in half but keep same cooking time.
Yes. Here is the deal. It is flavorful enough but not overly pungent or spicy. You can add red pepper flakes before cooking or hot sauce after.
You can also substitute all spices with taco seasoning. Or add more spices to taste after Instant Pot beans and rice has finished cooking.
What to Serve Instant Pot Rice and Beans With?
Serve on its own with a dollop of sour cream, squeeze of fresh lime juice on top of the rice and tortilla chips.
- Baked chicken breast – lean juicy protein on a side.
- Oven baked chicken thighs – affordable chicken never tasted so good!
- Cucumber and tomato salad – we love the pairing of hearty rice and beans with cool and fresh veggie salad.
- Guacamole – classic, only 5 ingredients, so easy and so much flavor (there is a trick)!
- Air fryer nachos: As a healthy side dish to or even loaded on these cheese air fried nachos!
- Steamed vegetables – Adding vegetables makes these into healthy burrito bowls!
How to Make a Freezer Meal
Instant Pot rice and beans are perfect for meal prep. In a gallon size Ziplock bag, add all ingredients except water finishing with tomatoes on top. Let as much air out as possible, seal and freeze for up to 3 months.
Pressure cook beans and rice in Instant Pot on High pressure from frozen (don’t forget to add water) for 25-30 minutes with Quick Release.
Recipe Tip
For cooking in Instant Pot, it is important to finish with tomatoes on top to avoid “Burn”. Also check out my full list of 20 freezer meals. I’m obsessed!
More Rice and Beans Recipes to Try
- Instant Pot long grain white rice
- Instant Pot jasmine rice
- Instant Pot basmati rice
- Instant Pot coconut rice
- Instant Pot kidney beans
- Mexican rice and beans with zucchini – great for using up an abundance of zucchini.
More Instant Pot Recipes to Try
- Instant Pot refried beans – with dried beans.
- Instant Pot chicken fried rice – in one pot.
- Instant Pot cabbage rolls – same flavour but without hours spent in the kitchen. Genius!
- Instant Pot chicken wild rice soup – delicious creamy soup without cream!
- Instant Pot jambalaya – one pot weeknight or Sunday dinner.
- Instant Pot mushroom risotto
- Instant Pot 15 bean soup
Instant Pot Rice and Beans
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2 cups brown rice rinsed
- 1 cup dried black beans rinsed
- 4 cups water or low sodium broth
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cumin
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
- 28 ounces can diced tomatoes low sodium
- 1 bunch cilantro finely chopped
- 1/2 cup green onion finely chopped (optional)
- Hot sauce optional
Instructions
- In Instant Pot, add ingredients in the following order (do not change): onion, brown rice, black beans, water, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, salt and diced tomatoes. Do not stir.
- Close the lid, turn pressure vent to Sealing and press Pressure Cook on High or Manual button for 25 minutes – if you have 8 quart Instant Pot, 30 minutes – if you use 6 quart Instant Pot.
- After Instant Pot has finished cooking, wait 10 minutes and release remaining pressure using Quick Release method by turning valve to Venting and open the lid. If you live at altitude 2000 ft and above, use Natural Release to allow pressure subside on its own.
- Add cilantro and green onion (if using) and gently stir. If rice and beans are a bit liquidy or tiny bit crunchy, close the lid and let them sit for 10-20 more minutes.
- Serve warm with hot sauce if desired and our favourite addition – cucumber and tomato salad. We love the pairing of hearty rice and beans with cool and fresh cucumber and tomato salad or guacamole.
Video
Notes
- Recipe retested in May 2023: I have originally cooked this recipe in my 8 quart Instant Pot for 22 minutes and quick release, at a sea level. A few readers have reported that beans were not cooked. I just re-tested the recipe in my 6 quart Instant Pot and it needs 30 minutes cook time with preferably 10 minutes Natural Release. If you live at altitude 2000 feet and above, maybe cook rice and beans in Instant Pot for 30-35 minutes and use Natural Release. Extra time won’t hurt the recipe.
- Store: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Freezer Meal: In a gallon size Ziplock bag, add all ingredients except water finishing with tomatoes on top. Let as much air out as possible, seal and freeze for up to 3 months. Pressure cook on High from frozen (don’t forget to add water) for 25-30 minutes with Quick Release.
- Can I use white rice? No. White rice and brown rice require different amount of liquid and cooking time.
- Beans: Use black beans only, pinto and red beans take longer to cook. No need to soak. Do not use canned beans, liquid ratio will be off.
- Can I add chicken? Yes. Small pieces of chicken breast or thighs added on top of rice will work. No other changes necessary. Kielbasa will too!
- What to do for 3 quart Instant Pot? Cut ingredients in half but keep same cooking time.
- If your rice and beans come out crunchy: Stir, close the lid and let it sit for 20 minutes. It should get there. Also, next time cook for 30-35 minutes and let pressure come down on its own. It could be the altitude or rice and beans brand.
I make black beans in my Instant Pot often but wanted to find a recipe that also included the rice so I tried yours. I did not have two cans of the diced tomatoes and substituted by adding a cup of filtered water (to compensate for the juice in one can of tomatoes) and 1 tablespoon of La Costeña. Chipotles Diced Chipotle Peppers. I have a 3-quart Instant Pot, DID NOT cut the recipe in half, set the timer for 37 minutes, and let it naturally release completely.
It was delicious and came out perfectly! Thank you for a great recipe! 👩🏻🍳
Great substitutions and glad recipe came out fantastic with what you had on hand. Great job!
Recipe looks good, not a fan of brown rice at all. Do you have a recommendation for amount of white rice?
You won’t be able to use white rice with this recipe because it will fall apart before beans are ready.
Followed the instructions to the T it came out fantastic best beans and rice I have ever ever had thank you so much!
Thank you for a fantastic review and I’m so glad this recipe didn’t disappoint you!
Our family prefers 2:1 beans to rice. Can we simply add 1 cup rice and 2 cups dried beans? Or will the other ingredients also need to be adjusted?
That’s a good question. I haven’t tested it this way but if I were you I would try it. They both need kind of similar amount of liquid. So hopefully you won’t get burn. I would try.
Sarah, I’m with you re more beans. I have not tried the recipe yet, but looks good!
Made as written this week, but added some bacon (few strips) to use up what I had. The dish was so amazing!!! I will definitely make this again. My husband, the meat eater, even commented it was a great recipe! Wow! Thanks Olena.
Yay! I love the addition of bacon here. I can almost taste it, it must have been so good!
It was so good!! I made it again tonight with no bacon, and still it was amazing!
When and how did you add the bacon?
I would sauté it first on Sauté and then follow the recipe. Can also sauté an onion with it as well.
I used white rice instead of brown rice, only because I didn’t read all the way to the very bottom of the recipe. Mine came out more like a black bean soup. Not terrible, but not what I was going for. It might be helpful to move that part up towards the top somewhere early on so others don’t make the same mistake I did. I will try next time with brown rice or I might figure out the proportions for white rice, which is 1:1, correct?
White rice will not work in any proportion for this recipe, beans won’t be cooked. Recipe card clearly states to use brown rice and it’s best to follow the recipe for best results. Also notes of recipe card say it and the post as well. I don’t think I can make it more clear, to be honest.
Made this recipe this morning, but I used wild rice and no cilantro. I am @ 3000 ft, so I cooked it for 35 min in my 6qt. IP with a NPR. It turned out yummy, especially with hot sauce!
My pleasure, glad you enjoyed it!
This is my new favorite black beans & rice recipe. I added chourico (Portuguese version of kielbasa, but a bit spicier) and used canned diced tomatoes with green chiles.
I cooked a half portion in a 3qt instant pot, 25min pressure cook time with 10min natural release. The beans were slightly crunchy (and probably slightly old). In the future, I’ll do 30min pressure cook time with 15-20min natural release. I’ve never had beans turn to mush, so the longer cook time should be fine.
That sounds delicious and like a solid plan. Glad you enjoyed this recipe, Barbara!
Just made this today for lunch for the wife and I. Had no black beans so used mayacoba beans that had been rinsed and soaked overnight.
THIS ROCKED our tastebuds. And with a big dribble of Cholula hot sauce and a Pat of butter you’re in heaven. Excellent filling for a bean and rice burrito!
Can’t wait to make next time with black beans.
Worked just as stated in recipe! It made a lot. Very tasty! Will be freezing some for later.
Awesome!
This is a staple recipe in my house! I sub a red pepper for the tomatoes and add 1/2 cup of Lizano salsa and 2 or 3 cubed chicken breasts. My beans kept coming out hard so I soak them for 15 minutes or so while I prep everything else and cook for 24 minutes and everything comes out perfect.
I’m so happy to read this! Thanks for your positive feedback!