If I only used my instant pot to cook dried beans, I would still consider the purchase 100% worth it.
For years, I used my slow cooker to cook dried beans. Then I got an Instant Pot, and now thats all I use.
Most of the time I use this super quick method to take beans from rock hard to soft and buttery in about an hour. But, sometimes I use my Instant Pots slow cooker setting to cook a pot of beans low and slow. It really just depends on the days schedule.
Either way, the hands on time to prepare a flavorful pot of beans is about 5 minutes, making this one of the easiest, most accessible recipes in my toolbox. [feast_advanced_jump_to]
How long will cooked beans keep in the refrigerator or freezer?
Cooked beans will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. I like to store them in their cooking liquid to keep them from drying out. Then, depending on what recipe Im using them in, Ill either add the cooking liquid with the beans or rinse the beans before using.
Cooked beans will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Beans can be frozen in some of their cooking liquid or rinsed and dried before freezing.
I usually freeze beans in 1 ½ cup portions which is equal to one 15 ounce can of beans. Freeze beans in ziptop bags or another airtight storage container.
How Many Dried Beans Do You Need to Cook for a Recipe?
One pound of dried beans is equal to about 2 cups.
As they cook, the dried beans will absorb the cooking liquid and triple in size. So, 1 pound (2 cups) of dried beans will give you 6 cups of cooked beans.
Many recipes call for 15 ounce cans of beans. This is about 2 cups cooked beans.
- 1 pound of dried beans = 2 cups of dried beans = 6 cups of cooked beans
- ½ cup dried beans = 1 ½ cups cooked beans = one 15 ounce can of beans
How to Make Dried Beans in the Instant Pot: NO SOAKING REQUIRED!!! This is the EASIEST Recipe!
FAQ
Can you cook different dried beans together?
Can you blend dry beans?
How do you keep beans from splitting in Instant Pot?