Instant Pot Black Beans and Brown Rice

6 Servings
45 min

This hearty and healthy Instant Pot black beans and brown rice recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal. The best part is that it only takes about 30 minutes to make! This dish is packed with fiber and protein, making it a filling and satisfying meal. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and easy to make ahead of time.

Black bean and brown rice
Instant Pot Black Beans and Brown Rice


Instant pot black beans and brown rice dish literally burst with flavor in your mouth. This recipe is essentially a pour and cook, with the exception of the fast one-minute sauté and the soaking of the beans. Excellent for every day of the week.


Ingredients needed:


The ingredients for making instant pot black beans and brown rice that the whole family will like are listed below. Please scroll down to view our printable recipe card, which includes detailed steps and measurements.


  • Olive Oil
  • Onion
  • Black Beans: Dried
  • Garlic Cloves
  • Sazon seasoning
  • Tomato Sauce
  • Salt & Pepper: To taste
  • Oregano: Dried
  • Water
  • Broth
  • Brown Rice
How to cook instant pot black beans and brown rice from scratch?


  1. Add all the ingredients: The Instant Pot Liner should be filled with all the ingredients and then stirred.
  2. Cover: Close the Instant Pot and turn the valve to “sealing.”
  3. Cook: Press Manual or Pressure Cook, High, for 30 minutes.
  4. Release: Allow the IP to Natural Release for 10 minutes.
  5. Release the pressure (Quick Release)
  6. Stir and serve!


How to serve:


This combination with your instant pot black beans and brown rice can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, so it’s crucial to ensure that your guests have plenty to eat. The following are some of the top side dishes to pair with:


  • Salad: The perfect side dish for this hearty meal is a salad. A typical Italian salad is a great option. Black beans and rice can be paired with pasta salad. Another option is a tuna salad made with tuna, celery, carrot, olives, and onion.
  • Salsa: Serve salsa as a delectable dip with black beans and rice. Salsa comes in a variety of forms, and while you can make your own, you can also buy pre-made salsa in jars at the grocery store.
  • Mashed potatoes: Try serving mashed potatoes with black beans and rice, along with a drizzle of cream and a sprinkling of paprika.
  • Guacamole: The mashed avocado gives a richness of flavor and a creamy texture to the beans and rice, making it a fantastic topping.
  • Roasted vegetables: Carrots, green beans, cauliflower, and asparagus can all be roasted. Alternatively, you may serve the potatoes with the beans and rice or use them as a side dish.
Frequently asked questions


How long should black beans be cooked in a pressure cooker?


Generally, black beans should be cooked for about 30 minutes in a pressure cooker. This will ensure that they are cooked through and have a soft, creamy texture. However, if you prefer your beans to be firmer, you can cook them for less time. Just make sure to check on them periodically, so they don’t overcook.


How long does brown rice take to pressure cook?


Brown rice takes about 30 minutes to cook in a pressure cooker. The key to cooking brown rice in a pressure cooker is to use the right amount of water. Too much water will make the rice mushy, while too little water will make it dry and hard. The best way to cook brown rice in a pressure cooker is to use 1 cup of brown rice for every 2 cups of water.


Do I need to soak beans before pressure cooking?


Soaking beans before cooking them is a common practice. It helps to speed up the cooking time and makes the beans more tender. However, soaking is not necessary. Pressure-cooking beans is a quick and easy way to cook them without having to soak them first.


Does brown rice need to be rinsed?


Brown rice does not need to be rinsed before cooking. This is because the bran, which is the outer layer of the rice grain, is not removed during processing. The bran contains most of the nutrients in brown rice and is what gives the rice its characteristic brown color.

Some of the bran and nutrients are washed away when brown rice is rinsed. Rinsing also removes some of the natural oils from the rice, giving it a slightly unpleasant taste. Overall, there is no need to rinse brown rice before cooking it.


How to store leftovers:


Storing leftover brown rice and black beans from an instant pot is easy and can be done in a few simple steps. First, let the rice and beans cool completely. Once they are cool, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Label the container or bag with the date and contents. Then, place the container or bag in the refrigerator or freezer.

When it comes to leftover brown rice and black beans, the general rule of thumb is that they can be stored in the fridge for up to four days. However, if you’re planning on eating them after that, it’s best to freeze them.

Recipe tips:


Here are a few tips to help you make the perfect batch of black beans and brown rice:


  • Soak your beans overnight for the best results.
  • Add a little bit of oil to the pot before cooking to prevent sticking.
  • Don’t forget to season your dish with salt, pepper, and other spices to taste.


Instant Pot Black Beans & Brown Rice Recipe


Now that you have learned how to make this Black Beans and Rice Instant Pot recipe, it is time to print the exact measurements.

Instant Pot Black Beans and Brown Rice
Recipe details
  • 6  Servings
  • Prep time: 5 Minutes Cook time: 40 Minutes Total time: 45 min
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Ingredients

  • 2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil
  • 1 Medium Onion
  • 2 cups of dried Black Beans
  • 3 Garlic Cloves
  • 2 Packs of Sazon seasoning
  • 1 can of Tomato Sauce
  • Salt & Pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon of dried Oregano
  • 2 Cups of water
  • 4 Cups of broth
  • 1 1/2 cups of Brown Rice
Instructions

Add all the ingredients into the Instant Pot Liner and stir.
Close the Instant Pot and turn the valve to "sealing."
Press Manual or Pressure Cook, High, for 30 minutes.
Allow the IP to Natural Release for 10 minutes.
Release the pressure (Quick Release)
Stir and serve!
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