Step 1

Saute Onion, Spices, and Garlic: Heat up Instant Pot using Sauté More function. Wait until it says HOT. Add in 2 tbsp olive oil, bacon fat, or lard. Add roughly diced onion and cook until softened. Then add ½ - 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp dried oregano, and minced garlic to Instant Pot. Cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2

Deglaze: Pour roughly ½ cup unsalted chicken stock in Instant Pot and deglaze by scrubbing all the brown bits off the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon. Give it a quick mix.

Step 3

Pressure Cook Beans: Add well-drained pinto beans in Instant Pot and pour in remaining 3 ½ cups unsalted chicken stock. Pressure Cook at High Pressure for 40 mins (tender with a bite) or 50 mins (silky smooth & tender), then 25 mins Natural Release.

Step 4

Drain Beans Liquid: Strain the beans liquid with a strainer. Place beans back in Instant Pot. Keep the beans liquid in a mixing bowl.

Step 5

Mash Beans: Create Instant Pot Refried Beans by mashing the beans with a potato masher or immersion blender until desired consistency. Taste and season with salt (FYI: we used 4 pinches of salt). Add drained beans liquid back to the mashed beans until desired consistency.

Step 6

Garnish Refried Beans: Give it a final taste and garnish. You can spice it up with some jalapeno. Serve & enjoy~ :)