Meal Prep: Cooked Black Beans

Cooking your own black beans from dried is a cost-effective, flavorful, and nutrient-dense way to elevate your meals. This Instant Pot method makes it incredibly easy—no soaking required! In less than an hour, you'll have tender, perfectly cooked black beans ready for multiple meals. Yield: 6 cups of cooked black beans

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Measure the black beans 1 cup at a time and put them on a large plate. Make sure there are no pebbles, debris or broken beans.
2. Rinse dried black beans thoroughly under cold water.
3. Pour beans into the Instant Pot.
4. Add 7 cups of water, garlic cloves, and bay leaf (if using).
5. Seal the lid and set the Instant Pot to Manual/High Pressure for 30 minutes.
6. Allow a Natural Release for 15 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure.
7. Stir in 1 teaspoon salt and let the beans sit for 5 minutes to absorb flavor.
8. Drain any excess liquid (or save it for soups and stews).
9. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.

Why You'll Love This

• Hands-Off Cooking – Minimal effort with the Instant Pot doing all the work
• No Soaking Required – Saves time while still yielding creamy, soft beans
• Flavorful & Versatile – Garlic and bay leaf add subtle depth to the beans
• Budget-Friendly – A fraction of the cost compared to canned beans
• Meal-Prep Friendly – Makes enough for multiple recipes throughout the week