Whip up these hearty Instant Pot Pinto Beans with sausage in a fraction of the time! This Southern-style recipe packs bold flavor, smoky depth, and just a touch of heat—perfect for serving with cornbread or rice after a long day on the grill.
At Backyard Texas Grill, we believe the best meals are the ones that bring people together—especially when they’re packed with smoky Southern flavor. This Instant Pot Pinto Beans with Sausage recipe is a modern twist on an old-school classic.
As lifelong Texans who love a good Sunday supper, we’ve spent plenty of time perfecting this balance of tender beans, savory sausage, and a gentle kick of spice. Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping for game day, or just craving comfort food that tastes like it’s been simmering all day, these beans deliver big flavor in record time.
Southern Style Pinto Beans with a Little Kick
Nothing says “Southern comfort” quite like a pot of slow-simmered pinto beans—but who has time to watch a pot all day? With this Instant Pot version, you’ll get that deep, smoky flavor in a fraction of the time.
The tender beans soak up the spices and sausage, while a touch of jalapeño adds just the right kick. It’s hearty, wholesome, and made for family suppers, game-day spreads, or Sunday dinners after church. We love them–both as a side and a main dish.
Speaking of church, I decided to make these beans on a Sunday, as a mid-afternoon meal. I left the beans soaking in warm water while I went to church, then came home and put them into the Instant Pot. Thirty minutes later, lunch was ready to go.
Oh, and if you’re wondering what to pair with these beans, that’s an easy choice! Our Jalapeno Cheddar Skillet Cornbread is perfect alongside this hearty, filling meal. See the end of this post for even more serving suggestions!
Pinto Bean Ingredients
You’ll find a great (easy) printable recipe card at the bottom of this post but here’s a quick look at what you’ll need. These are simple ingredients you can pick up at any grocery store.
- 1 lb pinto beans (soaked while you’re at church, or unsoaked if short on time)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water (only if using unsoaked beans)
- 1 package sausage links, sliced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small jalapeño, finely diced (use half for less heat)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ tsp salt (add after cooking)
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder
- 1 bay leaf (optional but adds depth)
- Drizzle of olive oil (for sautéing)
How to Make Pinto Beans in the Instant Pot
As i mentioned above, these come together with such ease. They are both simple and delicious.
Soak (optional but helpful):
Cover beans with 2 inches of hot water and let soak for a couple of hours. Drain and rinse.
Sauté:
Turn Instant Pot to Sauté. Add olive oil and sauté sausage slices until lightly browned. Add onion, jalapeño and cook 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Now it’s time to add the garlic. You only want to cook for another minute or so once it goes in.
Add the beans:
Stir in beans, broth, and (if needed) water. Add cumin, paprika, chili powder, pepper, and bay leaf (but not salt yet).
Pressure Cook:
Soaked beans: 25 minutes on High Pressure; natural release 15 minutes.
Unsoaked beans: 40 minutes on High Pressure; natural release 15–20 minutes.
Season and rest:
Once pressure is released, stir in salt and taste for seasoning. The broth will thicken as it sits. If you like, you can stir in some cooked rice.
Serving Suggestions
I have a list great foods to pair with these beans near the end of the post, but here are a couple of quick serving suggestions that we enjoy.
- Serve over white rice or with a slice of skillet cornbread (a Texas classic).
- Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or your favorite hot sauce for extra zing.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for color.
- Pair with sweet tea and some cast-iron jalapeño cornbread for the ultimate Southern meal.
What to Expect from this Recipe
This Southern-style Instant Pot pinto bean recipe brings together comfort, convenience, and bold Texas flavor, which is why it’s one of our personal favorites. (Hey, there’s something really comforting about a bit pot of pinto beans simmering away.)
And talk about flavor-packed! The beans cook up tender and creamy, perfectly seasoned with smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder. The turkey sausage adds a savory, smoky note while the jalapeño gives just the right touch of heat. We’re convinced you’ll think the spice levels on this recipe are just right.
Whether you serve them over fluffy white rice or with a hunk of cornbread, you’ll have a wholesome, stick-to-your-ribs meal ready in under an hour—and the kitchen will smell like Sunday supper at Grandma’s. (But you don’t have to be a grandma to enjoy them, we promise!)
Things to Love About This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You’ll get that all-day simmered flavor in under an hour with the Instant Pot.
- Packed with Protein: Turkey sausage and hearty pinto beans make this a satisfying, stick-to-your-ribs meal.
- Smoky and Spicy: The blend of paprika, cumin, and jalapeño gives just the right Southern kick.
- Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is likely already in your pantry or fridge.
- Versatile: Serve it with rice, cornbread, or on its own—either way, it’s comfort in a bowl.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Leftovers taste even better the next day and freeze beautifully.
What to Pair with these Pinto Beans
These are hearty and delicious on their own, but you can also serve them up as a side dish with any of the following:
Jalapeño Cheddar Skillet Cornbread: Sweet, savory, and just a little spicy! This Honey Jalapeño Cheddar Skillet Cornbread is baked in cast iron for a crispy crust and tender crumb. Perfect alongside a big, steaming bowl of our pinto beans.
Cast-Iron 2-Ingredient Biscuits: Perfect for sopping up those delicious juices in our pinto beans, these biscuits come together in minutes and are so easy to make!
Texas-Style Smoked Beef Brisket: If you love smoked beef brisket, but the thought of making one yourself feels daunting, this post is for you. This Texas-Style brisket is juicy, tender and full of flavor. And it pairs beautifully with our pinto beans!
Herb-Crusted Pork Tenderloin: This tender and juicy pork tenderloin is encrusted with the unmatchable flavors of fresh rosemary, sage & thyme. It’s going to be a great protein to serve alongside those savory pintos!
Drunken Chicken (Beer Butt Chicken): Drunken Chicken (Beer Butt Chicken) is also known as Beer Butt Chicken or Beer-in-the-Rear chicken. It’s more than just a novelty: it’s a delicious main dish that will pair perfectly with our instant pot pinto beans.
After a hearty meal that includes our pintos, consider a delicious dessert from Out of the Box Baking. They have great cakes, cookies, scones, cupcakes, and more.
That’s it for this recipe, friends!
Thanks for stopping by. Before you go, why not pin some photos to your Pinterest boards?
About the Pit Master
Zach Morrow knows there’s nothing better than gathering family around a warm meal after a long day outdoors. As the pit master behind Backyard Texas Grill, Zach brings bold, approachable flavors to every dish—from smoked brisket to Instant Pot beans that taste like they’ve simmered all afternoon. His motto? “If it brings people together, it belongs on the table.”