Jamaican Instant Pot Rice and Beans Recipe (Ready in 95 Min)

Rice, allspice and kidney beans come together in this Jamaican vegetarian — 95 minutes, 12 steps, and the kind of result worth repeating. You'll find the full ingredient list (with a scaler to change the servings), 12 steps of method, substitutions, and ideas for what to serve alongside.

You'll mainly reach for large pot and saucepan. At medium difficulty across 12 steps, it's manageable with a little attention. As written, it's meat-free.

How to make it

Instructions
Set Instant Pot to "Sauté." Once Hot, add olive oil. Then add yellow onion and stir until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and green onions and stir for about 30 more seconds.
Press “Cancel” on the Instant Pot. Add rice, coconut milk, water, salt, allspice, and black pepper and stir.
Pour undrained kidney beans on top of the rice mixture. Do not stir. Lay sprigs of thyme on top. Cover the Instant Pot, ensuring the valve is set to “Sealing.”
Press “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” on the Instant Pot and set for High pressure for 6 minutes.
Once the pressure cooking time is done, allow it to natural release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure by moving valve to "Venting"
Open lid and remove thyme sprigs. Fluff rice with fork and Enjoy!
Stove Top Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add yellow onion and stir until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and green onions and stir for about 30 more seconds.
Add rice, undrained kidney beans, coconut milk, water, salt, allspice, and black pepper and stir until combined. Lay thyme on top. Bring mixture to a simmer.
Cover with a lid and reduce heat to low. Allow to cook for 18 minutes over low heat, then remove from heat. Leave the lid on for an additional 5 minutes.
Open the lid and remove the thyme. Fluff rice with fork. Enjoy.

You'll use: Large pot · Saucepan · Pressure cooker

Tips & common questions

How long does Jamaican Instant Pot Rice and Beans take to make?

About 95 minutes from start to finish — an estimate based on the 12 steps and 12 ingredients. Times vary with your kitchen and how much prep you do ahead.

What can I use instead of milk?

Try any unsweetened plant milk. See the substitutions section above for more swaps.

Can I scale this recipe up or down?

Yes — use the servings control above the ingredients and every quantity rescales automatically (fractions included). Cooking times stay roughly the same; very large batches may need a little longer.

Is Jamaican Instant Pot Rice and Beans vegetarian?

Its ingredients contain no meat or fish, so it's suitable for vegetarians. Check any cheeses for animal rennet if that matters to you.