Easy Instant Pot Baked Beans: A Delicious Delight

Name: Easy Instant Pot Baked Beans: A Delicious Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 1 lb dried navy beans; 1/3 lb bacon (sliced into bite-sized pieces); 1 medium yellow onion (diced); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 2/3 cups water; 2 tsp dried mustard powder; 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (regular paprika may be substituted); 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar; 1/4 cup ketchup; 1/2 cup molasses; 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (hickory smoke flavored preferred); 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1 tsp liquid smoke (optional)

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Easy instant pot baked beans are a savory, smoky, and sweet dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings. They’re simple to prepare, require minimal hands-on time, and are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Table of Contents

Easy instant pot baked beans in a white bowl with spoon

Easy Instant Pot Baked Beans Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Recipe

This easy instant pot baked beans recipe delivers a hearty meal that’s both comforting and nutritious. The tender navy beans meld perfectly with the rich flavors of bacon, molasses, and barbecue sauce. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish at a barbecue or as a main course with crusty bread, this dish is both satisfying and versatile.

Easy instant pot baked beans in a white bowl with spoon, glossy and savory

Key Ingredients for Perfect Baked Beans

To make these easy instant pot baked beans, you’ll need:

1 lb dried navy beans
1/3 lb bacon, sliced into bite-sized pieces
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 2/3 cups water
2 tsp dried mustard powder
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup ketchup
1/2 cup molasses
1/2 cup barbecue sauce (hickory smoke flavored preferred)
1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp liquid smoke (optional)

Step-by-Step Instant Pot Baked Beans Instructions

Soaking Your Dried Beans

First, soak the dried beans in 7-8 cups of water overnight. This step is crucial for achieving optimal texture and tenderness in your baked beans.

Sautéing Aromatics and Bacon

Next, drain the soaked beans and set them aside. Select the “Sauté” mode on the Instant Pot, then cook the bacon until it’s mostly done, which should take about 4 minutes. After that, add the diced onion and let it cook for around 3 minutes. The kitchen will start to smell amazing! Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 1 more minute.

Pressure Cooking the Beans

Now it’s time to combine everything. Pour in the water, scrapping the bottom of the pot to remove any browned bits. Add the drained beans, mustard powder, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, brown sugar, ketchup, molasses, barbecue sauce, vinegar, and liquid smoke. Stir well to incorporate all the flavors.

Cancel the “Sauté” mode, secure the lid, and make sure the valve is set to “Sealing.” Select “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” on high pressure for 30 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, allow a natural pressure release for 15 minutes, then release any remaining pressure. Check the bean tenderness; if they need more time, cook for another 10-15 minutes and then let the pressure release naturally.

Achieving the Perfect Sauce Consistency

After the beans are cooked, select “Sauté” mode again. Stir the beans often until the liquid reduces to your desired consistency. Serve them hot or warm for a comforting meal.

Tips for the Best Instant Pot Baked Beans

Bean Freshness Matters

For the best results, use fresh beans stored in airtight containers. Older beans can take longer to soften and may result in a less desirable texture.

Thickening Your Baked Beans

If your baked beans do not thicken enough, whisk together 2 tsp of cornstarch with 1 1/2 Tbsp cold water, then stir this mixture into the beans while cooking on “Sauté” mode.

Making it Vegetarian

You can easily make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the bacon. The beans will still be delicious, with the rich flavors of the sauces shining through.

Variations and Substitutions

Using Canned Beans

If you’re short on time, you can use 3 (15.5 oz) cans of Great Northern beans. Just reduce the water to 3/4 cup and pressure cook for 8 minutes with a 10-15 minute natural release.

No-Soak Instant Pot Baked Beans

In a pinch, you can pressure cook the beans without soaking them for 25 minutes with 8 cups of water. After draining, proceed with the sauté and second pressure cook steps as directed.

Slow Cooker Baked Beans Conversion

If you prefer using a slow cooker, increase the water to 3 cups. Sauté the bacon, onion, and garlic separately, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 8-9 hours or high for 4-5 hours, simmering uncovered to thicken.

Alternative Bean Types

You can substitute navy beans with pinto or Great Northern beans, depending on your preference.

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

Storing Leftover Baked Beans

Refrigerate any leftover easy instant pot baked beans in an airtight container for 3-5 days. They can be made ahead of time and reheated with a splash of water or broth for a quick meal.

FAQs

What ingredients do I need for easy instant pot baked beans?

You need dried navy beans, bacon, onion, garlic, water, mustard powder, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, brown sugar, ketchup, molasses, barbecue sauce, vinegar, and optional liquid smoke.

How do I make easy instant pot baked beans step by step?

Soak the beans overnight, sauté bacon and onion, combine all ingredients, pressure cook, and then sauté to thicken.

Can I make easy instant pot baked beans ahead of time?

Yes, you can make them ahead of time and store them in the fridge for 3-5 days. Reheat with a splash of water or broth.

How should I store leftover easy instant pot baked beans?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to make easy instant pot baked beans, you can enjoy this delicious dish any time. For more delicious recipes, check out our Pinterest page full of inspiration and ideas!