Description

Craving delicious, homemade Baked Beans but short on time? This Instant Pot Baked Beans recipe gives you that classic, smoky-sweet flavor in a fraction of the time! No need for long oven hours—your Instant Pot will do all the work to create tender, flavorful beans that are perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a comforting weeknight dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale

- 1 lb dried navy beans (or pinto beans), rinsed and soaked

- 4 cups water or broth

- 1/2 cup ketchup

- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce

- 1/4 cup molasses

- 1/4 cup brown sugar

- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

- 1 small onion, diced

- 4 slices turkey bacon or beef bacon, chopped (optional, for added smokiness)

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 tablespoon olive oil

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beans

1. Soak the Beans: For best results, soak the dried beans overnight or for at least 6-8 hours in water. This helps soften the beans and reduces cooking time.

1. Drain and rinse the beans before cooking.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Bacon

1. Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Heat the olive oil and add the diced onion and chopped turkey or beef bacon. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and the bacon is browned.

1. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Turn off the sauté function.

Step 3: Add the Remaining Ingredients

1. Add the soaked beans, water or broth, ketchup, barbecue sauce, molasses, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.

Step 4: Pressure Cook the Beans

1. Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and set the valve to the “Sealing” position.

1. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and set the timer for 40 minutes on high pressure.

1. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 15-20 minutes. Then carefully turn the valve to “Venting” to release any remaining pressure.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

1. If the sauce is thinner than you’d like, set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Once the beans are tender and the sauce is thick, turn off the Instant Pot. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or a splash of vinegar for extra tang.

Notes

Don’t Skip the Soak: Soaking the beans helps them cook more evenly and reduces the risk of splitting.

Add Smokiness: If you want more smoky flavor, add a dash of liquid smoke or extra smoked paprika.

Watch the Sweetness: You can adjust the sweetness of the beans by reducing the brown sugar or molasses if you prefer a less sweet version.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Cuisine: American