Howdy folks! Darian here with a fun new way to make an old favorite – Instant Pot baked beans done quick. As a busy mama of three little ones, I’m always seeking out tasty shortcuts to put hearty meals on the table. Using my Instant Pot pressure cooker, these saucy, smokey baked beans come together in a fraction of the usual time but deliver that classic flavor.
In today’s post, I’ll share my tips for Instant Pot baked beans along with creative ways to serve them up. Grab your Instant Pot and let’s get cookin’!
Satisfying Comfort Food in No Time
Instant Pot baked beans are a beloved side dish, especially at barbecues and potlucks. Who doesn’t love tender beans bathed in a sweet, smoky tomato sauce? The traditional method of slowly baking beans for hours imparts amazing flavor. But ain’t nobody got time for that on a busy weeknight!
That’s where the Instant Pot comes in handy. The pressurized environment gently breaks down the beans, while steam infuses the sauce into each one. In just 25 minutes, you can make these flavor-packed beans without the hassle of long baking.
I love that Instant Pot baked beans use pantry staples like beans, ketchup, mustard, brown sugar. Combined with smoky bacon and spices, you get downhome flavor without much effort. Now that’s my kind of easy cookin’!
Instant Pot Baked Beans
Equipment
- Instant Pot
- 1 medium-sized skillet
- 1 towel or oven mitts
- 1 serving dish
Ingredients
- 6 cups Water
- 2 cups Beans
- ½ pack Bacon
- 1 cup Syrup
- ¾ cup Brown sugar
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 1 tsp Smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Liquid smoke
- ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup Water
Instructions
- In your 8-quart Instant Pot, add in 2 cups of beans and 6 cups of water. Place the lid on, make sure its set to 'seal.'
- Turn the Instant Pot on manual pressure for 45 minutes.
- When there are about 10 minutes left on the Instant Pot:Chop the bacon and fry it in a medium-sized skillet over medium heat.
- Once the bacon is all fried up to your liking, add in syrup and brown sugar.
- Stir for about 2 minutes, on low to medium heat.
- Then add in your spices - garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika. Give a good stir.
- Proceed to add in liquid smoke, Worcestershire sauce and 1 cup of water. Give a stir.
- Let the mixture sit on low heat, stirring occasionally while the beans finish up.
- Once the beans are done, let nature release for 5 minutes. After the 5 minutes, switch to manual release (will only be about another minute or two).
- Remove the lid from the Instant Pot and using a towel or oven mitts, remove the stainless steel bowl and drain the beans. Place beans back into the stainless steel bowl, and turn the Instant Pot on saute mode.
- Turn off the stovetop, and pour the bacon mixture into the Instant Pot.
- Stir consistently for around 2-4 minutes. Turn the pot off.
- Pour beans into a serving dish and serve immediately OR place into a Tupperware and let cool before placing in the fridge.
Video
Notes
- They can be warmed up in the microwave if you’re heating up a small amount, but would not recommend heating them all up in the microwave.
- Heat them up by placing them into a medium-sized saucepan, and adding a small amount of water. Stir them consistently, will take about 5 minutes to fully heat up (times may vary depending on the stovetop and the saucepan).
Tips for Instant Pot Success
Making baked beans in the Instant Pot is simple, but here are some tips:
- Soak beans overnight to reduce cooking time. Drain before using.
- Brown the bacon first for smoky flavor. Leave some fat in the pot.
- Sauté the onion in the bacon fat to soften before adding other ingredients.
- Add ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, and spices, then stir to combine.
- Pour in beans and just enough water to cover them.
- Pressure cook on high for 25 minutes, then let pressure release naturally.
- Uncover and simmer 5 minutes to thicken sauce. Add more brown sugar and vinegar to taste.
Creative Ways to Serve Up These Saucy Beans
Instant Pot baked beans are mighty tasty on their own, but they also jazz up all kinds of dishes! Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy them:
- Pile high on BBQ sandwiches with pulled pork or brisket.
- Spoon over hot dogs and hamburgers right off the grill.
- Serve alongside Southern comfort foods like fried chicken, collard greens, and cornbread.
- Make it a meal with baked beans over rice and a side salad.
- Stir into chili or vegetarian shepherd’s pie for extra flavor.
- Top a loaded baked potato for an easy weeknight dinner.
- Toss with shredded pork or chicken for tasty pulled meat sandwiches.
- Mix into mac and cheese or under the cheese on nachos.
- Dollop into taco shells alongside spiced ground beef or chicken.
Instant Pot Baked Beans FAQs
I know folks have questions when trying new recipes, so here are some common FAQs about my Instant Pot baked beans:
Do you have to pre-soak the beans?
It’s ideal to soak them 8-12 hours for tender beans, but you can skip this step in a pinch.
What type of beans work best?
I like navy or great northern beans, but pinto and cannellini also work well.
Is it necessary to brown the bacon first?
You’ll get the best flavor if you crisp up the bacon in the pot first. But you can skip it if you’re in a hurry.
How long do they keep?
About 4-5 days refrigerated. The sauce thickens upon standing.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just increase cooking time by 5-10 minutes for a double batch.
Can I freeze any leftovers?
Absolutely! They freeze well for up to 3 months.
These saucy, smokey baked beans truly deliver on old-fashioned flavor thanks to the pressurized environment of the Instant Pot. I hope these tips help you whip up this satisfying side on busy nights. Got any other questions? Let me know! And be sure to stop by County Mama Cooking for more quick, family-friendly Instant Pot recipes. Happy cookin’!