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This Instant Pot baked beans (Pressure Cooker Baked Beans) recipe packs a lot of great flavors, made from scratch, no soaking required, so it’s easy to make. Best of all, people are going to rave about how good these baked beans truly are.
Baked beans are one of the most popular BBQ side dishes, perfect all year round. Great with grilled burgers or smoked meats, you can’t go wrong with baked beans. If you usually open a can of baked beans, why not try something different.
At first, I was a little intimidated by the Instant Pot, but thanks to my amazing wife, she had me convinced this is the way to go with this recipe. It really does make this recipe super simple.
Everything cooks in the pot and the cooking time for the dried beans are cut down to only 25 minutes!
If you’ve ever cooked dried beans on the stove, you know how long this process can take. Instant Pot baked beans are definitely going to become your go-to recipe.
Smoked Baked Beans
Good news! You can adapt this recipe and cook the baked beans on your smoker. I would cook them for 2.5 – 3 hours in the smoker at 225 or 250 degrees Fahrenheit, in either an iron skillet or aluminum pan.
Can you overcook beans in an Instant Pot?
Yes. If you cook the beans for too long, they will break down into bean mush. That’s not very appetizing. Make sure to err on the side of caution. You can always cook the beans for longer, if needed. You can’t undo overcooked beans.
Where did baked beans originate?
Here is a little history for you. When you think of baked beans, you think New England, right? Well, that’s not how baked beans originated.
According to The Guardian, baked beans were Native American cuisine that the British settlers of New England adapted into their own recipes in the 17th century. The recipes were then added to cookbooks in the 19th century and the dish spread throughout America and into Canada.
What are the ingredients to Instant Pot baked beans?
To make Instant Pot baked beans, you’re going to need the following ingredients:
- Navy or pinto beans, or a combination
- Water
- Bacon
- Yellow onion
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Barbecue sauce
- Brown sugar
- Spicy brown or Dijon mustard
- Liquid smoke
How long do you cook beans in an Instant Pot?
How long should you cook the beans in the Instant Pot? That depends on the bean and whether or not you soaked the beans overnight. If you soak the beans overnight, you cut the cooking time substantially. In this recipe, we don’t soak the beans overnight.
You will cook on high pressure for 25 minutes. Remember that you will continue to cook for another 10 minutes once you’ve added the additional ingredients.
If you’re not making baked beans, and just cooking dried beans, you’re looking at 30-45 minutes of high-pressure cooking, depending on how firm or soft you like your beans. If you soaked them overnight, you’re only looking at around half that time.
Once the beans are cooked, you’ll saute the bacon and onions and then add the beans and other ingredients into the pot and pressure cook for another 10 minutes.
Meats That Pair Well with Baked Beans:
What are the best main entrees and meats that pair well with baked beans? Well, just about anything you can imagine.
Here is a list of some of my favorite main entrees that would pair nicely with a delicious bowl of baked beans.
- Smoked Brisket Recipe
- Smoked Sausage
- Smoked Turkey Recipe
- Crispy Smoked Chicken Wings
- Smoked Whole Chicken
- Grilled Burgers
- Smoked Beef Ribs
…and many more!
There you have it; this is actually a very easy recipe to make. Once you’ve had Instant Pot Baked Beans, you’ll never go back to the canned version ever again!
Instant Pot Baked Beans
Equipment
- Pressure Cooker
Ingredients
- 1 pound dry navy or pinto beans or a combination
- 8 cups water
- 8 slices bacon chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- ¾ cup brown sugar packed
- 2 tablespoons spicy brown or Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
Instructions
- Add beans and water to Instant Pot, lock the lid into place and cook on High for 25 minutes
- Carefully quick release the steam valve
- When the steam has completely released, pour cooked beans into a colander and drain off any water
- Set the Instant Pot to saute and add the chopped bacon
- Stir and cook for 5-8 minutes or until crispy
- Add the onions and continue cooking 3-4 minutes or until softened
- Add the beans back into the pot with the remaining ingredients
- Place lid on pot and cook on high for 10 minutes
- Carefully quick release the steam valve
- Remove the lid, stir and serve immediately
- Store leftovers in refrigerator