Easy Instant Pot Smoky Baked Beans are made with dry pinto beans (no soaking!), bacon, onion and spices! Hearty, flavorful baked bean recipe that tastes like it’s been slow cooking for days, even though it’s done in 2 hours!
Homemade Baked Beans are so much easier than you may think. While canned baked beans are certainly an easy option- there is something about making baked beans from scratch that just tastes so much better!
They have never been easier than in the Instant Pot. They require no soaking time and are ready to go in under two hours. The flavor that is infused tastes like they have been cooking all day long!
If you enjoy smokiness in your beans, make sure don’t skip the bacon or the liquid smoke. They are the secret ingredient!
What are Baked Beans?
Baked beans is a dish containing beans that are baked at a low temperature for a lengthy period of time in some sort of sauce.
Baked Beans are a great side dish for any picnic, pot-luck, or BBQ. One of the best things about baked beans is that a little goes a long way! Which makes it perfect for serving a crowd.
Ingredients for Instant Pot Baked Beans
Ingredients for Instant Pot Baked Beans-1/2 large onion, diced
-5 pieces bacon, chopped
-1 T. garlic
-1 pound pinto beans
-1 1/2 tsp. Salt
-Water – 1” above beans (4 cups)
-2 T. mustard
-1/4 C. Brown Sugar
-1 C. BBQ Sauce
-1/4 C. Ketchup
-1 T. Liquid Smoke
How to Make Baked Beans in the Instant Pot
How to Make Baked Beans in the Instant PotTurn your Instant Pot to High saute mode and then cook the chopped bacon for about three minutes. Add in the diced onion and then cook until the bacon is cooked and the onion is translucent – make sure that you are constantly moving around the ingredients so that they don’t burn.
Add in the minced garlic and cook for about one minute.
Add in ½ cup of water and then deglaze the pan.
Add 1 pound of pinto beans, 1 ½ teaspoon salt, and enough water to be about 1” above the beans (approximately 4 cups).
Add in the remaining ingredients and then stir them around.
Place the lid on top and then set the timer to 70 minutes on manual high pressure.
Once the timer goes off, let the pressure manually release for 15-20 minutes.
Remove the lid. Turn to saute to thicken the sauce to your liking.
Instant Pot Baked Beans
Easy Instant Pot Smoky Baked Beans are made with dry pinto beans (no soaking!), bacon, onion and spices! Hearty, flavorful baked bean recipe that tastes like it’s been slow cooking for days, even though it’s done in 2 hours!
Print Pin Rate
Servings: 16
Calories: 115kcal
Ingredients
- 1/2 large onion, diced
- 5 strips bacon, diced
- 1 Tbsp garlic
- 1 pound pinto beans
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 4 cups Water (approximately)
- 2 Tbsp mustard
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 Tbsp liquid smoke
Instructions
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Turn Instant Pot to High saute and cook chopped bacon for about three minutes.
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Add diced onion and cook until bacon is cooked and onion is translucent – make sure you are constantly moving around the ingredients so they don’t burn.
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Add minced garlic and cook for about one minute.
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Add ½ cup water and deglaze the pan.
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Add 1 pound pinto beans, 1 ½ teaspoon salt, and enough water to be about 1” above the beans (approximately 4 cups).
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Add the remaining ingredients and stir around.
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Place lid on top and set to 70 minutes on manual high pressure. Once the timer goes off, let the pressure manually release for 15-20 minutes.
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Remove lid. Turn to saute to thicken the sauce to liking.
Nutrition
Calories: 115kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 603mg | Potassium: 171mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 19IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 1mg
What kind of beans do you use for Baked Beans?
Most baked bean recipes call for pinto beans. You can find dry pinto beans at any local grocery store in the bean and rice aisle.
Another great choice is navy beans. Many people prefer this taste and texture in their baked beans, and you can easily substitute them in this recipe.
Do I need to soak my beans?
Nope! One of the beauties of cooking beans in the Instant Pot is that there is NO soaking time required, and they turned out beautifully and delicious.
You certainly can soak your baked beans, but it isn’t necessary or required. We do recommend washing your beans thoroughly and picking through them to make sure there aren’t rocks.
Can you freeze leftover Baked Beans?
Yes, you can! Put any leftovers in an airtight container or bag. Be sure to enjoy them within 3 months. To defrost, simply take out of the freezer and set on your countertop until thawed and then heat up slowly on the stove or in your microwave.
How long do homemade baked beans stay good for?
Cooked homemade made baked beans will stay good in the fridge for 3-5 days if properly stored. Make sure you store them in an airtight container for optimal freshness.
Are Baked Beans good for you?
Beans in general are high in protein and fiber and other nutrients. Baked beans made with minimal sugar and sauces can be a nutritious addition to a balanced diet.
You can easily adapt this recipe to have less sugar if you would like to make them a little bit better than you. Opt for lower sugar ketchup and BBQ sauce as well.
If you would like to have a little less fat in them, you could use turkey bacon instead, as well. But we definitely prefer pork bacon!
Can you eat Baked Beans for breakfast?
Yes! In fact, they are quite good served that way. You can eat them cold or heat them up. Some people even enjoy them served on top of toast for a more savory breakfast treat.
Other Bean recipes you might enjoy:
Instant Pot Baked Beans are simple to make and so delicious! Adding bacon to your homemade Baked Beans makes them a family favorite and a recipe that everyone will be asking for!
Easy Instant Pot Smoky Baked Beans are made with dry pinto beans (no soaking!), bacon, onion and spices! Hearty, flavorful baked bean recipe that tastes like it’s been slow cooking for days, even though it’s done in 2 hours!
