Easy & Delicious Instant Pot Baked Beans: A Foolproof Recipe
Baked beans are a classic comfort food, perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or a cozy weeknight dinner. Traditionally, they require hours of simmering, but with the magic of the Instant Pot, you can achieve that same rich, smoky flavor in a fraction of the time. This recipe for Instant Pot baked beans is not only quick and easy, but it’s also incredibly delicious. It’s a foolproof way to impress your friends and family with homemade baked beans that taste like they’ve been simmering all day long.
## Why Use an Instant Pot for Baked Beans?
The Instant Pot offers several advantages over traditional stovetop or oven methods for making baked beans:
* **Speed:** The Instant Pot significantly reduces cooking time. What used to take 6-8 hours on the stovetop can be done in about 1-2 hours in the Instant Pot.
* **Convenience:** It’s a hands-off cooking method. Once you’ve added the ingredients and set the timer, you can walk away and let the Instant Pot do its thing. No need to constantly monitor the beans or worry about them burning.
* **Flavor:** Pressure cooking helps to infuse the beans with flavor more effectively, resulting in a richer, more complex taste.
* **Texture:** The Instant Pot creates perfectly tender beans without turning them mushy. They retain their shape while becoming incredibly soft and creamy.
* **Less Mess:** Using one pot minimizes cleanup. No need to dirty multiple pots and pans.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
* **Dried Beans:** 1 pound (450g) navy beans, Great Northern beans, or a mix. Navy beans are the most traditional choice, but Great Northern beans are also a good option. Avoid using canned beans, as they will become too mushy in the Instant Pot. It’s recommended to sort through the beans and remove any debris or broken beans.
* **Water:** 8 cups (2 liters) or enough to cover the beans by about 2 inches. The exact amount will depend on the size of your Instant Pot. Using filtered water is preferable for better taste.
* **Salt Pork or Bacon:** 4-6 ounces (115-170g), diced. Salt pork adds a classic smoky flavor to baked beans. Bacon is a great substitute if you don’t have salt pork on hand. You can also use pancetta for a slightly different flavor profile. For a vegetarian option, consider using smoked paprika and a tablespoon of olive oil to mimic the smoky flavor.
* **Onion:** 1 medium, chopped. Yellow or white onions work well. Chop the onion finely so it cooks evenly and blends into the sauce.
* **Garlic:** 2-3 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic is essential for adding depth of flavor. Mince it finely or use a garlic press.
* **Molasses:** 1/2 cup (120ml). Molasses is a key ingredient in baked beans, providing sweetness, depth, and a characteristic dark color. Use unsulphured molasses for the best flavor.
* **Brown Sugar:** 1/4 cup (50g), packed. Brown sugar adds sweetness and helps to create a thick, syrupy sauce. Light or dark brown sugar can be used, depending on your preference.
* **Ketchup:** 1/4 cup (60ml). Ketchup adds acidity and tomato flavor to the beans. Use your favorite brand of ketchup.
* **Yellow Mustard:** 2 tablespoons. Yellow mustard adds a tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the molasses and brown sugar.
* **Apple Cider Vinegar:** 1 tablespoon. Apple cider vinegar adds a touch of acidity and brightness to the beans. White vinegar can be substituted if necessary.
* **Worcestershire Sauce:** 1 tablespoon. Worcestershire sauce adds umami and depth of flavor. It’s a key ingredient for achieving that classic baked bean taste. For a vegetarian option, look for a vegetarian Worcestershire sauce or omit it altogether.
* **Dry Mustard:** 1/2 teaspoon. Enhances the mustard flavor already provided by the yellow mustard.
* **Smoked Paprika:** 1/2 teaspoon. Adds a smoky flavor that complements the bacon or salt pork.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Adjust the seasoning to your preference. Remember that the salt pork or bacon will already contribute some salt to the dish.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make delicious Instant Pot baked beans:
**1. Soak the Beans (Optional but Recommended):**
While not strictly necessary with an Instant Pot, soaking the beans beforehand can improve their texture and reduce cooking time. There are two methods for soaking:
* **Overnight Soak:** Place the dried beans in a large bowl and cover with plenty of cold water. Let them soak for at least 8 hours, or overnight. Drain and rinse the beans before cooking.
* **Quick Soak:** Place the dried beans in a large pot and cover with plenty of cold water. Bring to a boil and let them boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and let them soak for 1 hour. Drain and rinse the beans before cooking.
If you skip the soaking step, you may need to increase the cooking time by 10-15 minutes.
**2. Sauté the Salt Pork or Bacon:**
Turn on your Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” function. Add the diced salt pork or bacon to the pot and cook until crispy, rendering the fat. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Remove the cooked salt pork or bacon from the pot and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot. If using bacon, you can leave it in if you prefer a smokier flavor.
If you are using olive oil instead of salt pork or bacon, simply heat the oil in the pot using the sauté function.
**3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:**
Add the chopped onion to the pot with the rendered fat (or olive oil) and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
**4. Add the Remaining Ingredients:**
Add the drained and rinsed beans, water, molasses, brown sugar, ketchup, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the Instant Pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
**5. Pressure Cook:**
Close the Instant Pot lid and make sure the steam release valve is in the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function and set the cooking time to 45 minutes for soaked beans or 55-60 minutes for unsoaked beans. For very old beans, it might be necessary to cook a few extra minutes.
**6. Natural Pressure Release:**
Once the cooking time is complete, let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally for at least 20 minutes. This helps the beans to cook more evenly and prevents them from bursting. After 20 minutes, you can manually release any remaining pressure by carefully moving the steam release valve to the “Venting” position. Be cautious of the hot steam.
**7. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):**
If the sauce is too thin for your liking, you can thicken it by selecting the “Sauté” function again. Cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Be careful not to burn the beans.
Another way to thicken the sauce is by mashing a small portion of the beans against the side of the pot. This releases starch and helps to thicken the sauce naturally.
**8. Add the Cooked Salt Pork/Bacon Back In:**
Stir the reserved cooked salt pork or bacon back into the beans.
**9. Season and Serve:**
Taste the beans and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or smoked paprika to your liking. Serve hot and enjoy!
## Tips for the Best Instant Pot Baked Beans
* **Don’t Overfill the Pot:** When adding the ingredients, make sure not to fill the Instant Pot past the maximum fill line. Overfilling can prevent the pot from reaching pressure properly.
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of your baked beans. Use good quality molasses, brown sugar, and bacon or salt pork.
* **Adjust the Sweetness to Your Preference:** If you prefer less sweet baked beans, you can reduce the amount of molasses and brown sugar. Conversely, if you like them sweeter, you can add more.
* **Add a Touch of Heat:** For a little kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the beans.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Feel free to experiment with different flavor combinations. Try adding diced bell peppers, chopped jalapenos, or a splash of bourbon to the beans.
* **Storage:** Leftover baked beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
## Serving Suggestions
Instant Pot baked beans are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of meals. Here are a few serving suggestions:
* **Barbecues:** Serve them alongside grilled burgers, hot dogs, ribs, or chicken.
* **Potlucks:** They’re a great dish to bring to potlucks and gatherings.
* **Breakfast:** Serve them with eggs, toast, and sausage for a hearty breakfast.
* **Weeknight Dinners:** Serve them as a side dish with meatloaf, roasted chicken, or pork chops.
* **Sandwiches:** Use them as a topping for pulled pork or brisket sandwiches.
## Variations
* **Vegetarian Baked Beans:** Omit the salt pork or bacon and use smoked paprika and olive oil to add smoky flavor. You can also add diced vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
* **Spicy Baked Beans:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the beans. You can also add chopped jalapenos or other spicy peppers.
* **Maple Baked Beans:** Substitute maple syrup for some or all of the molasses for a sweeter, maple-flavored version.
* **Bourbon Baked Beans:** Add a splash of bourbon to the beans for a richer, more complex flavor.
* **Southern-Style Baked Beans:** Use bacon instead of salt pork and add a tablespoon of brown sugar for a sweeter flavor. Some Southern recipes also include diced bell peppers and onions.
* **Boston Baked Beans:** Traditionally made with navy beans and molasses, Boston baked beans are a classic New England dish. This Instant Pot recipe is a great way to make them quickly and easily.
## Nutritional Information (approximate per serving)
* Calories: 300-400
* Protein: 15-20g
* Fat: 10-15g
* Carbohydrates: 50-60g
* Fiber: 10-15g
(Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.)
## Instant Pot Baked Beans Recipe Card
**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes (plus soaking time, if using)
**Cook time:** 1 hour 20 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound (450g) dried navy beans, Great Northern beans, or a mix
* 8 cups (2 liters) water
* 4-6 ounces (115-170g) salt pork or bacon, diced
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 cup (120ml) molasses
* 1/4 cup (50g) packed brown sugar
* 1/4 cup (60ml) ketchup
* 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
* 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
* 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Equipment:**
* Instant Pot
* Large bowl (for soaking beans)
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Cutting board
* Knife
**Instructions:**
1. **Soak the Beans (Optional):** Place the dried beans in a large bowl and cover with plenty of cold water. Let them soak for at least 8 hours, or overnight. Drain and rinse the beans before cooking. For a quick soak, boil the beans for 2 minutes, then soak for 1 hour. Drain and rinse.
2. **Sauté the Salt Pork/Bacon:** Turn on your Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” function. Add the diced salt pork or bacon to the pot and cook until crispy, rendering the fat. Remove and set aside, leaving the fat in the pot.
3. **Sauté the Onion and Garlic:** Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. **Add the Remaining Ingredients:** Add the drained and rinsed beans, water, molasses, brown sugar, ketchup, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the Instant Pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
5. **Pressure Cook:** Close the Instant Pot lid and make sure the steam release valve is in the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function and set the cooking time to 45 minutes for soaked beans or 55-60 minutes for unsoaked beans.
6. **Natural Pressure Release:** Once the cooking time is complete, let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally for at least 20 minutes. Then, manually release any remaining pressure.
7. **Thicken the Sauce (Optional):** If the sauce is too thin, select the “Sauté” function and cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
8. **Add the Cooked Salt Pork/Bacon Back In:** Stir the reserved cooked salt pork or bacon back into the beans.
9. **Season and Serve:** Taste the beans and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve hot and enjoy!
## Conclusion
This Instant Pot baked beans recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves the taste of homemade baked beans but doesn’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and the convenience of the Instant Pot, you can enjoy a rich, smoky, and delicious pot of baked beans in a fraction of the time. So, ditch the canned beans and try this recipe today – you won’t be disappointed! Enjoy!