Smoky, creamy and full of healthy nutrients, this Instant Pot Baked Beans recipe is a delicious, plant-based side dish that’s the perfect accompaniment to BBQ dishes and burgers.
Even better, it couldn’t be simpler to put together, with all the ingredients added to the Instant Pot and left to bubble away to perfection.
Beans
If you like, you could even use a combination! Whichever variety you choose, all beans are a fantastic source of fiber and protein and can even help improve gut health.
Dried beans are also incredibly budget friendly, and thanks to the Instant Pot, you don’t even need to soak them for this recipe.
However, one thing to bear in mind is that not soaking them beforehand will result in a higher water content for the end dish, so depending on how saucy you like your baked beans you may prefer to pre-soak your beans, drain off the liquid before adding the other ingredients or simply using canned beans instead.
Flavorings
A blend of simple store cupboard ingredients lend these Instant Pot Baked Beans their sweet and smoky taste.
Apple cider vinegar (optional) and mustard bring some acid to the dish, adding that signature sharp tanginess and bringing out the richness that makes baked beans so irresistible.
The sweet element ensures the perfect balance, while tomato gives a nice depth of flavor that rounds the whole dish out.
Chances are you’ll have most of the key ingredients on hand, making this Instant Pot Baked Beans recipe the perfect last-minute side dish when there’s nothing in the fridge (or even a full meal as some British-inspired baked beans on toast or on top of a baked potato!)
Can I Make Baked Beans Without An Instant Pot?
Absolutely! It’s just as easy to make this recipe in a regular pot on the stove or even in a slow cooker.
The only real difference is timing and that you will want to soak your dried beans before cooking.
On the stove, you will want to let all the ingredients simmer away for around an hour and 30 minutes, while in the slow cooker you will want to allow 4 to 6 hours on a low heat.
How To Make Baked Beans In Instant Pot?
To cook baked beans in the instant pot you’ll need the following ingredients listed below. However, the full recipe and exact measurements are listed below in the recipe card.
For now, here’s a quick list and guide to help you make this recipe perfectly each and every single time.
- Navy beans
- Salt (we used Kosher salt)
- Diced onions
- Light brown sugar
- Honey
- Butter
- Ketchup
- Liquid smoke
- Dijon mustard
- Water
Rinse and drain the dry beans.
Place the beans in the instant pot.
Add the salt, onions, sugar and honey.
Then add the butter, ketchup, mustard, and water. Cook on high for 1hour 45 minutes.
Can I use Canned Beans?
To cut down on time and preparation, yes, you can use canned beans to make this recipe in the instant pot. Instead of cooking the beans and the ingredients for close to two hours, you’ll want to reduce the time to between 1 hour and 1 hour and 30 minutes.
This quick and easy summer side dish is filling, satisfying, and hearty, making it the number one go to side dish for your summer grilling
How To Improve Canned Baked Beans?
If you are using canned baked beans to make this dish, consider adding ketchup, mustard and brown sugar as these ingredients will enhance the flavor of the beans.
If you do not want to add ketchup, you also add, BBQ Sauce and use kielbasa sausage to help further season the beans.
How To Store And Reheat?
Once cooled, you can store your Instant Pot Baked Beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
You can reheat your baked beans in a variety of ways – either on the stovetop in a pan until piping hot, in the slow cooker on low for 1-2 hours, or even back in the Instant Pot on high pressure for 5 minutes.
How To Make This Dish Vegan?
To make this dish vegan is very simple. Simple omit the butter. You can substitute the butter with coconut oil for a twist in flavor.
Can You Freeze Baked Beans?
Yes, certainly baked beans can be frozen. You can freeze this side as it is perfect for any time of the year. If you like, you can also freeze baked beans for up to 6 months.
Simply defrost at room temperature before reheating according to the instructions above.
Serving Variations
To jazz up your beans, consider the adding the following below.
- Add crispy chopped bacon.
- Add spice like cayenne pepper. If you are not a fan of cayenne pepper, there are some great alternatives for substitute for cayenne pepper here.
- If you don’t want to use sugar, you can use all honey.
- Try adding a combination of beans.
Oven Baked Method
If you are using canned baked beans and would like to make the dish in the oven instead, sauté the onions first in about 2 tablespoon oil. Cook the onions until translucent on medium heat, about 4-5 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Transfer the ingredients to a baking dish. Stir all of the ingredients until well combined. Cover tightly and bake for about 45 minutes.
What Goes With Baked Beans?
If you loved this instant pot baked beans recipe, consider paring it with one of the following dishes listed below.
Creamy stovetop mac and cheese
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Easy Instant Pot Baked Beans Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Dry Navy beans
- 1 Tsp. Salt we used Kosher salt
- 1 Cup Diced onions
- ½ Cup Light brown sugar
- ⅓ Cup Honey
- 4 Tbsp. Butter
- ½ Cup Ketchup
- ½ Tsp. Liquid Smoke
- ¼ Cup Dijon mustard
- 2 Cups Water
Instructions
- Rinse and drain the dry beans. Place the beans in the instant pot.
- Add the salt, onions, sugar and honey. Then add the butter, ketchup, liquid smoke, mustard, and water. Cook on high for 1 hour and 45 minutes high pressure.
- Allow to natural release for 10 minutes. Stir and serve as a side and enjoy.
Amber
This is the perfect side dish to have with your meal this year. It’s easy to prepare and the instant pot do all the work for you.