This Instant Pot Baked Beans recipe is incredibly simple and packed with rich, smoky flavor, making it an ideal dish to share with family and friends. Whether you’re bringing these hearty beans to a church potluck or serving them at a relaxed family dinner, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite for every occasion.
Why You’ll Want to Make Instant Pot Baked Beans
If you’re looking for an quick and easy side dish, these Instant Pot baked beans are a perfect choice. They’re easy to prepare, so you can enjoy a nourishing meal without the fuss, leaving you more time to enjoy the morning with those you love.
- Savory Flavor: The combination of tender beans with liquid smoke, mustard, and onion creates a depth of taste that’s comforting and satisfying. It’s the kind of flavor that just pulls you in from the very first bite.
- Hassle-Free Cooking: This Instant Pot baked bean recipe is so easy—it’s honestly one of my favorites when I need something quick yet satisfying. Simply throw the ingredients into the Instant Pot and let it do all the hard work for you.
- Quick Cooking Time: In just 6 minutes, your beans are cooked and ready to be served. The Instant Pot does all the magic in a fraction of the time it would take on the stove. I can throw it together while I get ready for the day.
- Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Beans are so affordable, so you can make a filling, delicious meal without breaking the bank.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve it with Crock Pot Pulled Pork, Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken or as a side dish for Budget Friendly Grilled Meats. I also like to use the beans as a topping for Crock Pot Hot Dogs, or Air Fryer Baked Potatoes too.
Before You Get Started
Here are some quick and easy tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.
- Drain and rinse the beans straight from the can to remove any sodium residue. I find that rinsing makes the beans taste fresher and helps them better absorb the flavors.
- Brown the onions before adding the beans to give the dish an extra layer of rich flavor—trust me, it’s worth the extra few minutes.
- Let the beans rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help everything to come together and intensify the flavor.
Ingredients You Will Need For Instant Pot Baked Beans
Here’s a quick overview of the key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and exact measurements, be sure to check the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Northern beans: To make this a quick recipe to make, choose canned northern beans for convenience.
- Pinto beans: Similarly, choose canned pinto beans.
- Oil: You’ll want to use refined vegetable oil or extra virgin olive oil to sauté the onions.
- Onion: Opt for yellow onion because it offers a good balance of sweetness and depth of flavor. Dice it finely to easily blend into the beans as they cook.
- Liquid smoke: Choose a brand that uses wood like mesquite or hickory for a more authentic flavor. Avoid those with unnecessary additives.
- Ketchup: Check the ingredient list. Ideally, you want it to be made with real tomatoes. Avoid brands that use high-fructose corn syrup, artificial colors, or preservatives.
- Molasses: Go for unsulfured molasses to get a cleaner, more natural taste. Check the bottle and ensure that the molasses is smooth and doesn’t appear too grainy.
- Mustard: Choose yellow or Dijon mustard with simple ingredients. Avoid spicy brown mustard or hot mustards, as their bolder flavor can overpower the beans.
- Brown sugar: Look for light brown sugar, as it melts easily and adds the right amount of sweetness to the dish. Make sure it has no additives.
Variations and Substitutions
- Swap northern beans and pinto beans for other types of beans like kidney beans, cannellini beans, or black beans for a different flavor.
- Replace molasses with maple syrup for a lighter sweetness or honey to keep it naturally sweet.
- Add a bit of bacon, fatback, or sausage, a savory flavor to the dish.
- To add a pop of flavor and color, add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
- Substitute ketchup with BBQ sauce to give a richer flavor.
- To bring some heat, add cayenne pepper, chili flakes, Cowboy Pickled Jalapeño Peppers, or hot sauce.
- Instead of plain water, use vegetable broth or chicken broth for a more savory taste.
- If you don’t have liquid smoke, replace it with smoked paprika.
The beans may turn out mushy if you overcook them or add too much liquid. To prevent this from happening, follow the recommended cooking time and rinse the beans thoroughly to remove excess starch that can lead to mushy beans.
Yes, you can use a slow cooker, but it will take more time. Cook the beans on low for 2-3 hours or 1-1.5 hours on a high setting.
How To Make Instant Pot Baked Beans
Here are simple steps to create mouthwatering Instant Pot baked beans that are sure to impress!
Sauté The Onion
First, set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Next, add your oil and diced onions. As the oil starts to warm up. Stir the onions occasionally for about 3-4 minutes, until they become soft and translucent.
Add The Rest Of Ingredients
Once the onions are softened, go ahead and turn off the “Sauté” mode. Add in the northern beans, pinto beans, liquid smoke, ketchup, water, molasses, mustard, and sugar. Give it all a good stir until all the beans are coated with the sauce.
Cook The Beans
Now, it’s time to get cooking! Secure the lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Select the “Manual” or Pressure Cook” function and set it to HIGH pressure for 6 minutes.
Once the cooking time is up, carefully perform a quick release to stop the cooking process and prevent your beans from getting overcooked or mushy. To do this, simply turn the valve to the venting position to let the steam escape. I always use a towel or oven mitt to turn the valve to be safe because the steam can be really hot.
Pro Tip: Don’t be alarmed when you hear a hissing sound because it’s a clear sign that the pressure is being released.
Serve To Enjoy
After the steam clears and the hissing stops, open the pot and give the beans a quick stir. Taste the beans and adjust the seasoning to fit your taste. You might want to add more sugar if you want it sweeter, or add a dash of mustard to give it more tang. Once you’re satisfied with the flavors, serve them warm.
Hospitality Tips
- Serve the beans in a rustic cast-iron skillet or a vintage-style bowl and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or chives on top to provide a rustic charm.
- Place the beans in a wide, shallow serving dish and drizzle with a little extra molasses to give an elegant touch.
- Spoon the beans into mini mason jars or ramekins for individual portions, perfect for potlucks or casual gatherings.
- Serve alongside cornbread slices on a large wooden board or platter to create a family-style spread. Include small bowls of toppings like shredded cheese or bacon for a customizable experience.
- Pair the beans with vibrant sides like cucumber salad, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a colorful slaw.
Biblical Hospitality Reflection
Small acts of hospitality, like sharing a hearty dish of beans, can be a powerful expression of love, one that reflects the abundant love of Christ. So, as you gather around the table, remember that the real gift is not just the food but the time shared in fellowship.
Storage and Make-Ahead
- Instant Pot baked beans leftovers store beautifully, which makes them perfect for meal prep or hosting stress-free gatherings! Transfer the cooled beans to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to enjoy them longer, put them in the freezer in portions (I like to use freezer-safe bags or containers) for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, warm the beans in a saucepan over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a bit of water if the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge—it’ll bring it right back to that perfect consistency. If you’re in a hurry, microwave them in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between to heat evenly.
- To reduce stress while hosting, you can prep parts of the recipe ahead of time. Drain and rinse and beans and dice the onions. I like to mix the sauce ingredients (ketchup, molasses, mustard, and sugar) in a jar, so I just have to pour them in later.
Do you have a question about the recipe? Feel free to ask in the comments below. I’m here to help!
⚖️ Need a big batch to feed a crowd? You can easily change the number of servings in the recipe card below by tapping 2x or 3x. The ingredient measurements will automatically double or triple. You can then tap print and there you have it, a recipe for a crowd.
Easy Instant Pot Baked Beans
Note: Be sure to read through the recipe’s post for tips and details about this recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons oil, vegetable or olive oil
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 2 cans northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 1 tablespoon mustard, yellow or Dijon
- ¼ cup brown sugar
Instructions
Sauté the Onions
- Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode.
- Add the oil and diced onions. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and translucent.2 tablespoons oil, 1 cup onion
Add the Remaining Ingredients
- Turn off “Sauté” mode.
- Add the northern beans, pinto beans, liquid smoke, ketchup, water, molasses, mustard, and brown sugar. Stir well to combine.2 cans northern beans, 1 can pinto beans, 1 tablespoon liquid smoke, ½ cup ketchup, 1 cup water, 2 tablespoons molasses, 1 tablespoon mustard, ¼ cup brown sugar
Cook the Beans
- Secure the lid and set the valve to the sealing position.
- Use the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function. Set to HIGH pressure for 6 minutes.
Release Pressure
- Once the cooking cycle is complete, carefully perform a quick release by turning the valve to the venting position.
Serve
- Stir the beans and taste. Adjust seasonings if needed (e.g., more brown sugar for sweetness or mustard for tang). Serve warm.
Notes
- Drain and rinse the beans straight from the can to remove any sodium residue. I find that rinsing makes the beans taste fresher and helps them better absorb the flavors.
- Brown the onions before adding the beans to give the dish an extra layer of rich flavor—trust me, it’s worth the extra few minutes.
- Let the beans rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help everything to come together and intensify the flavor.
