Smoky Instant Pot Baked Beans
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
These smoky, sweet, and tender baked beans are made with bacon and pure maple syrup, and cooked in a fraction of the time thanks to the Instant Pot. Whether you're cooking for a summer gathering or simply craving a comforting side, these beans will elevate any meal.
No overnight soaking is required-just simple ingredients are needed for a delicious dish.
Why You'll Love These Beans
- Versatile: Perfect for BBQs, game days, or a comforting side dish.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in less than an hour, no overnight soaking needed.
- Smoky & Sweet: The perfect balance of flavors with bacon and maple syrup.
If you love baked beans as much as we do, try Slow Cooker Boston Baked Beans or a super quick and easy Skillet Baked Beans using canned beans and only minutes to cook.
Key Ingredients
- Maple Syrup: For a natural, sweet contrast to the smoky bacon.
- Dry Navy Beans: No soaking necessary when using the Instant Pot!
- Bacon: Adds savory depth and flavor.
How to Make Instant Pot Baked Beans:
- Cook the Beans
Add dry beans, salt, and water to the Instant Pot. Cook on high for 25 minutes and let the pressure naturally release. Drain the beans and rinse with cold water; set aside. - Prepare the Flavor Base
Wipe the pot clean and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Select Sauté on the Instant Pot, then cook bacon until crispy. Remove most of the bacon grease, leaving 1-2 tablespoons.
Add onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened, then stir in smoked paprika and chili powder, cooking until fragrant. - Combine and Pressure Cook
Turn off the Instant Pot. Stir in barbecue sauce, ketchup, Dijon mustard, vinegar, liquid smoke, and maple syrup. Add the beans and brown sugar, and stir until smooth.
Lock the lid in place, cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, followed by a natural release. - Serve & Enjoy
Stir the beans and serve warm!
How to Make These on the Stovetop
If you prefer to make this recipe on the stovetop, follow these steps:
- Prepare the Beans: Soak dry beans overnight or use the quick-soak method. Drain and rinse before cooking.
- Cook the Beans: In a large pot, add soaked beans and enough water to cover them. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until beans are tender (about 1-2 hours). Drain the beans and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Sauté bacon, onion, and bell pepper in a large pot until softened, then stir in the spices and other sauce ingredients.
- Combine & Simmer: Add the beans and simmer on low for 30-45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
Substituting Canned Beans
You can easily substitute canned beans for dried beans. Use 56 oz of canned pork and beans (or any canned beans of choice). Skip step 1 and proceed to step 4, where you start with sautéing the vegetables and adding the sauce.
What to Serve with Baked Beans
These smoky baked beans are the perfect side to all your summer favorites. Here are some delicious pairing ideas:
- Grilled Chicken or BBQ Ribs
- Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
- Hot Dogs or Brats
- Classic Potato Salad or Coleslaw
- Cornbread or Buttery Dinner Rolls
- Grilled Vegetables or Corn on the Cob
For potlucks or cookouts, serve straight from the Instant Pot to keep them warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
No! One of the best parts of this recipe is that soaking isn't required. The Instant Pot does all the work.
Yes. Simply omit the bacon and sauté the onion and bell pepper in olive oil. Add a little extra smoked paprika and liquid smoke for that classic flavor.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot.
Absolutely. Let the beans cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
Yes! These beans taste even better the next day, making them a great make-ahead option for parties or gatherings.
More Recipes to Try
If you try this recipe, I'd love to hear your comments and consider giving it a 5-star rating. Explore the recipe index for more easy, delicious ideas, and stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter and following us on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube!
Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email, and we'll send it to your inbox. Plus, you'll get delicious new recipes from us every Friday!
Easy Instant Pot Baked Beans Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 ounces dry navy beans
- 8 cups water
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 5 slices bacon
- 1 yellow onion finely chopped
- 1 red or green bell pepper finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke optional for enhanced smoky flavor
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- ½ cup water
Instructions
- Cooking the Dry Beans: Add beans, water, and salt to the Instant Pot. Cook on manual high pressure for 25 minutes. Naturally release the pressure when finished cooking. Remove the lid, pour the beans into a strainer, and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
- Wipe out the pressure cooker bowl and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Select the saute setting on the Instant Pot and add the bacon. Saute until it begins to brown, scraping the bottom of the pot frequently. Remove most of the accumulated grease, leaving a tablespoon or two in the. bottom of the Instant Pot
- Add the peppers and onion and continue to saute until tender. Stir in the paprika and chili powder; cook for another 30 seconds, or until it's fragrant. Cancel the saute function and turn the Instant Pot off.
- Stir in the barbecue sauce, ketchup, Dijon, vinegar, and liquid smoke. Then stir in the brown sugar, maple syrup, water, and cooked beans.
- Lock the lid into place, set the valve to sealing, and cook on manual high pressure for 15 minutes. Let the pressure naturally release.
- Remove the lid and gently stir before serving.
Video
Notes
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
This is my favorite baked beans recipe. It's so easy. I love the smoky flavors, the ability to use dry beans instead of canned beans, and all the natural warm flavors this recipe brings to the summer table! Plus, when life gets busy, there's nothing better than the Instant Pot for making things a bit easier.