Instant Pot Baked Beans may not be baked, but they are undeniably delicious and insanely easy to make! Using dried beans and a rich maple sauce, this Instant Pot Baked Bean recipe will quickly become a staple for all your gatherings!
My Papa was known for his Old Fashioned Baked Beans. It was a must-make every summer cookout, along with sour cream cucumber salad, burgers, and Texas sheet cake. And while I absolutely love my papa's recipe for Boston Baked Beans, I wanted to see if I could speed up his classic recipe using the Instant Pot.
This recipe for Instant Pot Baked Beans took me weeks to perfect. I bought 20 pounds of dried beans and tried this and that and had so many failures. I had mushy baked beans, hard-baked beans, flavorless baked beans--but finally, I have NAILED how to make the most Perfect Instant Pot Baked Beans! And now YOU can too with this Instant Pot Baked Beans recipe!
Notes on Instant Pot Baked Beans Ingredients
- Dried Navy Beans: I have included instructions for soaked, unsoaked, and canned beans. Trying to help cover all your bases for you!
- Sweeteners: Maple syrup and molasses are musts for good baked beans. Both will add smokey undertones and sweeten the beans. If you love you beans extra sweet, you can op to add I love maple-flavored baked beans. And because maple syrup is so rich in flavor, a little goes a long way.
- Apple Juice: This may sound crazy, but the apple juice sweetens the beans and pairs beautifully with the maple syrup. It works really well as the liquid needed for this Instant Pot recipe.
- Tomato Sauce: The tomato sauce will add a nice depth of flavor and balance out the sweetness.
- Onion: Use a yellow or white onion, which will help to balance out the sweetness of the beans.
- Bacon (Optional): My Papa's recipe includes the addition of bacon, but it is optional. If adding, use thick-cut pork bacon. Baked beans is not the time to use turkey bacon.
- Seasonings: Salt, dry mustard, and apple cider vinegar. If you don't have dry mustard use a squirt of yellow mustard.
How To Make Instant Pot Baked Beans
The following tips are provided to help you achieve perfect results. You will find the detailed instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Soak Navy Beans (Optional)
I know, I know, my recipe for Instant Pot Dried Beans doesn't require you to soak the navy beans, so why does this recipe? Technically you don't have to, BUT navy beans get a bit mushy if they aren't soaked first. So I do recommend soaking navy beans overnight. If you don't have the time, skip soaking the beans. I have done them many times and I promise your baked beans will still be delicious!
Pressure Cook Beans
Whether you soaked the navy beans or not, the beans should be pressure cooked separately before adding the sauce that makes navy beans, baked beans! Cook the dried beans in water for 20 minutes on high pressure if not soaked and 10 minutes on high pressure if the dried beans were soaked. Once the cooking time has elapsed, allow the pressure to release naturally and then drain off the cooked beans.
Sauté Bacon (Optional)
If you would like to add bacon to your Instant Pot Baked Beans, you will need to sauté the bacon prior to pressure cooking the baked beans. This will allow your bacon to render out its fat, which will flavor the baked beans and give the bacon a bit of texture. If you are sauteing bacon, throw the minced onion in with the bacon as well.
Deglaze The Inner Pot
If you sauteed the bacon, you MUST deglaze the inner pot to prevent a burn notice from happening. To do this, add in the some of the apple juice and scrape up browned bits on the bottom of the Instant Pot using a wooden spoon or spatula.
Make Instant Pot Baked Bean Mixture
Now that the beans are cooked and the bacon is crispy, you simply fold the ingredients together inside the inner pot. Easy-peasy!
Pressure Cook Baked Beans
Pressure cook the baked beans with a full natural pressure release. This will help to keep your beans intact and the sauce finish developing flavor.
Thicken Sauce (optional)
If you would like your baked beans to have a super thick sauce, simmer the beans using the sauté button until thickened, stirring often.
Serving Suggestions
Along with his famous baked bean recipe, my Papa taught me that the best way to eat baked beans is to ditch the silverware and use plain potato chips to scoop the beans. If you haven't tried it--I am urging you to give it a try! The sweet and salty combo is insanely delicious.
Instant Pot Baked Bean Recipe FAQs
If you mix the tomato sauce gently into the apple juice instead of placing it on the bottom of the inner pot, you should NOT get a burn notice. However, if your instant pot is sensitive to getting burn notices, simply pour the tomato sauce on top of the cooked beans. Mix into the sauce AFTER pressure cooking.
For really sweet baked beans, much like my Papa's baked beans, add ¼ to ⅓ cup of brown sugar to the bean mixture.
Technically, no. You can use water but you will need to increase the sweetener. If you use water in place of the apple juice, you will need to double or triple your maple syrup or sweetener of choice and add in more salt for flavor.
Yes! To use canned beans in place of dried beans, skip the step of cooking dried beans in water and use 4 cups of canned navy beans that have been rinsed and drained.
Entrees To Pair With Baked Beans
Instant Pot Baked Beans make a fabulous side dish to endless dishes. Below are a few of my favorite entrees that pair beautifully with a side of baked beans.
- Grilled BBQ Chicken Breasts
- BBQ Chicken Burger
- Beef Burgers
- Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs
- Air Fryer Pork Chops
If you enjoyed these Instant Pot Baked Beans, I would love for you to share a review and leave a comment below.
Instant Pot Baked Beans
Ingredients
For the Beans
- 1 pound dried navy beans or pinto beans, see notes
- 6 cups cold water
For the Baked Beans
- 4 ounces bacon, chopped optional
- 1 onion minced
- ¾ cup apple juice
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried mustard
- ¼ cup molasses
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Optional: Place navy beans in large glass bowl, cover with water, cover bowl and let sit at room temperature for 12-24 hours. After soaking, drain off the soaking liquid.
- Place soaked or unsoaked navy beans into the inner pot along with 6 cups of water. Close lid and seal the lid, and set to cook on high pressure for 10 minutes for soaked beans, 20 minutes for unsoaked beans.
- Once the cooking time has elapsed, let the pressure release naturally for 20 minutes, then do a release of any remaining pressure. Remove beans from Instant Pot and drain off any excess liquid in a colander. Set the beans to the side and dry out the inner pot and return to the instant pot base.
- If adding bacon: Turn Instant Pot to sauté, add the bacon and onion. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until bacon begins to brown and the onion begins to soften. Turn the Instant Pot OFF by hitting cancel on the pressure cooker.
- Add in 1 cup of apple juice and scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the inner pot. NOTE: If using an 8 quart Instant Pot you need to use 1 full cup of apple juice plus ¼ cup water.
- Add in tomato sauce, seasonings, vinegar, molasses, and maple syrup and stir just to incorporate. If you didn't sauté onion, add the minced onion to this mixture as well. Stir in cooked beans. Place lid on the pressure cooker and be sure the vent knob is sealed. Set to cook on high pressure for 20 minutes.
- Once the cooking time has elapsed, let the pressure release naturally for at least 15 minutes.
- OPTIONAL: If you would like your baked beans to have a thicker sauce, you can simmer the baked beans after they have cooked. Simply turn hit sauté and allow the beans to simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring often or until sauce reaches your desired thickness.
Robert Vaughan
Not the usual overly sweet "baked beans". They are just right. I make them a day or two ahead of time. Easy to warm and possibly "better the next day".
Kristen Chidsey
Thanks for sharing Robert! I love hearing you enjoyed the Baked Beans!
Vikki
Hi Kristen! Can you double this recipe, or will it not fit? Thanks!
Kristen Chidsey
It will fit perfectly in an 8-quart model. For a 6-quart, it is a close call, but should work!
Trina
What do you mean by let pressure release “naturally”? Are you not supposed to open the vent?
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Trina! I have a detailed explanation of why and how to do a natural pressure or quick pressure release in my post Instant Pot 101 🙂 But to allow the pressure to release naturally means to not touch the vent and let the lid unlock on its own once the pressure has naturally dissipated.
John
How long does it take to do this without instant pot? It seems quite time consuming
Kristen Chidsey
Hi John. If you start with dried beans the recipe is time-consuming, but not as time-consuming as not using an instant pot. If you want to speed it up, use canned beans in place of dried beans. Then skip the step of cooking dried beans in water and use 4 cups of canned navy beans that have been rinsed and drained. Or you can use pre-cooked beans and my recipe for classic Baked Beans.
Donna S
I made these today and they were awesome! I didn't have any bacon so I left it out, but even without it, the flavor is delicious! I'll be making these again. Thanks for a terrific recipe!
Lin
In making instant pot baked beans, can I use pancake syrup instead or does it need to be real maple syrup? Can I leave syrup out completely and just use brown sugar?
Kristen Chidsey
I would leave the syrup out and replace with additional brown sugar Lin. The pancake syrup will not have the same results. Enjoy!
Jen
My kids love the baked beans in a can and I’ve always wanted to make my own. These turned out perfectly, even better the next day!
Kristen Chidsey
I love leftover baked beans myself! I am so happy to hear you had success making your own.
Brandon Whitford
I made your recipe tonight and they turned out perfect going to be for our Christmas Eve supper tomorrow
Kristen Chidsey
That's wonderful! Enjoy Brandon and Merry Christmas.
KimcheeMomma
These were the best beans I’ve made thus far! Thank you for a fabulous recipe! I did make a couple of adjustments for what I had on hand. I had kidney and white beans so I mixed that to make the 1lb and used low organic ketchup instead of tomatoes and vinegar. I paired it with party hotdogs for an awesome easy meal.
Kristen Chidsey
I am so glad you enjoyed these so much! I love that you used ketchup to replace what you did not have.
Cindy S
Excellent recipe! Will definitely make this again!
Kristen Chidsey
So glad you enjoyed Cindy and thank you for leaving a review 🙂
Mark
Just got an instapot for Father’s Day and made a slight variation of this recipe. The beans turned out amazing! Thanks, Kristen.
Kristen Chidsey
I am so glad you enjoyed Mark! I hope you had a fabulous Father's Day.
Joli
Kristen, this recipe sounds wonderful like I make using crockpot (dry beans) and skillet to saute onions, bacon, then bake bake. This is an over night soak method and hours in crockpot. I'm too old for this now. I need convenience or it's canned food which I don't like.
I am buying an instant pot to cook for 1 person maybe 2 sometimes. I want to cook only small (half) Recipes. (like 1 cup dry beans). Can you cut recipe in half? Should I buy 3 qt or 6 qt IP? Thank you.
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Joli! I believe you will LOVE the instant pot for convenience. As for the sizing, most recipes are developed for a 6-quart instant pot but can be halved for a 3-quart. If you would like the ability to freeze leftovers or cook for guests, I would recommend the 6-quart. If two people are the most you will be cooking for, go for the 3-quart. Just keep in mind you can half a recipe, but still should have 3/4 cup of thin liquid to reach pressure (this recipe can easily be cut in half.) I hope that helps.
Cyn C
Really good! We're a family that doesn't like really sweet beans (more like Campbell's Pork'n'Beans than Bush products). I subbed 2 tablespoons of brown sugar in 3/4 cup water for the apple juice. Perfect! The molasses gives a smoky umami flavor that made the beans go perfectly with grilled chicken.
Kristen Chidsey
I am so glad you enjoyed and thank you for sharing your modifications!
Carol
When I tried to finish the beans with the last 20 minutes on pressure, I kept getting the burn alert.
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Carol! I am sorry you are having that issue. Be sure to scrape off the browned bits from the bottom of the inner pot after sauteeing the bacon and onions. And be sure to turn off the saute feature BEFORE adding the apple juice to the inner pot.
Suzy
We love using our instant pot to make simple sides and meals! These are so easy and come out so tasty too!
Kristen Chidsey
So glad you enjoyed Suzy! The Instant Pot makes it so much easier.
Rachael W.
This recipe has an amazing flavor! I used Great White Northern beans & it turned out perfect. Cooked the beans in water for 20 minutes, stirred & tried them to see if they were soft enough, they weren’t as soft as I wanted so I cooked them for another 5 minutes on high - they came out PERFECT. Definitely let the IP do the natural release. This recipe, in my opinion, is comparable to Bush’s Maple & Bacon Baked Beans, and I’m so glad I can make them from scratch. I try to make everything homemade & this will be going on my list of favorites that I make every week! 😉
Kristen Chidsey
YAY! So glad you enjoyed so much Rachael!
Eden
These turned out wonderful! We all loved them! Can't wait to make them again 🙂
Kristen Chidsey
I love hearing you had success and enjoyed Eden! Thank you for sharing
katerina
I LOVE baked beans and this version was incredibly delicious!!