Nothing says comfort food quite like a warm, hearty bowl of beans, and this Instant Pot Baked Beans Recipe is a game-changer for busy days when you crave big flavor without the wait. With its rich blend of savory ground beef and bacon melded with sweet, tangy baked beans, this dish comes together quickly in the Instant Pot, making it a favorite for gatherings, family dinners, or anytime you want a satisfying, crowd-pleasing side or main course. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to for delicious, fuss-free baked beans with a twist!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Instant Pot Baked Beans Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor and texture that you won’t soon forget. From the smoky bacon to the punchy mustard, every component plays an essential role in creating that perfect balance of savory and sweet.
- ½ lb ground beef: Adds hearty, meaty richness that elevates the dish beyond basic baked beans.
- ½ lb bacon, chopped: Brings a smoky, crispy texture and deep flavor that pairs perfectly with the beans.
- ½ cup beef broth: Helps deglaze the pot and infuses moisture and umami.
- 1 (55-oz) can baked beans, undrained: The star of the show, providing that classic tender bean base with a touch of sweetness.
- 1 Tbsp dried onion flakes: Imparts subtle onion flavor without the fuss of chopping fresh onions.
- ¾ cup ketchup: Adds tangy sweetness and a smooth texture to mingle with the beans.
- â…“ cup brown sugar: Balances savory notes with a gentle caramel-like sweetness.
- 1½ Tbsp yellow mustard: Introduces a bright, mildly spicy kick that awakens the flavors.
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Delivers complex umami depth and a subtle tang.
- ½ tsp garlic powder: Enhances savory notes without overpowering the dish.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: To season and highlight all the lovely flavors.
How to Make Instant Pot Baked Beans Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Meat
Set your Instant Pot to the SAUTE function and start by cooking the ground beef and chopped bacon together. This combo creates a wonderfully rich base with crispy bits that add texture. Cook until no pink remains, then drain the excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
Step 2: Deglaze the Pot
Add a splash of the beef broth to the pot and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. These flavorful morsels are pure gold and prevent the dreaded BURN error, ensuring a smooth cooking process.
Step 3: Mix in the Beans and Sauces
Pour in the rest of the beef broth along with the baked beans, dried onion flakes, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything until well combined, allowing the flavors to meld before sealing the lid.
Step 4: Pressure Cook
Secure the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to SEAL, and choose the MANUAL or HIGH PRESSURE setting for 8 minutes. This cooks the beans thoroughly and lets the flavors marry beautifully in a fraction of the time it would take on the stove or in the oven.
Step 5: Natural Pressure Release
When the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes—this extra gentle step helps the beans finish cooking evenly. Then carefully release any remaining pressure using the quick release method before opening the pot.
How to Serve Instant Pot Baked Beans Recipe
Garnishes
To dress up your Instant Pot Baked Beans Recipe, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley, scallions, or a dash of smoked paprika on top. These simple touches add bright color and a fresh aroma, turning humble beans into a dish that looks as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
These baked beans pair beautifully with classic BBQ fare such as grilled chicken, pulled pork sandwiches, or juicy burgers. For a meatless twist, serve alongside cornbread or roasted vegetables for a hearty vegetarian-friendly meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Spoon the beans into mini cast iron skillets or ramekins for individual servings. Or turn the dish into a loaded baked bean casserole by topping with shredded cheese and baking until bubbly and golden. The possibilities are endless with this versatile recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Instant Pot Baked Beans in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll keep well for up to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy this comfort food without cooking from scratch each time.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Transfer cooled beans into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving room for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a quick and satisfying meal.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if the beans seem thick. You can also reheat in the microwave, stirring halfway through for even warmth.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without bacon or ground beef?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat and sauté some diced onions or mushrooms for extra flavor. The baked beans and seasonings still bring plenty of deliciousness to the plate.
What kind of baked beans work best for this recipe?
Using a good quality canned baked beans with a flavorful sauce is key. Bush’s Original Baked Beans, as suggested, offer a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, but feel free to experiment with other brands you love.
Can I use fresh beans instead of canned?
You could, but fresh beans will need longer cooking time and more prep. The beauty of this recipe is its convenience with canned beans, so if you want to use fresh, consider soaking and pressure cooking them separately before adding to the sauce.
How spicy is this recipe? Can I make it spicier?
This Instant Pot Baked Beans Recipe has a mild kick thanks to the mustard and Worcestershire sauce. If you like heat, add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste when mixing the ingredients before cooking.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
You can double the ingredients, but be mindful not to fill your Instant Pot over the max fill line. If in doubt, cook in batches to ensure even pressure cooking and avoid any safety issues.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about a warm bowl of beans packed with smoky bacon and savory ground beef, and this Instant Pot Baked Beans Recipe delivers all that and more with effortless ease. Whether it’s game day, a family dinner, or a casual get-together, this recipe is sure to steal the show. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite way to enjoy baked beans!
Print
Instant Pot Baked Beans Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes (5 minutes saute + 8 minutes pressure cooking)
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Instant Pot Baked Beans recipe combines savory ground beef and crispy bacon with a flavorful blend of baked beans, brown sugar, ketchup, and spices. Cooked quickly under pressure, this dish delivers rich, comforting flavors perfect for a family meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Meat
- ½ lb ground beef
- ½ lb bacon, chopped
Liquids & Sauces
- ½ cup beef broth
- ¾ cup ketchup
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Beans & Canned Goods
- 1 (55-oz) can baked beans, undrained (Bush’s)
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 Tbsp dried onion flakes
- â…“ cup brown sugar
- 1½ Tbsp yellow mustard
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Meat: Turn the Instant Pot to SAUTE mode and cook the ground beef and chopped bacon until they are no longer pink. Once cooked, drain the excess fat to reduce greasiness.
- Deglaze the Pot: Pour some of the beef broth into the Instant Pot insert and scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. This step is crucial to prevent the BURN notice during pressure cooking.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the undrained baked beans, dried onion flakes, ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Seal Instant Pot: Place the lid on the Instant Pot, lock it in place, and ensure the steam release valve is sealed.
- Pressure Cook: Set the Instant Pot to MANUAL or HIGH PRESSURE for 8 minutes to cook the beans and blend the flavors.
- Release Pressure: Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes to let the cooking process finish gently, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure before opening the lid.
Notes
- You can adjust the brown sugar depending on how sweet you prefer the beans.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, use the SAUTE function after pressure cooking to reduce the liquid by simmering for a few minutes.
- Ensure to stir and deglaze well before sealing to avoid the BURN error on the Instant Pot.
- This recipe can be made ahead and refrigerated; reheat gently on the stovetop or in the Instant Pot on SAUTE mode.
