![## **BBQ Baked Beans (Instant Pot)** There’s something magical about BBQ baked beans. They’re the perfect combination of sweet, smoky, and savory, with a richness that makes them an irresistible side dish. And when you make them in the Instant Pot? Oh, my friend, you're in for a serious treat! These beans come together quickly, soak up all the smoky BBQ goodness, and deliver a comforting, hearty dish that’s bound to be a hit at your next meal. Trust me, once you try these **BBQ Baked Beans (Instant Pot)**, you won’t go back to the old way of making them. They’re quick, easy, and so full of flavor—you'll want to make them every week! ## **Why You’ll Love BBQ Baked Beans (Instant Pot)** This recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves the rich flavors of BBQ but doesn’t want to spend hours cooking. Here’s why you’ll be obsessed: **Flavor Packed:** The combination of smoky BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and a touch of tangy vinegar creates a flavor profile that’s perfectly balanced—sweet, smoky, and just a little bit spicy. **Instant Pot Magic:** No need to babysit the beans on the stovetop for hours. The Instant Pot cooks them quickly, while still letting them absorb all the flavor. It’s the best of both worlds! **Perfect for Any Occasion:** These beans aren’t just a side dish; they’re a crowd-pleaser. Whether you're grilling up burgers, serving a backyard BBQ, or just looking for a cozy comfort food to enjoy with family, these beans fit the bill perfectly. **Customizable:** Like it spicy? Add more hot sauce or jalapeños! Prefer a sweeter taste? Add a bit more brown sugar. This recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to your taste. **Minimal Prep Time:** No soaking beans overnight or babysitting them while they cook. The Instant Pot takes care of all the work, so you can focus on the other aspects of your meal. ## **Ingredients in BBQ Baked Beans (Instant Pot)** Here’s what you’ll need to bring these BBQ Baked Beans to life: **Dried Beans:** Pinto or navy beans work best. They soak up the flavor like a dream! **BBQ Sauce:** Use your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky, sweet base. A tangy vinegar-based sauce or a richer, tomato-based one both work wonderfully. **Bacon:** A little crispy bacon goes a long way to bring that smoky richness to the beans. If you prefer a vegetarian version, feel free to skip this! **Onion & Garlic:** These two add a depth of flavor that makes the beans taste so savory and aromatic. **Brown Sugar:** A touch of brown sugar adds a subtle sweetness that balances out the BBQ sauce. **Apple Cider Vinegar:** For that zesty, tangy kick that cuts through the sweetness and brings everything together. **Mustard & Worcestershire Sauce:** These add a little extra depth and complexity to the flavor. Trust me, they make a difference! (Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.) ## **Instructions** Ready to make these delicious BBQ Baked Beans? Let’s get started: **Sauté the Bacon & Vegetables:** Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and cook the bacon until it’s crispy. Remove the bacon, chop it up, and set it aside. In the remaining bacon fat, sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant. **Add the Beans & Seasonings:** Stir in the dry beans, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and any other seasonings you like. Make sure everything is well combined. Don’t add any liquid yet—there’s enough moisture in the BBQ sauce and beans. **Pressure Cook the Beans:** Secure the lid on your Instant Pot, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for about 50 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure. **Finish and Serve:** Once the beans are done, give them a good stir. If you want a thicker sauce, you can sauté them for a few extra minutes to let some of the liquid evaporate. Garnish with the crispy bacon bits, and you’re ready to serve! ## **Nutrition Facts** **Servings:** [Number of servings] **Calories per serving:** [Calorie count per serving] ## **Preparation Time** **Prep Time:** [Time to prepare ingredients] **Cook Time:** [Time to cook or bake] **Total Time:** [Total time needed] ## **How to Serve BBQ Baked Beans (Instant Pot)** BBQ Baked Beans are the perfect companion to just about any grilled or BBQ dish. Here are a few ideas for how to serve them: **Grilled Meats:** Pair these beans with burgers, hot dogs, or any grilled meats. They complement the smoky flavors of BBQ perfectly. **Cornbread:** Is it even a BBQ without cornbread? Serve these beans alongside a fluffy piece of cornbread for a comforting meal. **Salads:** A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette would be a great contrast to the rich, smoky beans. **Roasted Vegetables:** If you want to add more veggies to your meal, roasted carrots, sweet potatoes, or corn on the cob are a great choice. **As a Main:** If you’re looking to make a meal of it, serve the beans on their own with a side of bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. ## **Additional Tips** **Quick Soak Method:** If you don’t have time for the full cooking process, you can quick-soak the beans by adding them to the Instant Pot with water, setting it to high pressure for 5 minutes, then letting the pressure release naturally. Drain the water and proceed with the recipe as directed. **Customize the Heat:** Want a bit more spice? Add some chopped jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or a few dashes of hot sauce for a little kick. **Use Leftover Bacon Fat:** If you’re making bacon for another meal, save the bacon fat and use it to sauté the onions and garlic. It’ll add even more flavor to your beans! **Storage Tips:** Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. These beans taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together. **Freeze for Later:** These beans freeze well! Just let them cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. ## **FAQ Section** **Q1: Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?** **A1:** Yes, you can! If you use canned beans, reduce the cooking time to about 10 minutes, as they’re already cooked. **Q2: Can I make this recipe without bacon?** **A2:** Absolutely! Just omit the bacon and maybe add a bit of smoked paprika or liquid smoke for that smoky flavor. **Q3: How do I store leftover beans?** **A3:** Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. **Q4: Can I double the recipe?** **A4:** Yes, you can! Just make sure your Instant Pot is large enough to accommodate the doubled ingredients. **Q5: How can I make these beans spicier?** **A5:** Add chopped jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the beans while they’re cooking for an extra kick. **Q6: Can I use a different kind of BBQ sauce?** **A6:** Definitely! Use your favorite BBQ sauce—whether it’s tangy, sweet, or spicy—to customize the flavor of the beans. **Q7: What’s the best way to reheat these beans?** **A7:** Reheat them on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce to keep them moist. You can also microwave them in short bursts, stirring in between. **Q8: Can I add vegetables to the beans?** **A8:** Yes! Try adding bell peppers, carrots, or even corn to the beans for extra flavor and texture. **Q9: Can I make these beans vegetarian?** **A9:** Yes! Simply omit the bacon and consider adding some extra spices or a dash of liquid smoke for that smoky flavor. **Q10: How do I know when the beans are done?** **A10:** The beans should be tender and soft when you bite into them. If they’re not done, simply cook them for a little longer on high pressure. --- BBQ Baked Beans (Instant Pot)](https://cooktune.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/0admin01_httpss.mj_.runjbSj8YdEZvw_Mid-range_shot_of_a_plated__7f9765b0-77e8-4274-97d9-25e4f8537bca_1-150x150.png)
Description
Learn how to make the best BBQ baked beans from scratch using dry beans! Smoky, sweet, and perfect for cookouts, potlucks, and family dinners. Both Instant Pot and stovetop methods included.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 pound of pinto beans
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1/2 green pepper, chopped
- 3 1/2 cups water
- 2 cups chicken or beef broth
- 2 tablespoons spicy mustard
- 1 six–ounce can tomato paste
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
- Dash of hot sauce, optional
Instructions
- Rinse beans and remove any dirt or debris. Soak beans in 6 cups of water overnight OR cook in Instant Pot the day of.
- Instant Pot Method: To cook in Instant Pot, add 3 cups of dry beans, 2 cups of broth, and 3 ½ cups water. Cook on high pressure for 30 minutes and natural release for 15 minutes.
- Add mustard, tomato paste, sugar, salt, pepper, chili powder, and liquid smoke. Let simmer for 15-20 minutes. Add more salt to taste and hot sauce if desired.
Notes
- For stovetop method, follow similar instructions, but cook beans in a large pot over medium heat for 1 ½ to 2 hours, adding liquid as necessary to prevent burning.
- These beans are great for BBQs, potlucks, and serving alongside grilled meats.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg