The recipe prices will vary based on fluctuating grocery costs. Please use what is posted as a guide.
This Instant Pot Baked Beans recipe makes cooking baked beans a snap. The beans are sweet and tangy and full of BBQ flavor.
It costs just $4.89 to make these baked beans. The recipe serves 10, which works out to be about $0.48 per serving.
Serve these beans alongside our Grilled Hamburgers and Mexican Fruit Salad for a delicious summer BBQ.
These barbecue sauce-flavored baked beans are tender with bits of bacon and onion with a hint of smoke. The sauce is truly a sweet and sticky sauce that you might lick off the plate!
You can make these baked beans in your Instant Pot in less than an hour! These are a staple for any summer BBQ or potluck.
Ingredients and Cost
RECIPE COST: $4.89
PRICE PER SERVING: $0.48
- 1 pound dry navy or pinto beans – $1.25
- 8 cups water – $0.00
- 8 slices bacon – $1.68
- 1 medium yellow onion – $0.62
- 2 teaspoons onion powder – $0.06
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder – $0.06
- 1 cup barbecue sauce – $0.72
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar – $0.36
- 2 Tablespoons Dijon mustard – $0.08
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke – $0.06
To find out more about how we price our recipes, check out Budget Recipes Explained.
Instructions
- First, cook the beans in the Instant Pot for 25 minutes. Then drain the beans in a colander.
- Next, saute the bacon in the Instant Pot and add the onions until softened.
- Place the beans back into the pot. Add the remaining ingredients and stir it all together.
- Finally, cook it again on high for 10 minutes and serve when finished cooking.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Instead of brown sugar you can use honey.
- We like using a mixture of both navy beans and pinto beans because we like the texture. Use all navy beans for a more authentic look.
- Our recipe comes out thick and saucy. If you’d like the sauce on the thinner side, then add 1/2 cup of water when you add the BBQ sauce.
Storage Tips
Serve: You can keep these at room temperature for about 2 hours before they will need to be refrigerated. When serving these at cookouts or pot lucks, we place the finished beans in a slow cooker on the warm setting.
Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
Freeze: Place cooked and cooled beans in a freezer-safe storage container or Ziploc bag and freeze for 2-3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for 2-3 hours.
Reheat: Place the beans in a saucepan and add 1/4-1/2 cup of water. Heat on medium heat until warm.
Cook’s Tools
- measuring cups
- liquid measuring cup
- measuring spoons
- Instant Pot
- colander
- wooden mixing spoon
- cutting board
- Chef’s knife
Can baked beans be reheated?
Yes! You can place the baked beans in an oven preheated to 350 degrees F and reheat them for about 25-30 minutes. You can also use the microwave if you do not have 30 minutes to reheat them.
Will baked beans thicken as they cool?
Yes, after cooling, the baked beans will thicken. This happens as a result of the starches from the beans. As the starches are released into the sauce, it begins to thicken.
Get Kids Involved
Ages 2-3: Have your little one help count the cups of water as you pour it into the Instant Pot. This is a great way to get in extra math practice!
Ages 4-5: Ask your child to measure and pour the beans into the Instant Pot. They can count out loud to keep track of where they are at.
Ages 6-8: Your child can help by measuring the remaining ingredients to add to the Instant Pot after first cooking the beans.
Ages 9-11: Supervise them while they prepare the entire recipe. Remember to have them read it twice before beginning the recipe.
Ages 12+: Let them prepare the entire recipe, unsupervised, while you do the happy dance in the corner!
Budget Tips
More $5 Recipes:
- 1 Hour French Bread
- Asparagus in the Oven
- Best Homemade White Bread
- Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
- Buttermilk Sheet Pan Pancakes
- Caesar Salad
- Corn Muffins
- Easy Hummus
- Eggs Benedict Breakfast Braid
- English Muffin Pizzas
- French Toast with Blueberry Syrup
- Grilled Potatoes in Foil
- Instant Pot Corn on the Cob
- Instant Pot Spaghetti
- Oven Roasted Potatoes
- Panda Express Chow Mein
- Instant Pot Refried Beans
Instant Pot Baked Beans
Equipment
- measuring cups
- Liquid measuring cup
- Measuring spoons
- Instant Pot
- Colander
- Wooden mixing spoon
- cutting board
- chef's knife
Ingredients
- 1 pound dry navy or pinto beans or a combination
- 8 cups water
- 8 slices bacon chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion chopped
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 cup barbecue sauce we use Sweet Baby Ray’s
- ¾ cup light brown sugar packed
- 2 Tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
Instructions
COOK BEANS:
- Add beans and water to the Instant Pot insert, lock the lid into place, seal, and cook on high for 25 minutes.
- Carefully quick release the steam valve.
- When the steam has completely released, pour cooked beans into a colander to drain.
PREP REST OF INGREDIENTS:
- Set the Instant Pot to saute and add the chopped bacon.
- Stir and cook for 5-8 minutes or until crispy.
- Add the onions and continue cooking 3-4 minutes or until softened.
- Add the beans back into the pot with the bacon and onions.
- Add the remaining ingredients into the pot and give everything a quick stir.
COOK AGAIN:
- Place the lid back on the pot, seal, and cook on high for 10 minutes.
- Carefully quick release the steam valve.
SERVE:
- Remove the lid, stir, and serve immediately.
Jill says
These were so delicious. Thanks for the recipe!
Dannii says
I love baked beans with BBQ sauce. It adds so much flavour.
Mahy says
Simple and easy – isn’t that the definition of something that is perfect? Love the recipe!
Liz says
This is the perfect way to put my IP to good use for our next BBQ! Thanks for the recipe!
Mandy Applegate says
These beans were really tasty!