Imagine diving into a rich, hearty dish that transforms humble dried beans into a mouthwatering masterpiece in under an hour! These Instant Pot Homemade Baked Beans are not just a side dish – they're a culinary experience that brings the warmth of traditional American cooking straight to your dinner table. With a perfect balance of sweet molasses, smoky bacon, and tender beans, this recipe will have your family and friends begging for seconds before they've even finished their first bite.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried navy beans
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1/2 pound bacon, chopped
- 4 cups water
Instructions
- Rinse the dried navy beans thoroughly under cold water, removing any stones or damaged beans.
- Soak the beans overnight in water, or use the quick-soak method: cover beans with water in the Instant Pot, select "Pressure Cook" for 2 minutes, then allow natural pressure release for 15 minutes.
- Drain and rinse the soaked beans, discarding the soaking liquid.
- In the Instant Pot, layer the chopped bacon pieces across the bottom of the pot.
- Add the chopped onion over the bacon, then add the drained beans on top.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together molasses, brown sugar, mustard, and water until well combined.
- Pour the molasses mixture over the beans, ensuring all beans are covered.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing position, and select "Pressure Cook" on high for 45 minutes.
- Once cooking is complete, allow a natural pressure release for 15 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid and stir the beans. If they seem too liquid, use the "Sauté" function to reduce and thicken the sauce for 5-10 minutes.
- Let the beans rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to further thicken.
Tips
- Bean Preparation: Always sort and rinse your dried beans before soaking to remove any debris or damaged beans.
- Soaking Matters: While the quick-soak method works great, overnight soaking can help improve bean digestibility and texture.
- Bacon Placement: Layering bacon at the bottom of the pot allows the fat to render and infuse the entire dish with incredible flavor.
- Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thin after cooking, don't worry! Use the sauté function to reduce and thicken, stirring occasionally.
- Resting is Key: Allow the beans to rest for 10 minutes after cooking to let the sauce naturally thicken and the flavors meld together.
- Storage Tip: These baked beans taste even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make them in advance for meal prep or potlucks.
- Customization: Feel free to adjust the sweetness by playing with the molasses and brown sugar ratio to suit your taste preferences.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 25mg
