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There’s a special comfort that comes with a hearty plate of baked beans. While many love the convenience of classic Southern baked beans, often featuring pork and beans simmered with brown sugar, today we’re taking a delightful detour. We’re diving into the rich, sweet, and savory world of traditional Boston baked beans, but with a modern twist that makes them incredibly easy: the Instant Pot.

Forget the overnight soaking or hours of oven baking. This Instant Pot Boston baked beans recipe delivers that deeply satisfying flavor you crave, made from scratch with dried beans and cooked to perfection in your pressure cooker. They are destined to become your go-to side dish for every summer barbecue, potluck, or cozy family dinner. Imagine tender, creamy navy beans enveloped in a luscious sauce infused with dark molasses and savory salt pork – a truly irresistible combination of sweet and salty that perfectly complements any barbecue spread.

This Instant Pot Boston Baked Beans recipe is designed for maximum flavor and minimal fuss, accomplished in two simple stages. The first stage involves expertly cooking the dried navy beans. Traditionally, preparing dried beans meant planning ahead for an overnight soak, but thanks to the magic of pressure cooking, that lengthy step is completely eliminated! The Instant Pot transforms dry beans into perfectly tender morsels in a fraction of the time, without any pre-soaking required. This convenience is a game-changer for busy cooks who still want to enjoy homemade, authentic flavors.

Mastering Dried Beans in the Instant Pot: No Soaking Required!

One of the biggest advantages of using your Instant Pot for this recipe is the ability to cook dried beans directly, without the traditional overnight soaking. This saves you significant planning time and delivers perfectly tender beans every time. Here’s how to achieve that:

1. Rinse Thoroughly: Begin by placing your dried navy beans in a strainer and rinsing them under cool running water. This removes any dust or debris and ensures a clean start.
2. Combine Ingredients: Add the rinsed beans, the specified amount of water, roughly chopped carrot, onion, garlic cloves, a dried bay leaf, fresh thyme sprigs, and a teaspoon of salt to the Instant Pot. These aromatics infuse the beans with a foundational layer of flavor as they cook.
3. Pressure Cook to Perfection: Securely lock the Instant Pot lid in place and turn the steam release valve to the SEALING position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting on HIGH pressure and set the timer for 30 minutes.
4. Natural Release for Optimal Texture: Once the cooking cycle is complete, press “CANCEL.” Allow the pressure to release naturally for 20 minutes. This crucial step prevents the beans from bursting and ensures they maintain their shape while becoming incredibly tender. After 20 minutes, carefully turn the vent to VENTING to release any remaining pressure before opening the lid.
5. Drain and Reserve: Carefully pour the cooked beans into a strainer. Discard the softened carrots, onion pieces, thyme sprigs, and bay leaf. The beans are now perfectly prepped for the next stage of our Boston baked beans recipe.

The beans cooked using this Instant Pot method emerge tender yet still retain a slight bite, ideal for absorbing the rich molasses sauce. They will continue to cook and soften further as they simmer with the other delicious baked bean ingredients, ensuring a creamy, flavorful final product.

If you love the ease and efficiency of cooking beans in your Instant Pot, you’ll definitely want to explore our other pressure cooker bean recipes: try our comforting Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup, the quick and flavorful Pressure Cooker Black Beans, and our versatile Instant Pot Pinto Beans. They all harness the power of your Instant Pot for delicious results!

Crafting the Irresistible Boston Baked Beans Sauce in Your Instant Pot

With your navy beans perfectly prepped, it’s time to create the iconic sweet and savory sauce that defines Boston baked beans. The Instant Pot seamlessly transitions from pressure cooking beans to sautéing and simmering the sauce, making the process incredibly smooth:

1. Render the Salt Pork (or Bacon): Set your Instant Pot to the “SAUTE” function. Add the diced salt pork (or bacon if you prefer) to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pork is golden brown and begins to crisp, rendering its flavorful fat. Carefully remove the crispy pork bits from the Instant Pot with a slotted spoon and set them aside. These will be added back later for texture and flavor.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onions to the Instant Pot, utilizing the rendered fat. Sauté the onions until they soften and become translucent, typically for 3-5 minutes. Once softened, press “CANCEL” to turn off the sauté function.
3. Deglaze the Pot: Pour 1 cup of water into the pot. Use a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. This crucial step, known as deglazing, adds incredible flavor to your sauce and prevents the dreaded “Burn” warning during pressure cooking.
4. Combine Sauce Ingredients: Add the cooked beans, the reserved crispy salt pork, rich molasses, savory brown mustard, and tangy apple cider vinegar to the pot. Stir everything gently to combine, ensuring the beans are coated with the sauce ingredients.
5. Pressure Cook the Flavors: Securely lock the lid back onto the Instant Pot and turn the valve to the SEALING position. Select “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” on HIGH pressure and set the timer for 30 minutes. This phase allows all the flavors to meld beautifully under pressure.
6. Gentle Pressure Release: Once the cooking time is up, press “CANCEL.” Let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes. This controlled release helps the sauce thicken slightly and prevents any splattering. After 15 minutes, carefully turn the vent to VENTING to release any remaining pressure before opening the lid.
7. Thicken to Perfection: Turn the Instant Pot back to the “SAUTE” function. Continue to cook the baked beans for about 15 minutes, stirring continuously, especially as the sauce thickens. This simmering process reduces the sauce, concentrating its flavors and achieving that classic thick, glossy consistency characteristic of perfect baked beans.

Your Instant Pot Boston baked beans are now ready to be enjoyed! The combination of perfectly cooked beans and a deeply flavorful sauce makes for a side dish that will impress everyone.

What to Serve with Your Perfect Boston Baked Beans

Boston baked beans are a versatile and beloved side dish, making them the ultimate potluck recipe. Their rich, sweet, and savory profile complements a wide array of main courses and other sides. Here are some fantastic pairings:

• Grilled Meats & BBQ Favorites: The robust flavor of baked beans makes them an ideal partner for anything fresh off the grill or slow-cooked. Think juicy St. Louis-style Ribs, tender BBQ chicken sliders, flavorful Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork, or a hearty Memphis sausage and cheese plate.
• Comfort Food Classics: Serve them alongside roasted chicken, meatloaf, or even classic hot dogs and hamburgers for a truly satisfying meal.
• Hearty Breads: Pair your beans with a slice of warm southern cornbread, crusty artisan bread, or soft dinner rolls to soak up every last drop of that delicious sauce.
• Fresh Salads & Slaws: Balance the richness of the beans with lighter, fresher sides. A crisp mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette or a tangy homemade coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast.
• Other Potluck Staples: Don’t forget classic potato salad, macaroni salad, or grilled corn on the cob for a complete picnic or potluck spread.

Storing and Reheating Your Delicious Baked Beans

Baked beans are fantastic for meal prep or enjoying leftovers, as their flavors often deepen beautifully overnight. Proper storage and reheating ensure they taste just as good the second time around.

Proper Storage Techniques

To maintain freshness and prevent spoilage, always allow your Instant Pot Boston baked beans to cool completely to room temperature before storing. Once cooled, transfer them to an airtight container. Stored properly in the refrigerator, these delicious beans will remain fresh and flavorful for up to 5 days.

Reheating Methods for Best Results

Whether you’re warming up a single serving or a larger batch, here are effective ways to reheat your baked beans:

• Microwave: For individual portions, transfer the desired amount of beans to a microwave-safe dish. Heat on medium power, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. This helps ensure even heating.
• Stovetop: For larger quantities or a richer reheat, place the beans in a saucepan over low to medium-low heat. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and burning. If the beans appear too thick or dry, add a splash of water, chicken broth, or even a little extra molasses to restore their desired consistency.
• Oven: If you prefer a slow, gentle reheat, or are warming a very large batch, transfer the beans to an oven-safe dish, cover it loosely with foil, and reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until thoroughly warmed. This method is great for maintaining moisture and texture.

Servings: 12

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 1 hr 45 mins

Total Time: 1 hr 55 mins

Instant Pot Baked Beans

Created By: Kat Jeter & Melinda Machado

Instant Pot Baked Beans are made with dried beans (no soaking required!) and cooked Boston baked beans style in a sweet sauce, made with molasses and salt pork, for that traditional Boston baked bean flavor you love! These easy homemade baked beans are perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe

3.82 from 11 votes

Ingredients

For Cooking Dried Beans:

• 16 ounces Dried Navy beans
• 8 cups Water
• 1 Carrot, roughly chopped
• ½ Onion, roughly chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic
• 1 Dried Bay leaf
• 3-5 sprigs Thyme
• 1 teaspoon Salt

For Boston Baked Beans Sauce:

• 8 ounces Salt Pork, diced (or bacon)
• 1 Onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup Water (for deglazing)
• ½ cup Molasses
• 1 tablespoon Brown mustard
• 2 tablespoons Apple Cider vinegar

Instructions

Prepare Dried Beans (No Soaking!):

1. Place beans in a strainer and rinse under cool water to clean thoroughly.
2. Add the rinsed beans, 8 cups water, roughly chopped carrot, onion, garlic cloves, dried bay leaf, thyme sprigs, and 1 teaspoon salt to the Instant Pot.
3. Lock the lid in place and turn the valve to SEALING. Cook on HIGH pressure for 30 minutes.
4. When the timer goes off, press CANCEL. Allow the pressure to naturally release for 20 minutes before turning the vent to VENTING to release any excess pressure and safely opening the lid.
5. Pour the cooked beans into a strainer, remove and discard the carrots, onion pieces, thyme, and bay leaf. Set the tender beans aside.

Prepare Baked Beans (Building the Sauce):

1. Set the Instant Pot to SAUTE mode. Add your diced salt pork (or bacon). Cook until the pork begins to crisp and render its fat. Remove the cooked salt pork from the Instant Pot and set aside.
2. Add the finely chopped onions to the Instant Pot and sauté until they begin to soften and become translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Press CANCEL to turn off sauté.
3. Add 1 cup of water to the pot and deglaze the pan by scraping up any browned bits from the bottom using a wooden spoon. This adds flavor and prevents burning.
4. Return the cooked beans and reserved crispy salt pork to the pot. Add the molasses, brown mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
5. Lock the lid in place and turn the valve to SEALING. Cook on HIGH pressure for 30 minutes.
6. When the timer goes off, press CANCEL. Let the beans naturally release pressure for 15 minutes before carefully turning the vent to VENTING to release any remaining pressure and opening the lid.
7. Turn the Instant Pot back to SAUTE mode. Continue to cook for 15 minutes, stirring continuously, to allow the baked beans to thicken to a rich, glossy consistency.

Notes

Using Canned Beans: If you prefer to use canned beans, skip the “Prepare Dried Beans” steps. Rinse and drain 2 (15-ounce) cans of navy beans. Proceed directly to the “Prepare Baked Beans” instructions, but reduce the pressure cooking time in step 5 to 15 minutes on high pressure (instead of 30 minutes).

Flavor Adjustments: Taste the beans after thickening and adjust for sweetness or saltiness. Add a little more molasses for extra sweetness or a pinch of salt if needed. A dash of liquid smoke can enhance the smoky flavor if using bacon instead of salt pork, or if you just love a deeper BBQ note.

Bean Consistency: If you prefer a creamier bean, you can mash a small portion of the beans against the side of the pot during the final sauté phase.

Nutrition

Calories: 319kcal,
Carbohydrates: 35g,
Protein: 9g,
Fat: 15g,
Saturated Fat: 5g,
Cholesterol: 16mg,
Sodium: 721mg,
Potassium: 702mg,
Fiber: 9g,
Sugar: 12g,
Vitamin A: 860IU,
Vitamin C: 1.9mg,
Calcium: 97mg,
Iron: 2.9mg

Nutrition Disclaimer: We are not certified nutritionists. Nutrition facts are an estimate and are provided as a courtesy. They are generated by an online API which recognizes ingredient names and amounts and makes calculations based on the serving size. Results may vary.

Course: Side

Cuisine: American

With this Instant Pot method, you can enjoy the authentic, deep flavors of Boston baked beans without the extensive time commitment. This recipe truly brings a taste of New England tradition into your home with modern convenience. Whether it’s for a backyard gathering or a simple weeknight dinner, these beans are sure to become a beloved staple.