Instant Pot Barbecue Beans

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Ditch the Can, Embrace the Flavor: Instant Pot Barbecue Beans

Barbecue season is here, and what’s a BBQ without a hearty side of barbecue beans? But forget the bland, canned stuff – with the magic of the Instant Pot, you can whip up a batch of unbelievably flavorful, homemade barbecue beans in a fraction of the time. These Instant Pot Barbecue Beans are packed with smoky, sweet, and slightly spicy goodness, making them the perfect complement to ribs, burgers, pulled pork, or anything else you’re firing up on the grill.

Why the Instant Pot Makes Bean Magic:

Traditionally, making beans from scratch requires hours of soaking and simmering. The Instant Pot also shortens this process dramatically, making it a weeknight-friendly option. The pressure cooking environment creates a depth of flavor that’s simply unmatched. Plus, it’s a hands-off process. Set it and forget it!

What Makes These Beans So Delicious?

This recipe is all about building layers of flavor. Here’s a peek at what makes these beans so special:

• Bacon (or Pancetta): Crisped up at the beginning, the bacon adds a smoky, savory base that infuses the entire dish.
• Aromatic Veggies: Onions and garlic sautéed in the bacon fat create a flavorful foundation.
• Variety of Beans: A mix of different beans lends a unique texture and flavor profile. Great Northern, pinto, kidney, and black beans are popular choices.
• Barbecue Sauce: The star of the show! Choose your favorite BBQ sauce to customize the flavor to your liking. From tangy vinegar-based sauces to sweet and smoky varieties, the possibilities are endless.
• Brown Sugar and Molasses: These add depth and sweetness, balancing the smoky and savory elements.
• Spices: A blend of chili powder, smoked paprika, and a touch of cayenne pepper provides warmth and a subtle kick.
• Liquid Smoke: This is the secret weapon for adding intense smoky flavor, even if you’re not grilling your beans.

The Simple Steps to Instant Pot Barbecue Bean Bliss:

1. Soak (Optional, but Recommended): While not strictly necessary with the Instant Pot, soaking the beans overnight will reduce cooking time and improve their texture. If you’re short on time, a quick soak method works just fine. Simply cover the beans with water, bring to a boil, and let them sit for an hour.
2. Sauté the Base: In the Instant Pot, crisp the bacon or pancetta, then sauté the onions and garlic in the rendered fat.
3. Combine Ingredients: Add the drained beans, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, molasses, spices, liquid smoke, and chicken broth (or water) to the pot.
4. Pressure Cook: Seal the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for the recommended time (typically around 30-40 minutes, depending on the bean variety and whether you soaked them).
5. Natural Pressure Release: Allow the pressure to release naturally for at least 15 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
6. Thicken (If Necessary): If the beans appear too watery, simmer on the sauté setting for a few minutes to thicken the sauce.
7. Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips & Variations:

• Customize Your Sauce: Experiment with different BBQ sauce flavors to create your perfect blend.
• Add Meat: For a heartier meal, add cooked ground beef, shredded pork, or chopped sausage.
• Spice it Up: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to sauté the veggies.
• Storage: Leftover beans can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for longer storage.

The Verdict:

These Instant Pot Barbecue Beans are a game-changer. Besides they’re easy to make, bursting with flavor, and far superior to anything you’ll find in a can. So, next time you’re planning a barbecue, skip the canned stuff and impress your guests with this homemade delight. Your taste buds (and your Instant Pot) will thank you!

Instant Pot Barbecue Beans

These Instant Pot Barbecue Beans are packed with smoky, sweet, and slightly spicy goodness, making them the perfect complement to ribs, burgers, pulled pork, or anything else you're firing up on the grill.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Soak Time 1 day d

Course Side Dish

Servings 6 servings

Ingredients

  

• 1 1/2 tbsp salt for brining
• 1 lb navy beans-picked over and rinsed
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 lb bacon cut into pieces
• 1 onion-chopped fine
• 4 cloves garlic-minced
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tsp cider vinegar

Instructions

 

• Dissolve brining salt in 2 quarts cold water in a large pot. Add beans and let soak at room temp for 8 to 24 hours. Drain and rinse well.
• Heat oil in the Instant Pot using the sauté function. Add bacon and onion until fat is rendered and onions are softened, about 10 minutes.
• Add garlic, chili powder, salt and cayenne and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in broth, stirring to scrape any brown bits on the bottom of the inner liner. Add beans.
• Lock lid and seal valve. select high pressure and cook for 13 minutes. Turn off Instant Pot and let pressure naturally release for 15 minutes. Quick release any remaining pressure. Remove lid.
• Stir in ketchup, sugar, molasses and mustard. Use the sauté function to bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring to scrape any brown bits from the bottom of the pot. Sauté until thickened, about 10 minutes.
• Transfer to serving dish and let cool for 10 minutes. The beans will thicken while cooling. Stir in vinegar and serve.

Keyword barbecue, barbecue beans, Instant Pot, Instant Pot Barbecue Beans