Instant Pot baked beans get a kiss of sweetness from maple syrup and a kick of heat from jalapeño.
Baked beans were a fixture at family gatherings when I was growing up — from baptisms to backyard barbecues. They’re one of my mother’s signature dishes and always a crowd-pleaser.
I used to prefer the quick, canned version, but this Instant Pot baked beans recipe is my grown-up take on that comfort-food favorite. It balances sweetness from maple syrup and molasses with a touch of heat from jalapeño and a smoky note from smoked paprika. Using dry beans yields a silky, creamy texture you don’t get from canned beans, and the Instant Pot makes the whole dish ready in about 90 minutes without heating up the house.
These beans pair perfectly with burgers, hot dogs, pulled pork, and other picnic fare — ideal for Labor Day or any summer cookout. They’re also excellent alongside baked ham in colder months. Leftovers are delicious spooned over tortilla chips and topped with melted pepper-jack cheese.
Instant Pot Barbecue Baked Beans
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Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 jalapeño minced
- 1 pound dry pinto beans picked over
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons molasses
- 1 Tablespoon mustard
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 4 cups vegetable stock
Instructions
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Set the Instant Pot to Sauté. When hot, add the olive oil, diced onion and minced jalapeño. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 2–3 minutes.
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Stir in the dry beans, tomato paste, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, molasses, mustard and smoked paprika. Mix well, then pour in the vegetable stock and stir to combine.
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Secure the lid and set the pressure valve to Sealing. Cook on High Pressure for 1 hour.
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When the cook time ends, let the pressure release naturally for 20 minutes, then carefully switch the valve to Venting to release any remaining pressure.
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If the beans are too thin, return the pot to Sauté and simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste and garnish with chopped scallions if you like.