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Savory Instant Pot Baked Beans with Crispy Bacon

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A comforting and flavorful baked beans recipe made quickly in the Instant Pot with smoky bacon and a perfect balance of sweet and tangy seasonings. Ideal for weeknights or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 cups (300g) dry navy beans
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground mustard
  • 3 cups (720ml) chicken broth or water
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1.5 cups (300g) of dried navy beans under cold water. Place them in a large bowl and cover with 4-5 cups of water. Let soak overnight (8 hours) or quick-soak by boiling for 5 minutes and letting sit for 1 hour. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 6 thick-cut bacon slices and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove bacon and place on paper towels to drain. Reserve 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet. Chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces once cooled.
  3. In the same skillet with bacon fat, add 1 finely chopped medium yellow onion. Cook for 4-5 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  4. Transfer sautéed onions and garlic into the Instant Pot. Add soaked beans, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon ground mustard, and the reserved bacon fat. Pour in 3 cups (720ml) chicken broth or water. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 35 minutes. If beans were not soaked, increase cooking time to 50 minutes. When done, allow natural pressure release for 15 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure carefully.
  6. Open the lid and stir well. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, and add optional 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper if desired. Stir in the chopped crispy bacon, reserving a small handful for garnish.
  7. Spoon the beans into bowls or a serving dish. Top with the reserved crispy bacon bits for added crunch.

Notes

If beans are too liquidy after cooking, use sauté mode to simmer uncovered for a few minutes to thicken. Soaking beans reduces cooking time and improves digestibility. Reserve bacon fat to sauté aromatics for deeper flavor. Use natural pressure release to keep beans creamy and prevent splitting. Add salt after cooking to avoid tough beans. For vegetarian version, omit bacon and add smoked paprika or liquid smoke, and use vegetable broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: Instant Pot baked beans, baked beans with bacon, easy baked beans, smoky baked beans, pressure cooker beans, savory side dish

Find it online: https://sizzlesprout.com/savory-instant-pot-baked-beans-with-crispy-bacon-easy-recipe/