These Instant Pot Sweet and Spicy BBQ Beans are a flavor-packed side dish that’s as easy as it is delicious. In just 55 minutes, you’ll have tender beans coated in a smoky, tangy sauce with a hint of heat that lingers perfectly. The balance of sweet and spicy is irresistible, while the creamy texture of the beans contrasts beautifully with the rich, sticky glaze.
Perfect for potlucks or weeknight dinners, this dish brings bold, comforting flavors to your table with minimal effort. The smoky aroma and sweet caramelized notes will have everyone reaching for seconds. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s hearty enough to stand alone or complement your favorite grilled dishes. You’ll love how effortlessly it comes together!
What You’ll Need
- 16 ounces (1 pound) great northern beans (dried, not canned)
- 8 cups water (for cooking the beans)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon (chopped into bite-sized pieces)
- ½ medium onion, diced (optional, but adds great flavor)
- ½ cup ketchup
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite brand or homemade)
- 4 ounces diced chilies (1 can, mild or hot depending on preference)
- ¼ cup maple syrup (or substitute with honey or brown sugar)
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard if preferred)
How to Make It
- Cook the beans: Add the beans, water, and salt to your Instant Pot. Cook on Manual (High Pressure) for 25 minutes (20 minutes for firmer beans, 30 minutes for very soft beans). Allow the pressure to naturally release.
- Drain and rinse: Remove the lid, pour the beans into a strainer, and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
- Cook the bacon: Set the Instant Pot to Sauté and cook the bacon until it starts to brown. Drain some of the grease, then add the diced onions (if using) and cook until tender.
- Add the sauce: Turn off the Instant Pot. Stir in the ketchup, BBQ sauce, diced chilies, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard. Scrape the bottom of the pot to mix well.
- Combine with beans: Add the rinsed beans back into the Instant Pot and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Final cook: Replace the lid, set the steam valve to Sealing, and cook on Manual (High Pressure) for 15 minutes. Allow the pressure to naturally release again.
- Serve: Open the lid, give the beans a good stir, and serve warm. Enjoy as a side dish or main course!
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions for BBQ Beans
These sweet and spicy BBQ beans are a versatile side dish that pairs well with so many meals! Serve them alongside grilled chicken, pulled pork sandwiches, or smoked ribs for a classic BBQ feast. For a lighter option, try them with a fresh cornbread muffin or a crisp green salad. They also make a hearty topping for baked potatoes or a filling for tacos—get creative!
Storing and Reheating Your BBQ Beans
Leftovers? No problem! Store your BBQ beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or use the microwave in 30-second intervals. If the beans thicken too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen them up. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Customize It: Recipe Variations to Try
Want to mix things up? Swap out the great northern beans for pinto beans or black beans for a different texture. For a vegetarian version, skip the bacon and use smoked paprika or liquid smoke to add that smoky flavor. If you like it spicier, add a dash of hot sauce or extra diced chilies. Prefer sweeter beans? Increase the maple syrup to 1/3 cup for a richer, caramel-like taste.
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Cooks
Short on time? Use canned beans instead of dried—just reduce the first cooking time to 5 minutes on high pressure. You can also prep the bacon and onions ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. If you’re doubling the recipe, the cooking times will stay the same, so you’ll have plenty of leftovers for the week!
Instant Pot Pro Tips for Perfect Beans
To avoid the dreaded “burn” notice, make sure to scrape the bottom of the Instant Pot well after adding the sauce ingredients. If you’re new to pressure cooking, remember to always natural release for beans to prevent them from splitting. And don’t forget to rinse the beans after the first cook—this helps remove excess starch and ensures a better texture in the final dish.
Instant Pot Sweet and Spicy BBQ Beans Recipe
Equipment
- Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 16 ounces great northern beans 1 pound
- 8 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 8 slices thick cut bacon
- ½ medium onion diced, optional
- ½ cup ketchup
- ½ cup BBQ Sauce
- 4 ounces diced chilies 1 can
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons Dijon Mustard
Instructions
- Add beans, water, and salt to your instant pot. Cook on manual, using high pressure, for about 25 minutes (20 minutes for firmer beans, 30 minutes for very soft beans). Allow the pressure to naturally release.
- Remove the lid, and pour the beans into a strainer. Rinse with cold water and set aside.
- Set instant pot to saute and heat the bacon until it starts to brown. Drain some of the grease, then add the onions (optional) and cook until tender.
- Turn the instant pot off and add ketchup, bbq, chilies, syrup, and mustard. Stir, making sure to scrape the bottom of the Instant Pot. Add the beans back in to the instant pot and stir until completely combined.
- Replace the lid, turn the steam valve to sealing and cook on manual, using high pressure, for 15 minutes. Natural release for the pressure. Open the lid and stir, then serve warm.