BBQ Baked Beans (Instant Pot + Stovetop)

Learn how to make the best BBQ baked beans from scratch using dry beans! This easy barbecue baked beans recipe is smoky, sweet, and perfect for cookouts, potlucks, and family dinners. Instant Pot and stovetop instructions included.

BBQ Baked Beans

These BBQ baked beans are smoky, slightly sweet, and packed with rich flavor—perfect for summer cookouts, family dinners, or any time you need a comforting side dish. Whether you make them in the Instant Pot or go low and slow on the stovetop, this homemade baked beans recipe is a delicious, from-scratch alternative to the canned version. Ideal for feeding a crowd or prepping ahead!

If you’re craving rich, smoky bbq baked beans that taste like they came from your favorite BBQ joint—but better—this barbecue baked beans recipe is for you! These beans are packed with bold flavor, just the right amount of sweetness, and a hint of spice that makes them completely irresistible.

Made with simple pantry ingredients and dry beans, this is the kind of homemade baked beans recipe that’ll quickly become your go-to.

Whether you’re firing up the grill or planning an easy weeknight meal, these easy baked beans are one of the best easy side dishes for cookouts, potlucks, or just a cozy night in. This is the Best Barbecue Baked Beans Recipe Made From Scratch!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Baked Beans Recipe

• From-scratch goodness – No cans or bottled barbecue sauce needed here! This baked beans recipe from dry beans delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.
• Smoky & satisfying – Thanks to liquid smoke, brown sugar, mustard, and a dash of chili powder, these barbecue beans are packed with rich, tangy depth.
• Cook your way – Use your pressure cooker for a faster method, or take it slow on the stovetop or even in your slow cooker.
• Versatile and freezer-friendly – These barbeque beans are great for meal prep and taste even better the next day. They are the perfect side dish for so many occasions!
• One pot recipe – you an make this whole recipe in one pot – so you won’t have a kitchen full of dirty dishes.

What Kind of Beans to Use

Choosing the right beans makes all the difference in this bbq beans recipe. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Pinto beans: Creamy and flavorful, these are great for a soft, hearty texture.
• Great northern beans: Mild and slightly firmer, they absorb flavors beautifully.
• Navy beans: Small and tender, they give you that classic “baked bean” feel.
• Kidney beans: Bold and meaty, they stand up well in thicker sauces.
• Small red beans: Slightly nutty and firm, these hold their shape nicely during longer cooking.

Any of these work well, and you can even mix a few for a variety of textures!

Ingredients

​You can find everything you need at your local grocery store or you may even have it all in your pantry.

• Dry beans (pinto, great northern, or your favorite variety of beans) – I prefer pinto beans and feel like they are the best beans for this recipe, but others do work!
• Vegetable oil
• Onion and green bell pepper
• Chicken or beef broth
• Spicy or yellow mustard
• Tomato paste
• Brown sugar
• Chili powder
• Liquid smoke – adds extra flavor for smoky barbecue beans
• Salt, black pepper, and hot sauce (optional)

How to Make BBQ Baked Beans (Two Ways)

Instant Pot BBQ Beans

This method is perfect when you’re short on time but still want full flavor.

1. Rinse beans and remove any debris.
2. In the Instant Pot, combine 3 cups dry beans, 3½ cups of water, and 2 cups broth.
3. Cook beans on high pressure for 30 minutes; let it natural release for 15 minutes.
4. Stir in the rest of the ingredients: tomato paste, mustard, brown sugar, salt, pepper, chili powder, and liquid smoke. Also add a few shakes of hot sauce for a little heat if that’s your thing.
5. Let simmer using the sauté function over medium heat for 15–20 minutes to thicken.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Stovetop Barbecue Beans Recipe

This classic baked beans from scratch method is actually not baked at all – they’re cooked on the stove top. But you still get unbeatable texture and flavor.

1. Soak your dried beans overnight in 6 cups of salt water.
2. Drain and rinse the next day.
3. In a large Dutch oven, sauté onion and green pepper in oil over medium-high heat until soft.
4. Add beans, broth, and water. Bring to a boil, reduce to low, and simmer for 2–3 hours until tender.
5. Add remaining ingredients: mustard, tomato paste, brown sugar, chili powder, salt, pepper, and liquid smoke.
6. Simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring often with wooden spoons.

Variations & Tips for the Best Baked Beans

• Add protein. Add pork shoulder, strips of bacon, or smoked sausage for meatier smoked baked beans.
• Want it vegetarian? Use vegetable broth and skip the meat—these still pack a ton of flavor.
• For extra tang, stir in a splash of apple cider vinegar or your favorite tangy bbq sauce near the end of cooking.

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Serving Suggestions

These bbq beans pair perfectly with grilled ribs, burgers, or even potato salad and slaw. They’re a must-have for holidays like 4th of July, Labor Day or any backyard BBQ.

Storage & Reheating

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. These homemade baked beans taste even better the next day! You can also freeze them for up to 3 months—just thaw and reheat over low heat.

More Delicious Recipes

• Cast Iron Ribeye Steak Recipe (How to Cook Ribeye Steak)
• Instant Pot Black Bean Soup
• Instant Pot Corn on the Cob (Fresh or Frozen!)
• Instant Pot Red Beans & Rice
• Grilled Chicken Thighs with Easy Marinade Recipe

Final Thoughts

Whether you call them bbq beans, barbecue baked beans, or barbeque beans, this is hands-down one of the best baked beans recipes you’ll ever try. Make a batch for your next cookout and watch them disappear!

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out—or what twist you added to make this great recipe your own.