Why are my beans still tough?

If your beans aren’t softening, they may be too old (yes, dried beans have a shelf life!) or your water may be too hard. Soaking them in salt water helps soften them, and adding acidic ingredients (like tomato paste) too early can slow cooking—wait until the beans are tender before adding those.

Can I use canned beans instead of dry?

Yes, you can! Substitute about 3 cans (drained) for the dry beans. Reduce the liquid slightly and skip the soaking/cooking time—just simmer everything together for 20–30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

How do I make these sugar-free or vegan?

To make this recipe vegan, use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth. For sugar-free, skip the brown sugar and try a keto-friendly sweetener like monk fruit or erythritol. Also be sure your bbq sauce or barbecue rub is sugar-free if you use one.

BBQ Baked Beans (Instant Pot + Stovetop)

Name: BBQ Baked Beans (Instant Pot + Stovetop)
Prep time: PT-492159H31M19S
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 12 h 40 min
Yield: 12
Ingredients: 1 pound of pinto beans; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 onion, chopped; 1/2 green pepper, chopped; 3 1/2 cups water; 2 cups chicken or beef broth; 2 tablespoons spicy mustard; 1 six ounce can tomato paste; 1/4 cup sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 1 tablespoon liquid smoke; Dash of hot sauce, optional

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BBQ Baked Beans (Instant Pot + Stovetop)

Recipe by Rose Atwater

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.

Total Time12 hours 40 minutes
Yield12 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 pound of pinto beans
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
1/2 green pepper, chopped
3 1/2 cups water
2 cups chicken or beef broth
2 tablespoons spicy mustard
1 six ounce can tomato paste
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon liquid smoke
Dash of hot sauce, optional

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Instructions

Rinse beans and remove any dirt or debris.
Soak beans in 6 cups of water overnight OR cook in Instant Pot the day of.

Instant Pot Method

To cook in Instant Pot, add 3 cups of dry beans, 2 cups of broth and 3 1/2 cups water.
Cook on high pressure for 30 minutes and natural release for 15 minutes.
At this point add in mustard, tomato paste, sugar, salt, pepper, chili powder and liquid smoke.
Let simmer for 15-20 minutes. Add in more salt to taste and hot sauce if desired.

For Stovetop Method

In the morning pour beans into colander to remove water.
Heat oil in large pot or dutch oven.
Add chopped onion and green pepper.
Sauté for 3-5 minutes or until translucent.
Add soaked beans plus 3 1/2 cups of water and 2 cups broth to pot.
Bring to boil and cook for 2-3 hours, until beans are tender. Add in mustard, tomato paste, sugar, salt, pepper, chili powder and liquid smoke.
Let simmer for 15-20 minutes. Add more salt or your favorite hot sauce to taste.

Equipment

Stockpot

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Mixing Bowls

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Prep Time: 10
Soak Time: 12 hours
Cook Time: 30
Category: Side Dish

Find it online: https://rosebakes.com/bbq-baked-beans-instant-pot-stovetop/