Instant Pot Beans with Sausage

This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. With tender beans and savory sausage cooked quickly in the Instant Pot, you’ll have a satisfying meal ready in no time.

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TIME45 min

SERVINGS4

RATING5.0 / 5

01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

2 medium onions, diced 1 tablespoon olive oil 4 (15 ounce) cans navy beans, drained 2 pounds sliced smoked sausage 1 cup ketchup 1 cup apple juice 1 (2.5 ounce) package real bacon bits 2 tablespoons brown sugar 2 tablespoons cider vinegar 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground black pepper ¼ cup shredded Cheddar cheese, or to taste

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

Step 1

Start by turning on your Instant Pot and setting it to the sauté mode. Pour in a little oil, then add the chopped onion. Cook it, stirring occasionally, until it’s nice and soft—this usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Next, toss in the navy beans, sliced sausage, ketchup, apple juice, bacon bits, brown sugar, cider vinegar, mustard, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine. Close the lid and make sure it’s locked, then set the pot to high pressure for 20 minutes. It will take around 10 to 15 minutes to come to pressure before the timer starts. When the cooking time is up, carefully use the quick-release method to let out the steam—this should take about 5 minutes. Once the pressure is fully released, open the lid. Serve the beans hot, sprinkled generously with shredded Cheddar cheese on top.

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Soak your beans overnight if you have time for a creamier texture and shorter cooking time.
- Brown the sausage before pressure cooking to enhance the flavor.
- Use natural pressure release to keep the beans tender and avoid splitting.

Why you’ll love it

This dish is hearty and full of flavor, making it a perfect one-pot meal. It cooks quickly in the Instant Pot, saving you time without sacrificing taste. The combination of beans and sausage provides a satisfying mix of protein and fiber.

Serving ideas

Serve with a side of crusty bread or over steamed rice for a complete meal. A fresh green salad or sautéed vegetables also make great accompaniments to balance the richness.

Storage & leftovers

Cool the leftovers completely before storing in an airtight container. The beans will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.