Hybrid Baked Beans: Instant Pot + Oven

1 lb Dry Beans + 1 lb Ground Beef

🧂 Ingredients

• 1 lb dried navy beans (about 2 3/4 to 3 cups)
• 6 cups water (for Instant Pot phase)
• 1 tsp salt or 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (to protect skins)
• 1 medium yellow or sweet onion, diced (preferred)
• 4 oz salt pork or thick-cut bacon, chopped
• 1 lb ground beef, cooked and drained
• 1/2 tsp salt (for beef)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper (for beef)
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for beef)
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder or onion powder (optional, for beef)
• 2/3 cup molasses
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 3 tsp dry mustard powder
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 tsp black pepper (for sauce)
• 1 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste, for sauce)
• Optional: 1 tsp Worcestershire or soy sauce for added depth
• Optional: 1/4–1/2 cup low-sodium broth or bean liquid if mixture is too thick

⚙️ Instructions

1. Cook Beans in Instant Pot
   Rinse beans thoroughly. Add beans, 6 cups water, and 1 tsp salt (or 1 tsp vinegar) to Instant Pot.
   Pressure cook on HIGH for 22 minutes. Let naturally release for 20 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook Meat and Aromatics
   While beans cook, brown ground beef in a skillet with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and optional smoked paprika or garlic/onion powder. Drain fat and set aside.
   In the same pan, cook bacon or salt pork until golden. Add diced onion and cook until softened.
3. Make the Sauce
   In a bowl, whisk together molasses, brown sugar, dry mustard, ketchup, vinegar, pepper, and salt.
   Add optional Worcestershire or soy sauce if using.
4. Combine and Bake
   In a large oven-safe Dutch oven, gently mix drained beans, cooked beef, bacon/onion mix, and sauce.
   Layer ingredients if needed to ensure even distribution. Add a small amount of broth or bean liquid only if mixture seems too dry.
   Cover and bake at 325°F for 1.5 to 2 hours. Remove lid in final 30 minutes to thicken sauce.
5. Serve
   Let rest 10–15 minutes before serving for best texture and flavor.

🍽 Serving and Nutrition

Serving Size: 1¼ cups (approx.)

• 💪🏾 Energy Boost: 444.5 Calories
• Protein: 19.4 g
• Fat: 11.9 g
• Carbohydrates: 63.7 g

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