This easy Instant Pot Ham and Beans Recipe blends simplicity with rich, hearty flavors that bring warmth to any meal. Perfect for beginners, this bean soup recipe promises a no-fuss approach to a traditional dish.
Love cooking beans in the Instant Pot? Try our Instant Pot Black Beans or Instant Pot Chipotle Pinto Beans for more easy, flavorful options.
Instant Pot Ham and Beans is a southern comfort food transformed by modern cooking technology. Using an electric pressure cooker, this dish can be served on cold days as a hearty soup, but it can also make a meal that is both nutritious and satisfying during any season.
Looking for more Instant Pot recipes? Check out our Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts for a tasty snack or Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats for a hearty breakfast.
Why We Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: The Instant Pot cuts down cooking time, turning a traditionally slow-cooked meal into a fast, weeknight-friendly dish.
- Budget-Friendly: Dry beans and ham hock are affordable staples, making this a cost-effective way to feed a crowd. Just like this Old Fashioned Ham and Bean Soup!
- Versatile and Satisfying: Enjoy it as a comforting main dish or a hearty side that pairs well with Old Fashioned Cornbread or these Southern Hoecakes for a complete meal.
Instant Pot Ham and Bean Ingredients
- Smoked Ham Hock: This is like the secret weapon of the dish. It packs a deep, smoky flavor that seeps into the beans, giving them a rich taste that's hard to resist.
- Great Northern Beans: Imagine tender beans thats melt in your mouth without turning into mush. That's what these beans are all about.
- Large Onion: Here's the backbone of flavor for our dish. The onion works behind the scenes, mingling with the ham and beans, making sure every bite is full of flavor.
- Garlic Cloves: Just a few cloves can do wonders. They boost the aroma of the dish, making it smell as good as it tastes.
- Water, Chicken Stock, or Chicken Broth: Here's where you get to choose your adventure. Use chicken broth or stock if you want richer flavor or stick with water for a lighter touch.
- Bay Leaves and Thyme: Bay leaves and thyme bring layers of herby, flavors that make the dish not just smell incredible but taste even better.
- Salt and Black Pepper: These are the classic duo that will bring added flavor.
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
- Ham hock: Substitute with leftover holiday ham, ham shanks, or diced ham. It's a great way to use leftover meats.
- Great northern beans: Navy beans, lima beans, or cannellini beans can be used as substitutes.
- Onion and Garlic: Onion powder and garlic powder can be used as a replacement. This will also save prep time in the kitchen.
How To Make Ham and Beans in the Instant Pot
STEP ONE: Prepare the Beans
Rinse the great northern beans under cold running water, checking for and discarding any stones or debris.
STEP TWO: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Set the Instant Pot to "Sauté" mode and cook the onions until translucent before adding the garlic.
STEP THREE: Combine Ingredients
Add the ham hock, prepared beans, seasonings, and liquid to the pot. Stir to combine everything evenly.
STEP FOUR: Pressure Cook
Seal the Instant Pot, set it to high pressure, and cook. After cooking, allow for a natural release of 20 minutes before opening the pot. Serve warm with cornbread.
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Expert Tips for Success
👩🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!
✔️ DO Allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally. This helps the beans become perfectly tender without becoming mushy.
✔️ DO Adjust salt and pepper after the beans are cooked as the ham hock can add significant saltiness.
✔️ DO Use homemade chicken stock if you have it available.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or freeze for 3 months. Reheat with a splash of water or broth in the microwave (stirring between intervals) or on the stove over medium heat until warm.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can. Drain and rinse canned beans before adding them to the Instant Pot. Adjust cooking time to 10-15 minutes on high pressure.
Yes, you can use leftover holiday ham, ham shanks, or diced ham. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
Yes, ham hocks are usually precooked through smoking or curing processes. This precooking gives them their distinct smoky flavor and makes them safe to eat without further cooking.
How to Make Instant Pot Ham & Beans Budget-Friendly
Creating a budget-friendly version of the Instant Pot Ham and Beans recipe is straightforward, especially with some thoughtful purchasing and planning. Here's a detailed breakdown of costs and strategies to keep your expenses low while making this meal:
Cost Breakdown:
- Dried Northern Beans: A pound of dried northern beans typically costs around $2-$3.
- Ham Hock: This can be one of the more expensive ingredients if purchased from a high-end store. However, many grocery stores sell smoked ham hocks for around $4 each.
- Onions and Garlic: These are generally inexpensive, especially if bought in bulk. Expect to spend around $3 for all the vegetables needed.
- Thyme, Bay Leaves, Salt, Pepper: These are pantry staples that many people already have at home, but if purchasing new, small amounts can be bought for around $1-$2 each.
- Chicken Broth: Water can be used as an alternative.
Total Estimated Cost: Approximately $10-$12, serving 6-8 portions. This works out to about $1.57 per serving.
Tips to Make it Even More Economical:
- Buy in Bulk: Purchase beans, spices, and even smoked meats in bulk if possible. Bulk purchases can reduce costs significantly in the long run.
- Alternative Cuts: Instead of traditional smoked ham hock, consider using leftover ham from other meals, or buy end cuts of ham, which are often cheaper.
- Store Brands: Opt for store brand spices and dried goods instead of name brands as they often contain the same ingredients but at a lower price.
- Coupons and Sales: Keep an eye out for sales and use coupons where applicable, especially for meat and bulk items.
By following these tips, you can make Instant Pot Ham and Beans a regular, cost-effective meal in your household, providing comfort and nutrition without breaking the bank.
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📖 Recipe
EASY Instant Pot Ham and Beans Recipe
Equipment
- Instant pot (6-quart or larger)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Ladle
- Bowls or storage containers
Ingredients
- 1 to 1.5 pounds smoked ham hock
- 1 pound of dry great northern beans rinsed and sorted
- 1 large onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups chicken broth or stock or water
- 2 cups water
- 2 bay leaves optional
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme optional
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing
Instructions
- Rinse the great northern beans under cold water. Check for any debris or stones and discard them. There is no need to soak the beans overnight due to the pressure cooking process.
- Turn the Instant Pot to the "Sauté" mode. Once hot, add a tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the diced onion until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the rinsed beans, smoked ham hock, salt, black pepper, bay leaves, and thyme to the pot. Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and 2 cups of water, ensuring the beans are fully covered.
- Secure the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to "Sealing." Select the "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" setting on high pressure for 40 minutes.
- Once the cooking time has completed, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 20 minutes, then carefully turn the valve to "Venting" to release any remaining steam.
- Open the lid once the steam has fully released. Remove the ham hock, shred the meat, discarding the fat and bones, and return the shredded meat to the pot. Stir everything well to combine.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot with skillet cornbread.
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Notes
- Ham hock: Substitute with leftover holiday ham, ham shanks, or diced ham. It's a great way to use leftover meats.
- Great northern beans: Navy beans, lima beans, or cannellini beans can be used as substitutes.
- Onion and Garlic: Onion powder and garlic powder can be used as a replacement. This will also save prep time in the kitchen.
Kurtis says
This didn't work. I followed the directions and the beans weren't cooked all the way after 40min on manual and 20min natural release. I don't know what happened.
Jami Powell says
Hi Kurtis, thank you for letting us know about your experience. I’m so sorry the beans didn’t cook fully—it’s frustrating when a recipe doesn’t turn out as expected. Sometimes dried beans can vary in age or quality, which can affect cooking time. If you try again, you might soak the beans beforehand or add extra time on manual to ensure they soften completely. I really appreciate your feedback and hope this helps for next time!