In today’s fast-paced world, we all crave meals that are quick to prepare yet delicious and comforting. This Easy Instant Pot Ham and Beans Recipe is a classic example, blending 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.
Instant Pot Ham and Beans is a southern comfort food transformed by modern cooking technology. Using an electric pressure cooker, this great recipe brings together the smoky richness of ham hock with the creamy texture of great northern beans, topped off with simple seasonings. It's a dish that is often enjoyed on cold days as a hearty soup, but it can also make a meal that is both nutritious and satisfying during any season.
Why we love this recipe:
- It’s easy: With the Instant Pot, what traditionally took hours now takes minutes, making it a go-to for busy weeknights.
- It’s nutritious and wholesome: White beans and ham provide a good balance of protein, fiber, and minerals.
- It's cost-effective: By using budget-friendly ingredients like dry beans and ham hock, you won't break the bank.
- It’s versatile: Whether as a main dish or a side, it pairs well with a variety of foods.
If you like this recipe, you may also love our other Instant Pot dishes. Try our Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts or are Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats.
Jump to:
- What Ingredients Will You Need?
- Instructions
- What Are Some Good Substitutions?
- How Can You Change This Recipe Up?
- What Kitchen Equipment Is Best?
- How Should You Store This?
- What Are Some Expert Tips?
- More Recipes You'll Love ♥️
- How to Make Instant Pot Ham & Beans Budget-Friendly
- Related
- FAQ
- 📖 Recipe
- Important Food Safety Tips
- 💬 Share Your Thoughts
What Ingredients Will You Need?
- 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.
Note: Refer to the recipe card below for exact quantities.
Instructions
How To Make this EASY Instant Pot Ham and Beans Recipe
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.
What Are Some Good Substitutions?
- 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 Can You Change This Recipe Up?
- Diet: For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and use vegetable broth, adding smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness.
- Spice: Add red pepper flakes for heat.
- Add-ins: Toss in some diced celery and carrots for added nutrition.
- Method: Don't have an Instant Pot? This dish can also be made in a slow cooker or crock pot.
What Kitchen Equipment Is Best?
This post shows some of our kitchen essentials. Please visit our shop if you would like to see more of our favorites. These are Amazon affiliate links and we earn commission from qualifying purchases.
- Instant pot (6-quart or larger)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Colander
- Ladle
- Bowls or storage containers
How Should You Store This?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently with a little added water or broth to maintain moisture.
Note: Refer to Top Tips below for more storage and reheating tips.
What Are Some Expert Tips?
Allowing the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure helps the beans become perfectly tender without becoming mushy.
Adjust salt and pepper after the beans are cooked as the ham hock can add significant saltiness.
Use homemade chicken stock if you have it available.
To reheat leftover ham and beans, transfer them to a microwave-safe dish or saucepan. Microwave in one-minute intervals, stirring in between, or heat on the stove over medium heat until thoroughly warmed.
More Recipes You'll Love ♥️
Have Leftover Ingredients?
- Eat leftover ham with these perfectly Poached Eggs.
Need Something To Pair This With?
- This white bean soup pairs wonderfully with this Old Fashioned Skillet Cornbread or crusty bread.
In The Mood For a Similar Dish?
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.
Related
More soup recipes you will love:
FAQ
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.
📖 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.
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.
Nutrition
And there you have it, folks! With this Instant Pot Ham and Beans recipe, you’re all set to whip up a delicious meal that's sure to warm both hearts and bellies. Let the pressure cooker works its magic, bringing together the wholesome flavors ham and beans.
Important Food Safety Tips
When cooking Instant Pot Ham and Beans, always follow the manufacturer's safety guidelines for your Instant Pot to ensure safe and effective pressure cooking.
Ensure the ham reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C).
- Create a clean work area.
- Wash hands after touching raw meat or seafood.
- Rinse fresh produce thoroughly.
- Do not use the same cutting board or utensils on cooked food or produce, that previously touched raw meat or seafood.
- Do not leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.
- Never leave cooking food unattended.
- Use oils with a high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds.
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove.
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
Kurtis
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
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!