This Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup is the kind of meal that wraps you in a hug. With tender white beans, smoky ham, and a deeply savory broth, it’s a cold-weather essential that brings both nourishment and comfort. Perfect for using up leftover holiday ham or for meal-prepping a week’s worth of wholesome lunches, this soup is not only budget-friendly but loaded with flavor. The pressure cooker transforms simple ingredients into a rich, hearty dish that tastes like it simmered all day. Serve it with crusty bread or a green salad for a complete meal.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
1 yellow onion, diced
-
2 carrots, peeled and sliced
-
2 celery stalks, sliced
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 lb cooked ham, diced
-
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
-
1 teaspoon dried thyme
-
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
-
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
-
1 lb dried Great Northern beans, soaked overnight and drained
-
6 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
-
2 bay leaves
-
Salt, to taste
-
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
-
Set your Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode. Add olive oil, onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
-
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
-
Stir in the diced ham, smoked paprika, thyme, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
-
Add the soaked and drained beans, chicken broth, and bay leaves. Stir to combine.
-
Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to ‘Sealing.’ Cook on ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ high for 45 minutes.
-
Allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
-
Discard bay leaves, taste the soup, and add salt if needed.
-
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and warm crusty bread on the side.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes + 15 minutes natural release | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Kcal: 375 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup: A Hearty Hug in a Bowl
There’s something deeply nostalgic about a simmering pot of ham and bean soup its savory aroma weaving through the air, signaling a wholesome, nourishing meal. Traditionally made on stovetops or in slow cookers, this comforting classic has received a modern makeover with the Instant Pot, making it more accessible than ever for today’s busy home cooks.
Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup is everything you want in a cold-weather dish warm, hearty, and full of rich flavors. Whether you’re using up leftover ham from a holiday feast or simply craving a nourishing bowl of goodness, this soup delivers both simplicity and soul-satisfaction in every spoonful.
A Classic Recipe Reimagined for the Modern Kitchen
While the flavors of ham and bean soup harken back to rustic kitchens and generations of home cooks, using the Instant Pot adds an element of modern efficiency. What once required several hours of simmering to soften the beans and develop flavor can now be accomplished in just over an hour.
The beauty of the pressure cooker lies in its ability to extract deep flavor quickly. Beans become soft and creamy without falling apart, and the ham infuses the broth with its smoky richness in a fraction of the traditional cook time. It’s perfect for meal preppers, parents juggling busy schedules, or anyone looking to enjoy homemade soup without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why This Soup Works
1. It’s Budget-Friendly:
Ham and bean soup has long been a go-to for frugal cooking. Dried beans are inexpensive, shelf-stable, and incredibly filling. Add in some leftover ham or even a ham bone, and you’ve got a protein-packed, nutritious meal that feeds a crowd for just a few dollars.
2. Nutritious and Satisfying:
Beans are loaded with fiber, protein, and essential nutrients like folate and magnesium. When paired with ham, they create a balanced and hearty dish that satisfies hunger and supports digestion. This is the kind of meal that fuels your body and keeps you full for hours.
3. Great for Leftovers:
This soup tastes even better the next day, after the flavors have had a chance to deepen and meld. It stores beautifully in the fridge for up to five days and can also be frozen for future meals. In fact, many cooks make double batches just for the joy of having soup ready to go at a moment’s notice.
4. Family-Approved Comfort Food:
Ham and bean soup is one of those dishes that resonates across generations. Kids love the creamy texture of the beans and the savory chunks of ham, while adults appreciate its old-fashioned simplicity and hearty taste. Serve it with crusty bread, a simple salad, or cornbread for a meal that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
The Role of the Ham
The type of ham you use can influence the overall flavor of the dish. This recipe is especially great for using up leftover holiday ham, such as spiral-cut baked ham or glazed ham. You can also use thick-cut deli ham, ham steak, or smoked ham hocks for a deeper, more rustic flavor.
For a broth that leans into a smoky profile, ham hocks or shank bones work beautifully. These not only impart flavor but also add body and richness to the broth, thanks to the natural gelatin in the bones and connective tissues. Just remember to remove the bones and any inedible parts before serving.
Bean Basics: Why Soaking Matters
Great Northern beans are the go-to choice in this soup for their creamy texture and mild flavor, which pairs exceptionally well with the saltiness of ham. Soaking the beans overnight is highly recommended to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.
That said, the Instant Pot does offer some forgiveness. If you forgot to soak the beans, you can still make the soup by adding a few extra minutes to the pressure cooking time, although the texture may vary slightly. The beans won’t be quite as consistent, but they’ll still be delicious.
Customization Ideas
This soup is endlessly adaptable to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are a few ways to customize:
-
Add Greens: A handful of kale, spinach, or Swiss chard stirred in after cooking adds a pop of color and a boost of nutrition.
-
Make It Creamy: Blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender before adding it back into the pot for a thicker, creamier texture.
-
Add Heat: If you enjoy a little spice, include more crushed red pepper flakes or stir in some diced jalapeño.
-
Use Different Beans: While Great Northern beans are traditional, navy beans, cannellini beans, or even pinto beans also work well.
-
Vegetarian Option: Omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke to replicate the ham’s flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
A bowl of ham and bean soup is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple additions:
-
Bread: Crusty artisan bread, cornbread, or even a warm baguette can soak up the delicious broth.
-
Salad: A crisp, acidic salad with vinaigrette can provide a nice contrast to the soup’s richness.
-
Pickled Veggies: Try serving with pickled onions or cucumbers on the side to brighten the palate.
This dish is also a great canvas for toppings chopped parsley, cracked black pepper, or a drizzle of olive oil can elevate the presentation and flavor.
Instant Pot Tips for Success
If you’re new to using an Instant Pot or pressure cooker, here are a few tips:
-
Don’t Overfill: Beans expand as they cook, so ensure you’re not exceeding the pot’s max fill line.
-
Natural Release Is Key: Giving the soup time to naturally release pressure helps the beans finish cooking evenly.
-
Deglaze the Pot: After sautéing vegetables, always add a bit of broth to scrape up browned bits this not only prevents the “burn” notice but also adds flavor.
Storing and Freezing
This soup stores very well in both the refrigerator and freezer. Cool it completely before transferring it to airtight containers.
-
Refrigerator: Up to 5 days
-
Freezer: Up to 3 months
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit of broth or water if the soup has thickened during storage.
Conclusion:
Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup is more than just a recipe it’s a comforting tradition brought up to speed for modern life. It’s a warm, filling, and nutritious meal that connects past and present, using simple ingredients to create something deeply satisfying.
Whether you’re trying to stretch your grocery budget, looking to repurpose leftovers, or just craving something cozy and homemade, this soup deserves a spot in your regular rotation. With the convenience of the Instant Pot, there’s no reason not to enjoy this hearty favorite even on the busiest of days.