Cooking a hearty meal like ham and beans in the Instant Pot is one of the most satisfying ways to feed your family or prepare for a gathering. This recipe brings all the comfort of traditional ham and beans but speeds up the process dramatically with the help of the Instant Pot. Whether you’re pressed for time or simply want a meal that practically cooks itself, this ultimate ham recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights or holiday meal prep.
Not only is this dish packed with flavor, but it also delivers on nutrition. The combination of beans, which are rich in protein and fiber, and the savory ham, makes for a filling meal that can easily stand alone or be paired with your favorite sides.
Ingredients for the Best Ham and Beans in the Instant Pot
To make this instant pot meal, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Dried Beans: 1 pound of navy beans, soaked overnight or for at least 4 hours
- Ham Hock or Ham Bone: 1 large, ideally leftover from a holiday ham
- Onion: 1 large, diced
- Carrots: 2 medium, peeled and chopped
- Celery: 2 ribs, chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups (or substitute with water if you prefer)
- Bay Leaf: 1 leaf for flavor
- Thyme: ½ teaspoon, dried or fresh
- Salt and Pepper: To taste (be careful with salt as ham can be naturally salty)
- Optional: A splash of apple cider vinegar at the end to balance the flavors
This simple ingredient list packs a punch. The star of the show, of course, is the ham hock, which imparts a smoky, salty flavor to the pressure cooker beans and broth.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cooking Ham and Beans in the Instant Pot
Now that you have your ingredients prepped, let’s get into the step-by-step instructions for making ham and beans in the Instant Pot.
Step 1: Prepare the Beans
If you haven’t already, soak your beans overnight or for at least 4 hours. Soaking helps reduce the cooking time and also makes the beans easier to digest. Drain and rinse the beans before adding them to the Instant Pot.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” setting. Add a splash of olive oil, then toss in your diced onions, chopped carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until the onions become translucent and the vegetables begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Ham and Beans
Next, place your ham hock or ham bone into the pot. Then, add your soaked and drained beans on top. This layering helps the beans cook evenly. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring that everything is submerged. Add your bay leaf and thyme for extra flavor.
Step 4: Pressure Cook
Close the lid of the Instant Pot, ensuring the valve is set to “Sealing.” Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting, and set the timer for 45 minutes on high pressure. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 15 minutes before switching the valve to “Venting” to release any remaining pressure.
Step 5: Shred the Ham
Once the pressure is released and it’s safe to open the lid, remove the ham hock or bone. Let it cool slightly before shredding the meat. Discard any fat or gristle, and return the shredded ham to the pot. Stir to combine everything.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Taste your beans and add salt and pepper as needed. If the dish tastes a bit heavy, a splash of apple cider vinegar can brighten up the flavors. Ladle the beans and ham into bowls and serve warm.
Why the Instant Pot Makes This Recipe Easy
You might be thinking: why use an Instant Pot for ham and beans? Traditional stovetop or slow cooker methods can take hours, sometimes even the better part of a day. With the Instant Pot, you can achieve the same deep, rich flavors in under an hour of active cooking time.
The pressure cooker tenderizes the beans and extracts every bit of flavor from the ham, creating a dish that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. Plus, you don’t have to babysit the pot. Once it’s sealed, you’re free to focus on other tasks until the timer goes off.
In a nutshell, using the Instant Pot for this recipe saves you time, effort, and cleanup without sacrificing any flavor. It’s a win-win for anyone looking to enjoy a home-cooked meal with minimal fuss.
Serving Suggestions for Your Ham and Beans in the Instant Pot
While ham and beans is hearty enough to serve on its own, you can elevate your meal by pairing it with some classic sides:
- Cornbread: A slice of warm cornbread with butter is the perfect complement to the smoky, savory ham and beans. The slight sweetness of the cornbread balances out the saltiness of the ham.
- Green Salad: For a lighter option, serve a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. The fresh flavors help cut through the richness of the beans.
- Rice or Quinoa: Serve your ham and beans over a bed of rice or quinoa for a more filling meal. The grains soak up all the flavorful broth, making each bite even more satisfying.
- Pickles or Sauerkraut: The acidity of pickled vegetables pairs perfectly with ham. A few slices of pickles or a scoop of sauerkraut on the side can add a punch of flavor and a refreshing contrast.
How to Store and Reheat Ham and Beans in the Instant Pot
One of the best things about this recipe is that it makes great leftovers. Here’s how you can store and reheat it for later enjoyment:
Storing:
- In the Fridge: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- In the Freezer: Ham and beans freeze exceptionally well. Simply transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
- Microwave: For a quick reheat, scoop some into a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: For a more even reheat, pour the ham and beans into a pot and warm over medium heat until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to loosen up the beans if they’ve thickened in the fridge.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Ham and Beans
Even with a trusty Instant Pot, there are a few potential pitfalls to watch out for when making this dish. Here’s how to avoid them:
- Not Soaking the Beans: While the Instant Pot can handle unsoaked beans, soaking them beforehand ensures even cooking and helps avoid undercooked or tough beans.
- Over-Salting: Ham, especially a ham hock, can be quite salty. Be cautious when adding additional salt, and always taste your dish before seasoning at the end.
- Using Too Little Liquid: The beans need plenty of liquid to cook properly in the Instant Pot. If you don’t have enough broth, your beans may come out dry or unevenly cooked.
- Skipping the Sauté Step: Sautéing the vegetables before pressure cooking adds depth of flavor to the dish. Don’t skip this step for the sake of convenience—it’s worth the extra 5 minutes!
For more great meal ideas, check out this guide on smoked BBQ chicken thighs, another fantastic option for your Instant Pot or pressure cooker repertoire.
FAQs About Ham and Beans in the Instant Pot
- Can I use canned beans instead of dried?
- Yes, but you’ll need to reduce the cooking time significantly since canned beans are already cooked. Try 15 minutes on high pressure instead of 45.
- Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
- Absolutely! Simply leave out the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add extra veggies or some smoked paprika for a bit of that smoky flavor.
- Can I use other types of beans?
- Yes, you can swap navy beans for great northern beans, pinto beans, or even black-eyed peas for a twist on the classic recipe.
- What can I do if my beans are still hard after cooking?
- If your beans are still hard, reseal the Instant Pot and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes. Ensure that your beans were soaked properly beforehand.
- Can I add other seasonings or spices?
- Of course! Some great additions include smoked paprika, cumin, or a splash of hot sauce for extra flavor.
- How can I make this dish creamier?
- For a creamier texture, you can mash a portion of the beans with a fork or potato masher once the cooking is done.
- Is this dish gluten-free?
- Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free broth.
- How do I prevent the dish from becoming too salty?
- If you’re worried about salt, choose a low-sodium broth and add salt at the end of cooking, tasting as you go.