Instant Pot Ham and Bean is hearty and warming, and sure to hit the spot. Made with simple ingredients like dried pinto beans and leftover ham, this dish is easy to make and full of flavor.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Ham and beans is a classic comfort food that is perfect for a chilly weather. This Instant Pot version is quick and easy to make, and it's just as hearty and flavorful as the traditional stovetop version, but ready in less than an hour.
- Quick and easy to make. The whole dish can be cooked in the Instant Pot in just about an hour.
- Hearty and flavorful. The ham and beans are cooked in a flavorful broth with vegetables, giving them a rich and satisfying taste.
- Versatile. You can adapt this recipe by adding different vegetables or spices.
- Great way to use up leftover ham. Or even just the ham bone. If you have leftover ham from a holiday meal, this is a great way to put it to good use.
- Budget-friendly meal. This ham and bean Instant Pot recipe is relatively inexpensive to make, making it a great money saving option, yet nutritious and filling meal.
Jump to:
- Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Instant Pot Ham and Beans Ingredients
- How to Make Instant Pot Ham and Beans
- Serving Suggestions
- Related Recipes
- Substitutions and Variations
- Equipment
- Storage and Reheating
- Tips for Success
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Some Other Recipes We Are Sure You Will Love
- 📖 Recipe
- Food Safety
Instant Pot Ham and Beans Ingredients
Made in your Instant Pot, this warm and comforting stew is packed full of flavor and ready in less than an hour.
Plus, with only seven ingredients needed (plus water), it's simple enough for any busy home cook to prepare. So grab your apron and let's get cooking - we've got a hearty meal coming up!
- Pinto Beans - Dried, rinsed and sorted
- Ham - Left over ham, ham hock, or a ham bone.
- Onion - Chopped.
- Garlic
- Bay leaf
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Water
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Instant Pot Ham and Beans
While ham and beans is especially popular when the weather gets cooler, who says you can't enjoy it year-round? This Instant Pot Ham and Beans recipe is quick and easy to make, so you can have this delicious and hearty meal on the table any time.
Place All Ingredients Into The Instant Pot
- Add the beans, ham bone, onion, minced garlic, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the Instant Pot.
PRO TIP: While soaking beans is not required, for more digestible beans, soak them overnight before pressure cooking.
Pressure Cook Ham and Beans
- Pour the water into the Instant Pot over the ham, vegetables, and dry pinto beans.
- Close the lid and seal the vent. Cook on high pressure for 40 minutes for soft beans, 30 minutes for slightly firmer beans, and 15 minutes for soaked beans.
- Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
Remove Ham From The Bone
- Remove the ham bone onto a plate. Using two forks, separate the meat from the bone, discarding the bone and any fat. Cut the meat into bit size chunks.
Return Ham To The Beans
- Return the chopped ham back to the Instant Pot and mix into the beans. Serve while hot.
Serving Suggestions
This Instant Pot Ham and Beans recipe is perfect for a hearty winter meal. Serve with our easy Air Fryer Cornbread, biscuits, or crusty bread. You can also add some shredded cheese to each bowl for added richness.
This hearty ham and beans Instant Pot recipe can be served as a main course or a side dish. Here are a few serving options:
- Serve with Cracker Barrel Cornbread Muffins, Challah Rolls, or Old Fashioned Crisco Biscuits.
- Add some chopped kale or spinach to the pot during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Top with a dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese.
- Include a bottle of your favorite hot sauce at the table.
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Related Recipes
Substitutions and Variations
Here are a few easy variations when making this Instant Pot ham and beans recipe.
- For a spicier pot of ham and beans, add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- If you don't have ham, you can use bacon, sausage, or a few pork chops.
- You can substitute any type of dried beans for the pinto beans in this recipe.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ham, and use some vegetable broth, as well as two diced carrots, for a hearty pinto bean stew.
Equipment
Equipment can have a big impact on how a recipe turns out. Below are some of my favorite pieces of equipment that I use when making ham and beans Instant Pot meal.
- Instant Pot Duo Plus - 6 Quart, 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker,
- Instant Pot, 6 qt
- Ninja Foodie Pressure Cooker
- Instant Pot Accessories
Storage and Reheating
- This Instant Pot Ham and Beans recipe can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, thaw the beans overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat them in a pot on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Tips for Success
Here are a few tips for making Instant Pot ham and beans stew:
- If you don't have an Instant Pot, you can also make this recipe on the stovetop. Just simmer the beans, ham, and vegetables in a pot over medium heat for about 2 hours, or until the beans are tender.
- If you don't have a leftover ham or a ham hock, you can use ½ pound of smoked sausage or bacon instead.
- If you want a thicker ham and beans stew, mash some of the beans with a fork before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, you don't need to soak the beans before cooking them in the Instant Pot. Soaking beans overnight can make them more digestible, reducing bloating and gas.
Yes, you can use canned beans in this recipe. However, reduce the cooking time to low pressure and cook for only 15 minutes.
Yes, you can use different types of beans in this recipe. Some popular choices include lima beans, black beans, and kidney beans.
Some Other Recipes We Are Sure You Will Love
📖 Recipe
Instant Pot Ham and Beans
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb Pinto beans Dried, rinsed and sorted.
- 1 lb Ham Leftover ham bone, or ham hocks
- 1 medium Onion Chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced
- 1 Bay leaf Whole
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black pepper
- 6 cup Water
- 1 sprig Thyme optional
Instructions
- Add the dry, unsoaked pinto beans, ham (leftover, ham hocks, or ham bone), onion, minced garlic, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the Instant Pot.PRO TIP: While soaking beans is not required, for more digestible beans, soak them overnight before pressure cooking.1 lb Pinto beans, 1 lb Ham, 1 medium Onion, 2 cloves Garlic, 1 Bay leaf, 1 teaspoon Salt, ½ teaspoon Black pepper
- Pour the water into the Instant Pot over the ham, vegetables, and dry pinto beans. If adding any fresh herbs, add them now too.1 sprig Thyme, 6 cup Water
- Close the lid and seal the vent. Cook on high pressure for 40 minutes for soft pinto beans, 30 minutes for slightly firmer pinto beans, or 15 minutes for soaked pinto beans.
- Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
- Remove the ham bone onto a plate. Using two forks, separate the meat from the bone, discarding the bone and any fat. Cut the meat into bit size chunks.
- Return the chopped ham back to the Instant Pot and mix into the beans. Serve while hot.
Notes
- If you don't have an Instant Pot, you can also make this recipe on the stovetop. Just simmer the beans, ham, and vegetables in a pot over medium heat for about 2 hours, or until the beans are tender.
- If you don't have a leftover ham or a ham hock, you can use ½ pound of smoked sausage or bacon instead.
- If you want a thicker ham and beans stew, mash some of the beans with a fork before serving.
- While soaking beans is not required, for more digestible beans, soak them overnight before pressure cooking.
Nutrition
Food Safety
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat.
- Wash hands after touching raw meat.
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.
- Never leave cooking food unattended.
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds.
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove.
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