Instant Pot Ham and Beans

bowl of ham and beans with cornbread on top.

5 from 2 votes

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.

Prep Time10

Cook Time40

Total Time50

Course: Main Course, Main Dishes, Soups & Stews

Cuisine: American, American Southern

Servings:

Calories: 1381kcal

Author: Kelly Bloom

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

US Customary - Metric

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

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.
While soaking beans is not required, for more digestible beans, soak them overnight before pressure cooking.