Instant Pot Ham And Bean Soup Recipe : Step By Step Guide

Ham and bean soup is one of those comforting, hearty meals that feels like a warm hug on a cold day. The combination of tender ham, savory broth, and hearty beans makes it a go-to dish for family gatherings, meal prep, or a cozy weeknight dinner. When made in an Instant Pot, it’s a game-changer. The Instant Pot significantly speeds up the cooking time without compromising on the deep, rich flavors. This recipe is a quick, hands-off way to enjoy a dish that’s typically cooked slowly over the stove, giving you the same delicious results in a fraction of the time.

So, why not take advantage of the Instant Pot to make your life easier while preparing this savory, filling soup? Whether you’re using leftover ham or cooking from scratch, this recipe is straightforward and foolproof, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks.

Instant Pot Ham And Bean Soup Recipe

This Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup recipe is a delicious, easy-to-follow dish that comes together in less than an hour. It features tender beans, rich ham, and a mix of vegetables, all simmered in a flavorful broth to create a satisfying meal that’s both filling and full of flavor.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to make this ham and bean soup:

Ham: 2 cups of cooked ham, diced (use leftover ham, or a ham steak works great).
Dry beans: 1 ½ cups of white beans (Great Northern or Navy beans are popular choices).
Broth: 6 cups of chicken or vegetable broth (for a richer flavor, use a combination of both).
Onion: 1 medium onion, diced.
Carrot: 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced.
Celery: 2 celery stalks, chopped.
Garlic: 4 cloves of garlic, minced.
Bay leaves: 2 dried bay leaves.
Thyme: 1 teaspoon of dried thyme (or 2 teaspoons of fresh thyme).
Salt and pepper: To taste (this will depend on how salty your ham is).
Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (for sautéing).
Optional extras: 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (adds a slight tangy contrast to the soup), fresh parsley for garnish.

Cooking Instructions

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to make this soup in your Instant Pot:

Sauté The Vegetables
- Start by turning your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Once the oil heats up, toss in the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions turn translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, being careful not to burn it.
Add The Ham And Beans
- Once the vegetables are softened, add the diced ham and dry beans to the pot. Give everything a good stir to combine.
Season And Add The Broth
- Sprinkle in the thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Pour in the broth (chicken or vegetable) and give everything another stir.
- If you’re using apple cider vinegar, add it now for a hint of tang that’ll balance the flavors.
Pressure Cook
- Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to “Sealing”. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function and set the timer for 35 minutes on high pressure.
- The Instant Pot will take about 10 minutes to come to pressure, then it will begin cooking.
Release Pressure And Serve
- Once the timer goes off, carefully do a quick release by turning the valve to “Venting”. Be cautious of the steam.
- After the pressure is fully released, open the lid and remove the bay leaves.
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning, if necessary. If it feels too thick, you can add a bit more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Garnish And Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Ingredient Insights

Ham: Ham adds a smoky, savory depth to the soup. Whether you’re using leftover ham from a holiday dinner or a fresh ham steak, the key is using a high-quality, flavorful ham that can stand up to the other ingredients.
Beans: Great Northern beans (or Navy beans) are the ideal choice for this soup. They hold their shape well and have a mild, creamy texture that soaks up the flavors of the broth beautifully. Using dried beans, instead of canned, allows you to control the texture and the salt content.
Broth: The type of broth you choose can greatly influence the overall flavor. Chicken broth provides a rich, savory base, while vegetable broth offers a more neutral flavor. A combination of both can create a balanced, layered taste profile.
Herbs & Seasonings: Bay leaves and thyme provide earthy, aromatic undertones that make this soup feel cozy and comforting. Fresh thyme can be used if available, but dried works just as well.

Expert Tips

Soak Your Beans: If you have time, soak your beans overnight in water. This reduces cooking time and can make them easier to digest. If you’re using an Instant Pot, soaking is optional, but it can result in an even creamier texture.
Use a Ham Bone: For even more flavor, consider adding a ham bone with some leftover meat. It’ll infuse the broth with an incredible depth of flavor as the soup cooks.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to sneak in some extra vegetables for a healthier twist. Diced potatoes, parsnips, or spinach can be great additions.
Salt Caution: Depending on how salty your ham is, you may want to wait to add salt until the end of cooking. Taste the soup first before adding extra salt.
Adjust Thickness: If you like a thicker soup, mash some of the beans with a potato masher or blend a portion of the soup, then stir it back in for a creamy consistency.

Recipe Variations

Smoky Ham and Bean Soup: For an extra smoky flavor, you can add a smoked sausage or kielbasa to the soup along with the ham. It’ll add a nice depth and a bit of spiciness if you opt for a spicy sausage.
Vegetarian Ham and Bean Soup: For a vegetarian version, skip the ham entirely. Instead, use smoked paprika and liquid smoke for that smoky flavor, and add extra vegetables, like bell peppers and zucchini, to fill out the dish.
Spicy Ham and Bean Soup: Add a bit of heat by tossing in a chopped jalapeño or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. This will give your soup a nice kick without overwhelming the flavor.
Creamy Ham and Bean Soup: For a creamy version, after the soup has cooked, stir in a cup of heavy cream or half-and-half. This will create a velvety smooth texture and a slightly richer taste.

Final Words

This Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, but it’s also hearty enough for a weekend dinner. The best part is that it’s a one-pot dish-minimal cleanup and maximum flavor! The Instant Pot does all the hard work for you, transforming simple ingredients into a rich, flavorful soup that tastes like it’s been simmering all day.

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or looking to have leftovers for the week, this soup is sure to satisfy. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover ham or ham bone, making it an efficient and cost-effective meal.

FAQs

What Type Of Ham Should I Use For Instant Pot Ham And Bean Soup?

For this recipe, a leftover ham bone, ham hocks, or diced cooked ham are ideal. Using a ham bone or hock will add extra flavor to the soup as it simmers. Diced ham can also work well if you don’t have leftovers.

Can I Use Dried Beans In This Recipe, And Do They Need To Be Soaked?

Yes, you can use dried beans. However, if using dried beans, it is recommended to soak them overnight to reduce cooking time and ensure they cook evenly. If you’re short on time, you can also use the ’quick soak’ method, where you bring the beans to a boil for 2 minutes, then let them sit covered for 1 hour before cooking.

How Long Does It Take To Cook Ham And Bean Soup In The Instant Pot?

The total cooking time in the Instant Pot is about 45 minutes, including the time it takes to come to pressure and the actual cooking time. The soup will cook in around 30 minutes on high pressure, but be sure to account for the time to saute the vegetables and build flavor before pressure cooking.

Can I Use Frozen Ham In This Soup Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen ham in your Instant Pot. The Instant Pot is great for cooking frozen meat, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Ensure the ham is cut into smaller pieces to help it cook more evenly.

Do I Need To Add Broth, Or Can I Just Use Water For The Soup?

While you can use water, adding broth (chicken, vegetable, or even more ham stock) enhances the flavor of the soup. The broth will add depth and richness that water alone cannot achieve.

Can I Add Other Vegetables To The Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to add extra vegetables such as carrots, celery, or even potatoes. These can be diced and added at the same time as the other ingredients. Make sure to cut them into even-sized pieces to ensure they cook properly in the same amount of time.

What Type Of Beans Are Best For Ham And Bean Soup?

The most commonly used beans for ham and bean soup are navy beans, great northern beans, or pinto beans. Navy beans are particularly good at absorbing the flavors of the ham and broth, but any small white bean will work well.

How Do I Thicken My Instant Pot Ham And Bean Soup?

To thicken the soup, you can use one of the following methods: mash some of the beans with a potato masher or immersion blender directly in the pot, or add a slurry of cornstarch and water. You can also add a few tablespoons of flour if you prefer.

Can I Freeze Leftover Ham And Bean Soup?

Yes, ham and bean soup freezes very well. Once cooled, store the soup in an airtight container or freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. To reheat, you can defrost it in the fridge overnight and warm it on the stove or in the Instant Pot.

Is It Necessary To Sauté The Vegetables Before Pressure Cooking?

While not strictly necessary, sautéing the vegetables (such as onions, garlic, and carrots) before pressure cooking enhances the flavor by caramelizing them. This step adds depth to the soup and builds a stronger base for the broth.