Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

The aroma, the warmth, the comforting feeling of a steaming bowl of soup… There’s something truly magical about it, especially when the weather turns cool or when you’re simply craving a cozy meal. And when you have leftover ham from a holiday dinner or a weeknight meal, a classic ham and bean soup becomes the perfect culinary solution. But what if you could whip up this satisfying dish in a fraction of the time, with minimal effort? Enter the Instant Pot! This incredible kitchen appliance transforms the time-consuming process of making ham and bean soup into a quick and easy feat. This Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup recipe is designed to be your go-to for busy weeknights, offering hearty flavors and minimal cleanup. Get ready to discover how to create a delicious, budget-friendly, and healthy meal the whole family will love.

We’ll delve into every step, from selecting the right ingredients to mastering the simple cooking process, providing you with all the knowledge you need to create a perfect bowl of Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup, every single time. This recipe is designed to be both flavorful and approachable, suitable for cooks of all skill levels. We’ll also explore variations and tips to customize the soup to your personal tastes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup lies in its simplicity. The ingredients are generally easy to find and quite affordable. While this is a great recipe to use leftover ham, the dish is also incredibly delicious using ham hocks or even a ham bone, which offer a richer flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to create your own culinary masterpiece:

• Dried Beans: The heart of this soup. Consider using Great Northern beans for their creamy texture, navy beans for a classic flavor, or a mix of beans for added visual appeal and texture variations. Approximately one pound of dried beans is usually sufficient. It’s important to check the package for any washing or pre-soaking instructions.
• Ham: The star of the show! You can use diced ham, a ham hock (which will impart a smoky, robust flavor), or even a leftover ham bone. If using a bone, you can easily remove any remaining meat and dice it once the soup is cooked. Aim for around two to three cups of ham, depending on how meaty you prefer your soup.
• Onion: One medium-sized yellow or white onion, diced. Onions provide a fundamental flavor base, adding sweetness and depth to the soup.
• Carrots: Two to three medium carrots, peeled and diced. Carrots contribute a touch of sweetness and color, as well as essential nutrients.
• Celery: Two to three stalks of celery, diced. Celery adds a subtle savory note that balances the other flavors. This is optional, but highly recommended for a more complex flavor profile.
• Garlic: Three to four cloves of fresh garlic, minced. Garlic infuses the soup with a pungent aroma and a delightful savory taste.
• Chicken Broth or Vegetable Broth: About eight cups of broth is typically the right amount. Chicken broth will enhance the flavor of the ham, but vegetable broth is a great alternative, especially if you want to make the soup vegetarian friendly. Opt for low-sodium broth to control the salt content.
• Bay Leaf: One or two bay leaves. This adds a subtle, aromatic flavor. Remember to remove the bay leaves before serving.
• Smoked Paprika: One teaspoon, or to taste. This adds a smoky depth that complements the ham beautifully.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste. Seasoning is crucial, so start with small amounts and adjust as you go.
• Optional Toppings: Fresh parsley, chopped; sour cream or plain Greek yogurt; a sprinkle of cheddar cheese; or a drizzle of olive oil. These elements can be added to enhance the flavor of the soup.

Notes on Ingredients

Beans and Soaking: You don’t always need to soak dried beans before cooking them in an Instant Pot, especially with this recipe. However, soaking beans for a few hours or overnight can reduce the cooking time. If you soak your beans, drain and rinse them before adding them to the Instant Pot.

Ham Selection: The type of ham you choose will affect the soup’s flavor. Diced ham offers a more even distribution of meat. A ham hock will impart a richer, smokier flavor, and a ham bone will infuse the soup with wonderful flavor, even if it doesn’t contribute much meat directly to the soup.

Ingredient Substitutions: If you don’t have dried beans, you can substitute with canned beans. Just make sure to drain and rinse the beans before adding them. You might also need to adjust the cooking time. If you do not have smoked paprika, you can omit it or substitute with a pinch of liquid smoke.

How to Make Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup

Making Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup is incredibly straightforward. The Instant Pot handles most of the work, allowing you to enjoy a homemade meal with minimal fuss. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this delicious comfort food:

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Turn your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Add a tablespoon or two of olive oil or vegetable oil. Once the oil is heated, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery (if using). Sauté these vegetables, stirring occasionally, for about five to seven minutes, or until the onions become translucent and slightly softened. Add the minced garlic during the last minute of sautéing, stirring constantly to prevent it from burning.
2. Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the diced ham (or ham hock or ham bone), the dried beans, the chicken broth or vegetable broth, the bay leaf (if using), and the smoked paprika. Stir to combine everything.
3. Seal the Instant Pot: Place the lid on the Instant Pot and ensure it’s properly sealed. Double-check the sealing valve to ensure it’s in the “Sealing” position.
4. Pressure Cook: Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting on your Instant Pot. Set the cooking time. For un-soaked dried beans, cook on high pressure for 35-45 minutes. If you soaked the beans beforehand, reduce the cooking time to 20-25 minutes.
5. Natural Pressure Release: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes, or sometimes longer, depending on the liquid level. This slow release helps to tenderize the beans further.
6. Check the Beans: After the natural pressure release, carefully open the Instant Pot. Check the beans for tenderness. They should be soft but still hold their shape. If they are not quite tender enough, you can seal the Instant Pot again and cook for another 5-10 minutes on high pressure.
7. Remove the Bay Leaf: Remove the bay leaf (if used).
8. Season to Taste: Season the soup with salt and pepper to your liking. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, or a sprinkle of cheddar cheese, if desired. Serve hot and savor the delicious, heartwarming flavors of your homemade Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup.

Tips for Success

Perfecting the Pressure Release: Natural pressure release is recommended for optimal results, especially with dried beans. However, for quicker results, you can carefully perform a quick pressure release after the cooking time is complete if the beans are already tender.

Achieving the Right Consistency: If the soup is too thin, you can remove the lid and simmer the soup on the “Sauté” function for a few minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. If the soup is too thick, add more broth until you reach your desired consistency.

Seasoning Savvy: Start with a small amount of salt and pepper, taste frequently, and add more as needed. Ham can vary in saltiness, so it’s best to season gradually.

Ham Bone Benefits: If using a ham bone, you can fish it out once the soup is cooked, remove any remaining meat, and add the meat back into the soup. The ham bone will add fantastic flavor to the broth.

Bean Variety Matters: Different types of beans may require slightly different cooking times. Great Northern beans and navy beans typically cook similarly. If you’re using a bean mix, check the package for cooking time guidelines.

Variations and Customization

The beauty of this Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup recipe is its adaptability. You can easily customize it to fit your preferences and what you have on hand. Here are some delightful variations to try:

Different Beans: Experiment with other bean varieties, like cannellini beans for a creamy texture, or a mix of beans for added complexity and visual appeal.

Add More Vegetables: Boost the nutritional value by adding other vegetables, like diced potatoes (added along with the carrots and celery) for a heartier soup, or spinach or kale near the end of the cooking process for a boost of greens.

Herbal Infusion: Experiment with different herbs and spices. Add a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary during the cooking process for a more robust flavor. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a touch of heat.

Vegetarian Transformation: To make this soup vegetarian, simply omit the ham and replace it with a generous amount of chopped vegetables (like carrots, celery, onions, and potatoes) and a can of diced tomatoes. You can also use smoked tofu or tempeh for a more “meaty” texture and flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Broth Bonanza: Use different types of broth, such as homemade bone broth (if you’re making your own) or even a smoked vegetable broth for extra depth of flavor.

What to Serve with Your Ham and Bean Soup

Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup is a meal in itself, but it’s even better with some delicious accompaniments:

Bread is a Must: Crusty bread, cornbread, or garlic bread are perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth.

Salad Sensations: A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.

Topping Temptations: Consider offering toppings like fresh parsley, chopped chives, a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, or a drizzle of olive oil to allow people to personalize their bowls.

Beverage Bliss: Serve with a glass of iced tea, a crisp white wine, or a cold beer to complement the flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup

Can I use pre-cooked beans? Yes, you can. If you use pre-cooked beans (canned beans), simply drain and rinse them before adding them to the soup during the last 5 minutes of the cooking time. Be careful not to overcook them.

How long do I cook the soup? The cooking time depends on whether you are using soaked or unsoaked dried beans, the Instant Pot model, and your personal preference for the bean’s texture. For unsoaked beans, pressure cook for 35-45 minutes. For soaked beans, pressure cook for 20-25 minutes. Always allow for a natural pressure release.

Can I freeze ham and bean soup? Absolutely! Allow the soup to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep in the freezer for about two to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

What if my soup is too thin or too thick? If it’s too thin, simmer the soup on the “Sauté” function to reduce the liquid. If it’s too thick, add more broth.

How can I make it spicy? Add red pepper flakes, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a diced jalapeño pepper to the soup during the sautéing step.

Is this soup gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.

How do I make this soup without an Instant Pot? You can make ham and bean soup on the stovetop. Sauté the aromatics in a large pot, then add the ham, beans, broth, and seasonings. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 1.5-2 hours, or until the beans are tender.

Enjoy Your Delicious Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup!

This Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup recipe is a testament to how simple, yet satisfying, home cooking can be. It is a fantastic way to use up leftover ham, create a budget-friendly meal, and enjoy a hearty, flavorful soup that’s perfect for any occasion. We hope you’ll embrace this easy and delicious recipe!

We encourage you to experiment with different beans, vegetables, and seasonings to create your own personalized version of this classic soup. Share your creations, variations, and any tips you discovered in the comments below. We’d love to see your photos and hear about your experiences! Tag us on social media with #InstantPotHamAndBeanSoup to share your culinary creations. Now, gather your ingredients, fire up your Instant Pot, and get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food!