When it comes to hearty, comforting meals, nothing beats a warm bowl of ham and beans. It’s a classic that reminds you of family gatherings and cozy Sunday dinners. But what if you could recreate that same nostalgia in a fraction of the time? That’s where the Instant Pot comes in! This easy ham and beans recipe combines rich flavor and tender texture in just about an hour. It’s the perfect quick dinner idea for chilly evenings or whenever you’re craving a little comfort food.
Here’s how to whip up this delicious dish in no time!
Why Choose the Instant Pot?
The Instant Pot is a game-changer for dishes like ham and beans that traditionally take hours of slow cooking. The pressure cooker function tenderizes the beans and extracts all those savory flavors from the ham, making this recipe not only fast but packed with taste. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, so cleanup is a breeze!
What You’ll Need
To make this Instant Pot comfort food, you’ll need simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Here’s the full list:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound dried navy beans (rinsed, sorted, and soaked if desired)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 3 cups of diced or shredded fully cooked ham (leftover ham works great!)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 4 cups water
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley, green onions, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps, and you’ll have a dish so delicious it tastes like it simmered all day – but it’s ready in record time:
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Start by prepping everything. Dice your onions, carrots, and celery, mince the garlic, and cube the ham if it’s not already prepped.
2. Set Up the Instant Pot
Turn on the Instant Pot’s sauté mode. Add a splash of olive oil, then toss in the onions, garlic, celery, and carrots. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until they soften slightly and the kitchen smells amazing.
3. Add the Ham and Spices
Stir in the diced ham, thyme, paprika, and bay leaves. Sauté for another minute to warm the spices and ham, helping them release their flavor.
4. Add the Beans, Broth, and Water
Rinse your dried beans thoroughly before adding them to the pot. Then pour in the chicken broth and water. Give everything a good stir to combine.
5. Set It and Forget It
Cancel the sauté mode and secure the Instant Pot lid. Set it to High Pressure for 40 minutes. (If your beans were soaked overnight, reduce cooking time to 25–30 minutes.)
6. Natural Pressure Release
Once the timer beeps, allow the Instant Pot to complete a natural pressure release for 15–20 minutes. This step helps the beans finish cooking and soak in all the broth’s flavor.
7. Season and Serve
Carefully remove the lid and remove the bay leaves. Give everything a stir and season with salt and pepper to taste. For thicker beans, use a potato masher to mash some of the cooked beans directly in the pot.
8. Garnish and Enjoy
Ladle your ham and beans into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley or green onions, and serve with crusty bread or cornbread.
Customization and Tips
The beauty of this recipe is how flexible it is. Here are a few ways to make it your own:
- Add more veggies: Bell peppers, kale, or tomatoes can boost the nutrition and flavor.
- Spice it up: Toss in a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for a richer texture.
- Try different beans: Great Northern beans or pinto beans are also excellent choices if you don’t have navy beans.
- Use ham hocks or a ham bone: If you have a ham bone, throw it in for an even deeper flavor. Just remember to remove it before serving!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This easy ham and beans recipe is everything you want in a homemade meal – hearty, flavorful, and satisfying. Thanks to the Instant Pot, you can enjoy all this goodness without spending hours tending to a simmering pot on the stove. It’s perfect for feeding the family or meal-prepping for the week ahead. Plus, with endless customization options, you’ll never get bored of this comforting classic.
Get your Instant Pot ready, and treat yourself to a big bowl of comfort tonight!
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