Instant Pot Double Bean and Ham Soup Recipe

Name: Instant Pot Double Bean and Ham Soup
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 2 cups dry navy beans; 2 cups chicken broth; 2 cups water; 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained; 2 carrots, chopped; 1 onion, chopped; 2 stalks celery, chopped; 1 (16 ounce) can pork and beans, undrained; 1 cup chopped ham; salt and ground black pepper to taste

Cook Time: 45 minutes

This savory and satisfying navy bean soup with ham is perfect for a comforting meal. It is easy to make in an electric pressure cooker like the Instant Pot, and comes together quickly without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients

2 cups dry navy beans
2 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
2 carrots, chopped
1 onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 (16 ounce) can pork and beans, undrained
1 cup chopped ham
Salt and ground black pepper to taste

Directions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your delicious soup:

Place the dry navy beans, chicken broth, water, diced tomatoes, chopped carrots, onion, and celery into your electric pressure cooker (such as an Instant Pot).
Secure the lid and set the venting knob to "Sealed" to ensure no steam escapes during cooking.
Press the "Manual" button and select high pressure. Set the timer for 45 minutes and let the pressure cooker do its magic.
Once the cooking cycle is complete, release the pressure naturally according to the manufacturer's instructions. This will take about 10-15 minutes.
Carefully remove the lid and stir in the pork and beans and chopped ham. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve hot, and enjoy the hearty, flavorful soup!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	398
Total Fat	4g
Saturated Fat	1g
Cholesterol	18mg
Sodium	1055mg
Total Carbohydrate	68g
Dietary Fiber	22g
Total Sugars	14g
Protein	24g
Vitamin C	14mg
Calcium	194mg
Iron	7mg
Potassium	1326mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Instant Pot Double Bean and Ham Soup

Instant Pot Double Bean and Ham Soup is a hearty, flavorful soup that combines tender beans with savory ham, all cooked to perfection in an Instant Pot. This recipe is not only easy to make but also packed with nutrients, offering a satisfying meal for any occasion. Heres a closer look at this delightful dish:

Origin and History

Soup made with beans and ham has long been a staple in many cultures, dating back centuries. While the exact origins are hard to pinpoint, this combination became especially popular in the Southern United States. The tradition of using ham hocks or leftover ham to flavor beans is deeply rooted in the region's culinary history, which revolves around using humble ingredients in creative ways. The addition of beans in the dish served as an affordable way to stretch meals and make them more filling, especially during times of scarcity.

Regional Variations

While the dish is widely enjoyed throughout the United States, it has regional variations. In the South, its often referred to as "Ham and Bean Soup" or "Southern Ham and Beans," and might include seasonings like garlic, bay leaves, and thyme, reflecting the regions love for bold, flavorful dishes. In the Northeast, a similar recipe might include vegetables like turnips or parsnips, and in some Midwestern areas, the soup may be thickened with cream or mashed beans for a creamier texture. In the Instant Pot version of this recipe, we can easily modify the ingredients to suit personal tastes or regional influences.

How It Differs From Other Bean Soups

What sets the Instant Pot Double Bean and Ham Soup apart from other bean soups is the use of two types of beans: navy beans and pork and beans. This dual-bean combination adds depth and variety in texture, making the soup both hearty and satisfying. While other bean soups may rely on a single type of bean, the use of both beans helps create a unique, comforting flavor profile. Additionally, the Instant Pot cuts down on cooking time, making this soup incredibly convenient without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Where It's Typically Served

This soup is a versatile dish, perfect for both casual family dinners and more formal gatherings. It is especially popular during the colder months, as its rich and warm nature makes it an ideal comfort food. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, including crusty bread, cornbread, or a fresh salad. Many people also enjoy this soup as a hearty meal for lunch or dinner, often accompanied by a side of roasted vegetables or a light green salad.

Interesting Facts

The addition of pork and beans is a unique twist that brings extra flavor and a touch of sweetness to the dish.
Although ham hocks are traditionally used for flavoring bean soups, this recipe allows for more versatility by using chopped ham, making it a quicker and more accessible option.
The Instant Pot has revolutionized the way we cook, allowing home chefs to make traditionally slow-cooked dishes in a fraction of the time without losing flavor.
Beans are an excellent source of fiber and protein, making this soup both a healthy and filling choice for those looking to boost their nutritional intake.

FAQ about Instant Pot Double Bean and Ham Soup Recipe

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you need to store it longer, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Be sure to let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing.

Yes! This recipe is designed to work without pre-soaking the beans. The cooking time in the Instant Pot ensures that the beans cook fully, so there's no need for soaking beforehand.

You can substitute pork and beans with other types of canned beans like baked beans or kidney beans. However, this may slightly alter the flavor of the soup, so make sure to adjust the seasoning if needed.

Yes, you can use other types of beans such as kidney beans, black beans, or pinto beans instead of navy beans. However, be mindful that different beans may require slight adjustments in cooking time, especially if they are not pre-cooked.

If you want to make the soup spicier, you can add cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or a chopped jalapeño pepper. Start with small amounts and adjust to taste.

Yes, pre-cooked ham works well in this recipe. Just make sure to add it at the end with the pork and beans to avoid overcooking it. You can use leftover ham or store-bought cubed ham.

If your beans are not fully cooked after the pressure release, you can simply reseal the Instant Pot and cook them under pressure for an additional 10-15 minutes. Ensure there is enough liquid in the pot to avoid burning.

Yes, you can make this soup on the stovetop. Simply cook the beans in a large pot with the chicken broth and water for 1-1.5 hours or until tender. Add the vegetables and ham in the last 20 minutes of cooking.

The soup will last up to 4 days in the fridge if stored in an airtight container. Make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving.

Yes, you can freeze this soup. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Comments

Helen Wright

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

This will be my new go-to recipe.

DISCOBUNNY

10/26/2019 02:04:45 AM

Thanks, lutzflcat, for this super simple and super delicious recipe! Except for the fact that I made a double batch (with room to spare in the 8qt IP, by the way), I followed the ingredients and directions to the letter. It came out wonderfully. I think the ham you use is going to matter. Get a good hunk of real baked ham, not the little pre-cubed, processed stuff. A mug of this soup with salad and crusty rolls was perfect for a chilly autumn evening!

Allison Johnson

12/22/2022 03:22:34 PM

This was awesome and extremely easy to make. I followed another reviewer's advice and added 2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper and 1/2 tsp cayenne for some additional flavor. I used leftover smoked ham which I think definitely gave it more flavor than if I had used store-bought cubed ham. I followed the cooking time of 45 minutes and let the pressure release naturally for about 30 minutes, then opened the valve. The beans were perfect - slightly al dente, not mushy at all. My boyfriend requested this be added to the saved recipes collection as he loved it. It does have a lot of beans in it, but I didn't find it overwhelming and it still had a souplike texture, not too thick. Will definitely make again.

GrammieK

01/01/2018 01:26:59 AM

Absolutely delicious! This was the first recipe I made in our new Insta Pot. Followed the recipe with no additions. Used the Soup setting, increasing time to 45 minutes. After it was done cooking and pressure released, turned the setting to sauté, added the cubed ham and pork & beans to the soup, then sautéed (without lid) for ~ 5 minutes to ensure they were heated thoroughly. Served with fresh-out-of-the-oven corn muffins made from a box mix (Buff Goldman’s Sweeter than Honey Cornbread and Muffin Mix, which was excellent!). We were both very impressed with the soup. Great flavor and super easy to make. It will definitely be on this winter’s comfort food rotation.

KailuaAl57

10/28/2019 02:38:03 AM

Extremely tasty! We live at altitude (6250’), so I checked Google and found that we needed to increase the cooking time by 20%, which meant 54 minutes instead of 45. I rounded it to 60 minutes and the beans were not done. Re-pressurized and went for another 15 minutes and it was close to perfect. We’ll probably just cook it for 90 minutes in the future. We did heat the ham and pork and beans prior to adding at the end. And my wife thinks adding another carrot and celery stalk would benefit the recipe as well! One other suggestion! Corn bread is a perfect accompaniment, and we tried, for the first time, Famous Dave’s Cornbread mix! You do have to add milk and an egg, but man, it is some of the best we’ve had out of a box!

Charlotte Brito Wunderlich

03/30/2018 07:17:41 PM

This was an excellent meal Will surely make this over and over again. Instead of dry navy beans (didn't have at the time)I used the 15 Bean Soup. I did not use the seasoning packet that comes with the beans. I also added 4 cloves of garlic, minced. What a great flavor. A must make! Don't forget the corn bread.

Bagelco

11/17/2019 01:53:06 AM

If you LOVE beans this is the soup for you. Unfortunately for me I found the ratio of beans to soup to be more than 1:1, each spoonful is an endless sea of bean. Next time I'm making this I'm cutting beans down to 1 cup and possibly doubling broth, ham, and vegetables.

Dale

03/03/2019 02:35:37 AM

Excellent we used 1 1/2 cups of Black Forest Ham and a half of a large red onion were the only changes we made. Corn bread would have been nice. I did a quick pressure release after a 30 minute natural release. Turned out perfect.

miminwab

01/13/2022 05:41:36 PM

I already had navy beans precooked in readiness for soup. I sautéed the vegetables until tender ( 5 minutes) then added all the other ingredients to my Instant Pot for 20 minutes; since the plain navy beans were already tender, I just wanted the flavors to meld. I will happily make this soup again.

sugarandspice

01/11/2020 06:53:22 PM

This was excellent. I added 2 teaspoons of salt, 1/2 teaspoons each of lack proper and cayenne pepper.

Colleen Kronman

10/01/2022 06:10:10 PM

Easy. I only made two changes. It was missing that smoky flavor, so I added bacon bits at the end, after tasting it of course, that's what it needed for me anyways. And parsley. I used parsley as part of the seasoning. Didn't quite know how long the natural release would take. Had to look that up. About 35 minutes after the pressure cooking was done. The soup was great. Even better after sitting overnight in the fridge.

Marcia

10/26/2024 09:35:30 PM

This was a family hit. I didn't put in the pork and beans . But we had it with some good corn bread. Delicious!

BrightHam4330

07/12/2024 06:24:26 PM

Loved it. Tried with and without pork and beans and really wasn't much different to me. Also tried substituting Rotel for tomatoes which was fantastic! Thanks! 👍

Lori Miller

07/19/2023 07:16:40 PM

Love it but omitted the canned pork and beans.

kathys

03/19/2020 11:32:44 PM

Yummy and filling, great for a cold day meal. i added a bit of molasses

Peggy Hart

01/20/2020 12:43:42 AM

I didn't have canned tomatoes, so I used one 6 ounce can of tomato paste adn 8 ounces of water to replace. It was delicious right out of the pot -- I'm sure it will be even better tomorrow.

The Broz

01/14/2020 12:05:30 AM

Quite good, and easy to make.

Rebecca

11/18/2019 09:49:18 PM

Tasty!

NWA Harley Guy

11/01/2019 09:31:46 PM

This was actually quite good and extremely simple to make. I followed it almost exactly with exception of the diced tomatoes which doesn't interest me. It turned out fantastic and goes in my keeper column.

JJS2K

10/20/2019 03:00:41 AM

amazing delicious!

Cook Time: 50 minutes