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Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup

By on | Updated on
5 from 1 vote
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When the weather turns chilly and your fridge still holds leftover holiday ham, this Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup is the cozy, budget-friendly dinner you'll crave.

It's rich, smoky, and so comforting, and thanks to the pressure cooker you can have tender beans and deep flavor in under an hour.

Overhead view of white bowl with ham and bean soup with a plate of cornbread, green napkin, and Instant Pot in the background.

After every big holiday meal like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter, I always seem to have extra ham in the fridge.

Instead of letting it go to waste, I turn it into this easy, hearty soup that stretches my leftovers into a brand-new meal everyone loves.

I just got back from the grocery store, and wow, I feel the pocketbook pain just like everyone else!

Table of Contents

That's why I love recipes like this one. It turns simple, inexpensive pantry staples like beans, broth, and leftover ham into a hearty, family-sized meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.

Over the years, I've tested dozens of Instant Pot recipes, and even had a few shared on social media by the Instant Pot brand itself, so you can trust that this one has been tried, tweaked, and perfected.

Spoonful of Ham And Bean Soup held over Instant Pot full of ham and bean soup

🔍 Recipe at a Glance

FeatureDetail
🔪 Prep Time:15 minutes
🔥 Cook Time:40 minutes
⏲️ Total Time:55 minutes
🍽️ Servings:6 – 8
🌟Skill Level:Easy
💵 Budget:Budget-friendly

❤️ Why You'll Love This Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup

  • 🥣 One Pot Wonder. The Instant Pot does all the work; no need to soak beans or simmer for hours.
  • 💵 Budget-Friendly Comfort Food. With grocery prices rising, this soup stretches every bit of leftover ham and pantry beans into a filling, family meal.
  • 🎄 Perfect for Leftover Holiday Ham. Whether it's Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter, this soup turns leftover ham into a cozy new meal everyone loves.
  • 🧅 Packed with Flavor. Smoky ham, tender beans, onion, and herbs blend into the ultimate cold-weather comfort food.
  • 🧄 Beginner-Friendly. If you're new to the Instant Pot, don't worry, I'll walk you through every step so it turns out perfect the first time.
  • 🌟 Tested and Trusted. My Instant Pot recipes have been featured by the Instant Pot brand, so you can count on reliable results.

🛒 Ingredients You'll Need

Ingredients for Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup
  • Ham: Use leftover ham, a meaty ham bone, or diced ham steak. A smoked ham hock gives even richer flavor.
  • Beans: Great Northern, navy, or pinto beans all work beautifully. Using canned? Reduce cook time to 10 minutes.
  • Liquid: Use 4 cups chicken broth plus 4 cups water, just like in the recipe card, for the perfect soup consistency.
  • Seasonings: Instead of thyme and paprika, the recipe uses Homemade Cajun Seasoning, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper for a savory kick.
  • Vegetables: Onion, carrot, and celery make a classic base.
  • Tomatoes: A can of diced tomatoes with juice is stirred in at the end for color and brightness.
  • Optional Garnish: Top with chopped cilantro or parsley for a fresh finish.

👩‍🍳 How to Make Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup

Sauté the Base.
Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté. Add a little oil, onion, carrot, and celery. Cook 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add Ham & Seasonings.
Stir in diced ham (or ham bone), minced garlic, thyme, and paprika. Sauté another minute to release flavors.
Add Beans & Liquid.
Pour in dried (rinsed) beans, chicken broth, and bay leaf. Scrape the bottom to prevent a burn notice.
Pressure Cook.
Lock lid, set to Manual / Pressure Cook on High for 35 minutes. Let pressure release naturally 15 minutes, then quick-release any remaining.
Finish & Serve.
Remove ham bone (if used). Stir, taste, and adjust seasoning. The beans should be tender and the broth thick and flavorful.

Step By Step Photos How To Make Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup

💡 Pro Tips for Success

  • Old Beans Take Longer: If your beans are more than a year old, add 5-10 minutes to cook time.
  • No Soak Needed: The Instant Pot pressure cycle softens beans perfectly even without soaking.
  • Avoid Burn Notice: Always scrape the pot bottom before sealing.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Soup thickens and tastes even better the next day.

🔄 Variations

  • Ham Bean Potato Soup: Add 2 cups diced potatoes for a heartier meal.
  • Ham and Pinto Bean Soup: Swap in pinto beans for a creamier texture and nutty flavor.
  • Spicy Southwest Version: Add a can of diced tomatoes & green chilies plus ½ teaspoon chili powder.
  • Leftover Holiday Soup: Perfect for the day after Christmas or Easter, use every bit of that glazed ham.

🍞 What to Serve With Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup

This cozy soup pairs perfectly with all kinds of comfort sides. Here are a few of my favorites:

  • Cornbread - You can't go wrong with classic, buttery cornbread for soaking up all that savory broth.
  • Pesto Garlic Bread - Crispy edges and a garlicky bite add the perfect contrast to the creamy beans.
  • Ham and Swiss Sliders - If you've got extra ham, turn it into easy sliders for a soup-and-sandwich combo.
  • Green Salad - A fresh side salad balances the richness of the soup.
  • Roasted Vegetables - Simple roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts make it a heartier meal.

Tip: If you're serving a crowd, double the soup and make a batch of cornbread muffins on the side - it's always a hit!

💡 Planning ahead for the holidays? Make one of my favorite ham recipes –
Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham or Peach Glazed Spiral Ham. Both are delicious on their own and make the perfect leftover ham for this soup!

Overhead photo of white bowl of Instant Pot Ham And Bean Soup with a green napkin beside it.

🧊 How to Store & Freeze

  • Refrigerate: Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
  • Freeze: Up to 3 months. Cool completely before freezing; thaw overnight in the fridge.
  • Reheat: On the stovetop over medium heat or using the Sauté setting in the Instant Pot.

❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use canned beans?

Yes! Reduce the pressure cook time to 10 minutes, and reduce the liquid slightly.

Why are my beans still firm?

Beans that were too old or weren’t cooked long enough can stay tough. Add 5-10 minutes and reseal – the Instant Pot will finish cooking them.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes – 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high.

Can I freeze this soup?

Absolutely! It freezes beautifully, and makes a great ready to heat dinner later.

🥰 More Instant Pot Recipes You’ll Love

🌟 Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup is everything I want in a winter dinner: easy, hearty, budget-friendly, and full of flavor.

It's one of those recipes that warms your kitchen, fills your home with that cozy "soup simmering" smell, and helps you stretch your grocery dollars without sacrificing comfort.

If you make it, let me know in the comments and don't forget to rate the recipe! I love hearing how you make it your own. 💕

White bowl of Ham And Bean Soup with Instant Pot and plate of cornbread in the background.

Recipe

Instant Pot Ham And Bean Soup

By Michele @ Flavor Mosaic
5 from 1 vote
Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup is a delicious, hearty, budget-friendly soup made with a ham bone, ham hock, or chopped ham in your pressure cooker.
Overhead view of white bowl with ham and bean soup with a plate of cornbread, green napkin, and Instant Pot in the background.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Pressurization 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 374

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 stalks celery, sliced
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 1 ham hock (or 2 cups chopped ham)
  • 4 cups chicken broth (unsalted)
  • 4 cups water
  • 20 ounces dried beans (I used a bag of 15-beans)
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning (Homemade or Store-bought)
  • 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp each salt and pepper
  • 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes

Instructions 

  • Press the Saute button and select High. Wait until the display says "Hot" and then add the oil. When the oil is hot add the chopped onions and cook for 3 minutes or so.
    1 tablespoon oil, 1 onion, chopped
  • Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute.
    3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Add the carrots, celery, and ham.
    2 stalks celery, sliced, 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped, 1 ham hock
  • Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and 4 cups of water.
    4 cups chicken broth, 4 cups water
  • Add in the rinsed and drained dried beans.
    20 ounces dried beans
  • Add in the Cajun Seasoning, Italian Seasoning, and salt (if desired) and pepper.
    2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning, 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning, 1/2 tsp each salt and pepper
  • Place the lid on top of the Instant Pot and move the pressure release valve to the SEALING position. Pressure cook 45 minutes on High Pressure by pressing the MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK button. Adjust the timer to 45 minutes. Make sure it says High Pressure. (NOTE: It will take 10 to 20 minutes to come up to pressure before it starts the 45-minutes of pressure cooking.)
  • Do a natural release, which means that you do NOTHING and let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally until the pin drops.
  • After the Instant Pot has fully released the pressure, and the pin has dropped, open the lid and pour in can of diced tomatoes with the juice. Press Sauté to heat for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley and serve.
    14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes
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Notes

  1. Cajun Seasoning. You can use the Cajun Seasoning from the package of 15-bean soup or make my Homemade Cajun Seasoning or use a store-bought seasoning.
  2. Salt. Depending on the brands of chicken broth and Cajun Seasoning you use, you may not need additional salt as many brands of chicken broth and Cajun Seasoning contain a significant amount of salt.

Nutrition

Calories: 374kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 23mg | Sodium: 250mg | Potassium: 1394mg | Fiber: 13g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 3983IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 114mg | Iron: 7mg

 

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