Name: Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: ∙ Serves 8; 2 cups of ham, cut into cubes; 2 Bay leaves; 3 Carrots; 2 stalks Celery; 1 Potato; 2 Cubes of Sofrito or 2 cloves Garlic, 1/2 tsp Oregano, dried, 2 tbsp Parsley, fresh leaves, 1/4 tsp Rosemary.; 16 Oz of Dried Bean; Freshly ground black pepper; 1 Sazon Packet; 1 Cup of tomato sauce; 4 cups of water

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This Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup is pure comfort in a bowl. Warm, hearty, and packed with flavor, it's the kind of recipe you'll want to make all season long. It's simple to throw together and even better the next day as the flavors meld together!

Did You Know?

Ham and bean soup is one of the oldest 'leftover economy' dishes in American cooking — the ham bone from a holiday meal would be simmered with dried beans for hours to extract every last bit of flavor and protein. The Instant Pot reduces this traditionally all-day process to about an hour under pressure. The beans soften perfectly without pre-soaking because the high-pressure steam penetrates them far faster than a standard simmer.

Pro Tips

Sear the meat in a hot pan first. This extra step builds deep caramelized flavor you cannot get from slow cooking alone. Do not lift the lid during cooking. Each peek releases heat and extends the cook time by 15-20 minutes. Build flavor by sauteing the aromatics until fragrant before adding any liquid. Season in layers throughout cooking and do a final taste adjustment right before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What type of beans are best for ham and bean soup?

Great Northern beans are the most traditional choice. Navy beans and cannellini beans also work well. All produce a creamy, tender bean that absorbs the smoky ham flavor beautifully.

2. Do I need to soak the beans before using the Instant Pot?

No — the Instant Pot pressure cooks dried beans to perfect tenderness without soaking. This is one of the biggest time-saving advantages of making this soup in a pressure cooker.

3. What type of ham works best?

A leftover ham bone with meat still attached gives the deepest, smokiest flavor. Smoked ham hocks, diced ham steak, or a meaty ham shank all work well too.

4. How long does ham and bean soup take in the Instant Pot?

45 minutes on high pressure with natural release when using unsoaked dried beans. Pre-soaked beans take only 15-20 minutes. The total time including pressurization is about 1 hour.

5. Should I use natural release or quick release?

Natural release for at least 15 minutes produces the most tender beans. Quick release can cause the beans to burst and make the soup starchy. Patience gives the best result.

6. What vegetables go in ham and bean soup?

Diced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic are the classic aromatics. Some recipes add diced potatoes for extra heartiness. Stir in fresh spinach or kale at the end.

7. How do I thicken ham and bean soup?

Mash some of the cooked beans against the side of the pot — their starch naturally thickens the broth. You can also blend a cup of the soup and stir it back in for a creamier base.

8. How do I prevent the soup from being too salty?

Ham is naturally salty, so do not add salt until the very end after tasting. Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the overall sodium level.

9. Can I freeze Instant Pot ham and bean soup?

Yes, it freezes beautifully for up to 4 months. Cool completely before freezing. The flavor improves after freezing and reheating as the beans absorb more smoky ham flavor.

10. What should I serve with ham and bean soup?

Cornbread is the most traditional pairing — perfect for soaking up the rich, smoky broth. Crusty bread, buttermilk biscuits, or a simple green salad also work well.

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