Easy Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup Recipe

Posted by My Name is Alice on



Cozy, hearty, and irresistibly simple, this Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup brings warmth and comfort to your table. Tender navy beans and savory ham come together in a flavorful broth, all effortlessly cooked in the Instant Pot. Perfect for busy weeknights, cold days, or when you're craving a nostalgic bowl of classic homemade soup, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup is a game-changer. Forget soaking beans overnight or simmering on the stovetop for hours! The Instant Pot transforms dried navy beans into soft, creamy perfection in just 90 minutes of cooking time. The ham bone adds incredible depth of flavor, creating a broth that is both savory and soul-satisfying.

Best of all, this recipe is affordable, nutritious, and freezer-friendly. It’s a perfect meal for meal prep, and it makes excellent leftovers that taste even better the next day.

Ingredients

1. Ham Bone with Meat On It

The ham bone is the secret to the soup’s rich flavor. As it cooks, it infuses the broth with a smoky, savory essence while tender meat falls off the bone, adding texture and protein.

2. 12 oz Ham, Cubed (Optional)

Adding extra ham provides even more hearty bites of salty, smoky goodness. If your ham bone already has plenty of meat, you can skip this step.

3. 16 oz Dried Navy Beans

These small, creamy white beans are perfect for soups. When cooked, they absorb the broth’s flavors and achieve a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Dried beans are budget-friendly and free of preservatives.

4. 8 Cups Water

Water acts as the cooking liquid, but it transforms into a nutrient-rich, flavorful broth thanks to the ham bone and beans. Be sure to adjust the water based on your Instant Pot size.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

  • Rinse the dried navy beans under cold water to remove any dust or debris.
  • If using extra cubed ham, chop it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Instant Pot

  • Place the ham bone, navy beans, and cubed ham (if using) into the Instant Pot.
  • Pour in 8 cups of water. Do not exceed the Instant Pot’s max fill line—adjust the water accordingly if you’re using a smaller model.

Step 3: Pressure Cook

  • Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the steam release valve to SEALING.
  • Select HIGH pressure and set the cooking time to 90 minutes.

Step 4: Natural Release

  • Once the cooking time ends, press Cancel and allow a natural pressure release for 15 minutes.
  • After 15 minutes, carefully turn the steam release valve to vent any remaining pressure.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

  • Carefully remove the Instant Pot lid.
  • Take out the ham bone, pull off any remaining meat, and discard the bone. Stir the meat back into the soup.
  • Give the soup a good stir, then taste and adjust for salt or pepper if needed.
  • Serve hot and enjoy this cozy bowl of deliciousness!

Pro Tips for Perfect Navy Bean Soup

  1. No Soaking Required: Thanks to the Instant Pot, there’s no need to pre-soak the beans. The pressure cooker softens them perfectly.
  2. Add Flavor Boosters: For extra depth, add a bay leaf, a sprig of thyme, or a pinch of smoked paprika before cooking. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
  3. Check Water Levels: Make sure you don’t overfill your Instant Pot. If you’re using a smaller model, reduce the water to 6-7 cups to avoid overflow.
  4. Thicken the Soup: If you prefer a creamier texture, mash a portion of the beans with a potato masher or immersion blender before serving.
  5. Storage: This soup stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup with simple, comforting sides for a complete meal:

  • Crusty Bread or Cornbread: Perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.
  • Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the hearty soup.
  • Steamed Vegetables: Add a pop of color with steamed broccoli, green beans, or carrots.

For a cozy, family-style dinner, serve the soup with a side of garlic bread and finish the meal with a light dessert like apple crisp or vanilla pudding.

Nutrition Information

  • Calories: 254 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Fat: 4g
  • Fiber: 13g

This soup is naturally low-fat, high-protein, and packed with fiber, making it a healthy and satisfying meal.

Why This Recipe is a Winner

This Easy Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup takes a classic comfort food and simplifies it with modern cooking methods. It’s warm, hearty, and bursting with flavor from the tender navy beans and savory ham. Perfect for meal prep, budget-friendly, and incredibly nutritious, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a fuss-free, wholesome meal.

Serve it up for dinner tonight and savor the rich, smoky goodness in every spoonful. Your family will love this cozy bowl of homemade comfort!