Instant Pot White Beans have become one of my favorite recipes to pull out regularly. Being able to cook dry beans in 30 minutes without soaking is amazing to me and the taste is superb. This delicious dish is a southern favorite, made with cured meat to add flavor is a great side dish for any main!
There's different types of white beans that can be used for this recipe. I think the biggest battle is between navy beans and great northern white beans.
If you're like us and like small white beans then the navy beans are for you. They hold their shape well when cooked and require being smashed against the side of the pot to add creaminess.
Next time try my Crock Pot Pinto Beans, if you like beans you'll love this recipe.
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The great northern beans don't hold their shape as much and will fall apart on their own to add the creaminess - if you prefer that. They're milder and have a slight nutty flavor.
As you know, we're in Louisiana and it's tradition to have these beans served alongside fried fish. Check out my fried catfish and cornbread recipes.
What makes this recipe so yummy
This pot of beans is so easy to prepare it makes supper time super easy and a dish that would normally take hours to cook is instead made in 30 minutes.
A lot of people like to saute their onions first in olive oil, before adding the rest - can enhance sweetness and make them softer. I don't do that solely to save time, I don't feel it really changes things too much.
Groceries you'll need: Ingredients
See recipe card for quantities.
Recipe walkthrough: Instructions
This is an overview of the recipe steps. For more detailed instructions visit the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Hint: If you like some more creaminess to your white beans recipe feel free to smash the beans on the side of the pot and stir well.
Recipe variations and substitute ideas
The basic white beans and ham recipe is a one pot meal that's quite flexible and you can adjust to your own preferences. Here's the substitutions I feel are common:
- Beans - the three main types of white beans are Navy Beans, Cannellini Beans and Great Northerns. To make white beans you should pick either of these two types.
- Salt Meat - Our family uses the term 'salt meat' in reference of pickled pork or salted pork. There are a few variations of this, but you could substitute any seasoned ham e.g. smoked sausage instead. I like to use Tasso too, as it adds another flavor profile. This could all be based on what you have in your refrigerator!
- Ham Bone - if you have a leftover ham bone.... perfect! It's a great way to use up leftovers. Or a ham shank, or ham hock.
- Vegetarian - To make this dish vegetarian omit the ham altogether and season using spices only.
- Spicy - add hot sauce before cooking to imbue heat into the dish.
- Deluxe - add some smoked sausage coins to your ingredients.
- Kid friendly - make sure the onions are chopped really fine, even in the food processor so that they melt during cooking. If your kids are like mine and find one onion.... it's over!
Necessary gear: Equipment
Your will need an instant pot (electric pressure cookers) to make this recipe. You can find an affiliate link to the type I have here.
There's also more information in the recipe card below.
How to store leftovers
Once cooled completely this dish will need to be stored in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
This recipe freezes excellently. Add to a freezer safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Other beans recipes I think you'll love
Mel's kitchen notes
Some types of salt meats can be more salty than others. Be careful here because you could ruin your beans if you are not careful.
I used to see my mother-in-law touch the salt meat then lick her finger to check the level of saltiness. It's pickled, so it's fine.... although I don't recommend it and I could never do it. I just rinse my salt meat before cooking with it just to be on the safe side. That way I can always add salt if needed.
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Melanie Cagle
Melanie is a professional cook, food photographer and Cajun food connoisseur. Since 2020 she has been sharing rigorously tested recipes and tutorials right here on this blog.
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Instant Pot White Beans
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 Pound Navy Beans or Great Northerns
- 4 Ounces Tasso diced
- 4 Ounces Salted Picnic Pork rinsed and diced
- 1 Each Yellow Onion diced
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ Tablespoon Onion Powder
- ½ Tablespoon Garlic Powder
- 1 Each Bay Leaf
- 5 Cups Chicken Broth low sodium
Instructions
- Once all your onions and salted meats have been diced add all ingredients to the instant pot.1 Pound Navy Beans, 4 Ounces Tasso, 4 Ounces Salted Picnic Pork, 1 Each Yellow Onion, 1 teaspoon Salt, ½ Tablespoon Onion Powder, ½ Tablespoon Garlic Powder, 1 Each Bay Leaf
- Pour in the chicken broth and give the ingredients a good stir.5 Cups Chicken Broth
- Lock the lid into place and make sure the valve is pointed to "sealing".
- Press the Beans/Chili button (if yours has one) or press Pressure Cook for 30 minutes.
- After the 30 minutes is up allow the instant pot to release the pressure naturally for 15-20 minutes. After that switch the valve to "Venting".
Notes
- Depending on how creamy you like your white beans you can smush some of the beans against the side of the instant pot to create a creamier texture.
- Sometimes that salted pork can be more salty than usual. Wash the pork to rinse under cold water, it will help.
- I am a firm believer that one bean is superior to another. I prefer the Camellia brand over any other!
- We like to use Navy Beans for our white beans recipe, a lot of other folks prefer Great Northerns - they're a bigger bean and have a slightly nuttier flavor. I like them either way... but those small white beans are our favorite.
Nutrition
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Kari Powell says
Looks great. How do I get the recipe? Sincerely Kari Powell
Melanie Cagle says
The recipe is in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Mac says
Easy, great tasting recipe, thanks!
One cheat I've been using lately to keep as many beans whole as possible but still make it creamy is to add a mashed/pureed can of white beans at the end; it works great! I do it with mashed kidney beans for my red beans now, too.
Thanks again for the great recipe!
Melanie Cagle says
That is a great idea Mac (that's my daughter's name!!) - I have to try that next time.