This Pioneer Woman Instant Pot Ham and Beans Recipe is perfect. It is hearty and very filling. I love how fast it cooks.
The Instant Pot makes the beans soft. You do not have to wait all day. This Pioneer Woman Instant Pot Ham and Beans Recipe uses simple items.
It tastes like home in a bowl. You will love the smoky ham flavor. It is a great family dinner.
Follow this guide to see how to make Pioneer Woman Instant Pot Ham and Beans. Your kitchen will smell amazing soon!
When I first introduced to Pioneer Woman Instant Pot Ham and Beans
I first tried this dish at a friend’s house. It was a very cold winter night. She served it with warm cornbread.
The beans were so creamy and rich. I asked for the recipe right away. She told me it was a Pioneer Woman classic.
I was surprised by how easy it was. Using the Instant Pot changed everything for me. Now, I make it for my family often.
It feels like a big, warm hug. Even the kids ask for second helpings. It is now a staple in my home.

Equipment List
- Instant Pot (6 or 8 quart).
- A long wooden spoon.
- A sharp kitchen knife.
- A sturdy cutting board.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- A small fine-mesh strainer.
Ingredients You Need for Pioneer Woman Instant Pot Ham and Beans
- 1 pound dry navy beans (rinsed).
- 1 meaty ham bone or ham hock.
- 1 large yellow onion (chopped).
- 3 cloves garlic (minced).
- 2 large carrots (sliced).
- 2 stalks celery (chopped).
- 6 cups chicken broth or water.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme.
- 1 bay leaf.
- Salt (add only at the end).
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep the Beans
Rinse your navy beans in cold water. Remove any small stones or debris. You do not need to soak them. The Instant Pot handles dry beans well.
2. Sauté the Veggies
Turn your Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add a little oil to the pot. Cook the onions, carrots, and celery. Stir them until they are soft.
3. Add Aromatics
Add the minced garlic to the pot. Stir it for about one minute. It should smell very fragrant now. Do not let the garlic burn.
4. Combine Ingredients
Pour in the chicken broth or water. Add the rinsed beans and ham bone. Toss in the pepper, thyme, and bay leaf. Give everything a good stir.
5. Set the Pressure
Close the lid and lock it tight. Set the valve to the Sealing position. Select Manual or Pressure Cook. Set the timer for 45 minutes.
6. Natural Release
Let the pressure release naturally for 20 minutes. This keeps the beans from breaking. Then, turn the valve to Venting. Be careful with the hot steam.
7. Shred the Ham
Remove the ham bone from the pot. Pull the meat off the bone. Chop the meat into small pieces. Add the meat back into the soup.
8. Final Seasoning
Taste the soup before adding salt. The ham is often very salty. Add salt only if it needs more. Stir well and serve it hot.
Tips to Make the Best Pioneer Woman Instant Pot Ham and Beans
- Use a meaty bone. It adds the best flavor.
- Check your beans. Old beans take longer to soften.
- Don’t salt early. Salt can make bean skins tough.
- Mash some beans. This makes the soup extra creamy.
- Add some heat. A dash of hot sauce is great.
- Keep the liquid. Beans soak up juice as they sit.
- Serve with bread. Cornbread is the best side dish.
FAQs about Pioneer Woman Instant Pot Ham and Beans
Can I use canned beans?
No, use dry beans for this recipe. Canned beans will get too mushy.
Do I need to soak beans?
No, the Instant Pot cooks them fast. Soaking is not required for this.
How do I store leftovers?
Put them in a sealed container. Keep them in the fridge for four days.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes very well. Use it within three months for taste.
Final Thoughts
This Pioneer Woman Instant Pot Ham and Beans Recipe is a winner. It is simple, cheap, and very tasty.
Now you know how to make Pioneer Woman Instant Pot Ham and Beans easily.
The ingredients for Pioneer Woman Instant Pot Ham and Beans are easy to find. It is the perfect meal for a busy weeknight.
Your family will love the rich, smoky taste. It fills your belly and warms your soul. Give this recipe a try this week. You will be very happy that you did!

Pioneer Woman Instant Pot Ham and Beans Recipe
Ingredients
1 pound dry navy beans (rinsed).
1 meaty ham bone or ham hock.
- 1 large yellow onion chopped.
3 cloves garlic (minced).
- 2 large carrots sliced.
2 stalks celery (chopped).
- 6 cups chicken broth or water.
1 teaspoon black pepper.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme.
1 bay leaf.
- Salt add only at the end.
Instructions
Prep the Beans
- Rinse your navy beans in cold water. Remove any small stones or debris. You do not need to soak them. The Instant Pot handles dry beans well.
Sauté the Veggies
- Turn your Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add a little oil to the pot. Cook the onions, carrots, and celery. Stir them until they are soft.
Add Aromatics
- Add the minced garlic to the pot. Stir it for about one minute. It should smell very fragrant now. Do not let the garlic burn.
Combine Ingredients
- Pour in the chicken broth or water. Add the rinsed beans and ham bone. Toss in the pepper, thyme, and bay leaf. Give everything a good stir.
Set the Pressure
- Close the lid and lock it tight. Set the valve to the Sealing position. Select Manual or Pressure Cook. Set the timer for 45 minutes.
Natural Release
- Let the pressure release naturally for 20 minutes. This keeps the beans from breaking. Then, turn the valve to Venting. Be careful with the hot steam.
Shred the Ham
- Remove the ham bone from the pot. Pull the meat off the bone. Chop the meat into small pieces. Add the meat back into the soup.
Final Seasoning
- Taste the soup before adding salt. The ham is often very salty. Add salt only if it needs more. Stir well and serve it hot.
Notes
- Use a meaty bone. It adds the best flavor.
- Check your beans. Old beans take longer to soften.
- Don’t salt early. Salt can make bean skins tough.
- Mash some beans. This makes the soup extra creamy.
- Add some heat. A dash of hot sauce is great.
- Keep the liquid. Beans soak up juice as they sit.
- Serve with bread. Cornbread is the best side dish.













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