Got leftover holiday ham? Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup is a quick way to make a warming, flavorful, hearty soup in a matter of minutes. If you have a food processor, chopping the vegetables is quick, and since this soup uses canned beans, all you need to do is open a few cans, drain and rinse them, and add them to the Instant Pot. This recipe is easy enough for beginning cooks, and it is filling and warm – perfect for cold weather. You can vary the vegetables in the soup if you like, and add your favorite spices. This recipe is bare bones, but sometimes simple is the best.

Once the soup is cooking in the Instant Pot, I like to make cornbread in a cast iron skillet. If you have time, you can add salad, too. It’s quick enough to make on a weeknight, since the soup takes only 6 minutes to cook once the vegetables and ham are softened a little. It’s quite low in fat and calories, too, so there’s no guilt.

12 Servings

2 tablespoons butter
1 large onion, chopped
1 cup finely chopped carrots
1 cup finely chopped celery
2 cloves minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper

1 pound diced ham
4 15 oz. can white beans, drained and rinsed
5 cups chicken stock
2 cups water

1. Melt the butter in the Instant Pot on the sauté setting.
2. Add the onions, celery, carrots, garlic, and pepper.
3. Stir until the vegetables begin to soften.
4. Add the ham and sauté until the pieces begin to brown.
5. Stir in the beans, chicken stock, and water.
6. Place the lid on the pot, set the valve to sealing, and set the pot to manual for six minutes.
7. When the cycle is finished, release the pressure, open the pot and taste for seasoning; if needed, add salt and more pepper (beans and ham are both salty, so you probably won't need any).
8. Mash a few of the beans, turn the pot to sauté, and let thicken a little before serving.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 295 Calories from Fat 52
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 18% Protein 27% Carb. 56%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 6 g
Saturated Fat 2 g
Cholesterol 21 mg
Sodium 1376 mg
Total Carbohydrate 41 g
Dietary Fiber 4 g
Sugars 0 g
Protein 20 g

Vitamin A 54% Vitamin C 16% Calcium 0% Iron 26%