Instant Pot New Orleans White Beans with Ham
Creamy white beans slow-cooked with aromatic vegetables and smoky ham create this comforting New Orleans staple. The Instant Pot transforms dried Great Northern beans into a velvety, soul-warming dish in a fraction of traditional cooking time. Savory onions and garlic build the flavor base while ham adds richness and depth. Perfect as a hearty weeknight dinner served over rice or as a satisfying side dish for Southern gatherings. The beans develop a naturally creamy texture through gentle pressure cooking and optional mashing.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Camellia Brand Great Northern Beans, package
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, chopped
- ½ pound ham or seasoning meat, chopped
- 5 cups water or broth
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
Instructions
- 1
Rinse and sort beans
- 2
Press Saute button and add oil to pot
- 3
Add onion and garlic and saute for 2 minutes
- 4
Add chopped ham or seasoning meat and saute another 1-2 minutes
- 5
Add beans and water or broth to pot and stir well
- 6
Turn Saute mode off
- 7
Cover Instant Pot, twist to lock lid, and turn valve to sealing
- 8
Press Beans/Chili button or use Manual mode and set to 30 minutes
- 9
When timer beeps, allow pressure to release naturally for 20 minutes
- 10
Turn valve to venting
- 11
Remove lid and use spoon or potato masher to mash beans to desired creamy consistency
- 12
Add salt and pepper to taste
- 13
Serve with hot cooked rice
Tips
If beans are soft but too much liquid remains, use Saute mode and cook while mashing beans until thickened.
If beans are not soft enough after cooking, put lid back on with valve set to sealing and use Manual mode for another 5-10 minutes.
Good to Know
Refrigerate up to 4 days in covered container.
Can be made 1 day ahead and reheated gently on stovetop.
Serve hot over rice with cornbread or as side dish.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip natural pressure release to avoid mushy beans.
Add salt only after cooking to prevent tough bean skins.
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I use other types of white beans?
Yes, navy beans or cannellini beans work well with same cooking time and liquid ratios.
What if my beans are still hard after cooking?
Reseal the pot and cook another 5-10 minutes at high pressure. Old beans may need extra time.
How long do leftover beans keep?
Store covered in refrigerator up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months in portions.