Instant Pot Pinto Beans with Ham Hocks - Pressure Cooker

Prep: 10 minCook: 40 min6 servingsmediumSouthern
Instant Pot Pinto Beans with Ham Hocks - Pressure Cooker

Tender pinto beans cooked with smoky ham hocks in the Instant Pot create a hearty, soul-warming dish perfect for cool weather meals. The pressure cooker transforms dried beans into creamy perfection in just 40 minutes, while the ham hock infuses rich, smoky flavor throughout. This Southern-inspired recipe delivers comfort food satisfaction with minimal hands-on time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep. The beans thicken beautifully overnight, developing even deeper flavor the next day.

Gluten-FreeDairy-FreeNut-Free

Ingredients

6 servings
  • 1 pound Camellia Brand Pinto Beans, package
  • 1 large smoked ham hock
    smoked turkey leg1:1poultry

    For lighter option

  • 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 dried red chile peppers(optional)
    red chile flakes1:12spicy

    Use 1/4 teaspoon flakes per 2 whole peppers

  • ¼ teaspoon red chile flakes(optional)
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 6 cups water or chicken broth
    chicken broth1:1savory

    Adds richer flavor

    Full guide →
  • 1 bunch green onions, chopped

Instructions

  1. 1

    Rinse and sort pinto beans

  2. 2

    Add ham hock and beans to Instant Pot with onion, garlic, chiles, salt, pepper, and water or broth

  3. 3

    Twist to lock the lid and turn valve to sealing

  4. 4

    Cook at high pressure for 40 minutes, then let pressure release naturally for 20 minutes

  5. 5

    Turn valve to venting and unlock lid

  6. 6

    Remove ham hocks with tongs and discard skin, bones and cartilage

  7. 7

    Chop or shred ham and stir back into beans

  8. 8

    If desired, ladle some beans into a small bowl and mash with potato masher or fork for creamier texture

  9. 9

    Stir mashed beans back into pot

  10. 10

    Serve sprinkled with green onions

Tips

Tip 1

Refrigerate beans overnight to thicken liquid and allow fat removal from surface

Tip 2

Reheat by the bowlful in microwave or in saucepan over medium heat until steaming

Tip 3

Mash a portion of cooked beans to create creamier texture if desired

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate up to 4 days in airtight container

Make Ahead

Make 1-2 days ahead for better flavor development

Serve With

Serve hot as main dish or side, garnished with green onions

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't skip natural pressure release or beans may be tough

Watch

Remove all bone fragments when shredding ham to avoid choking hazard

Substitutions

dried red chile peppers→
red chile flakes1:12spicy

Use 1/4 teaspoon flakes per 2 whole peppers

water→
chicken broth1:1savory

Adds richer flavor

Full guide →
ham hock→
smoked turkey leg1:1poultry

For lighter option

Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use other types of beans?

Yes, navy beans, great northern beans, or black beans work well with similar cooking times.

What if I don't have a ham hock?

Substitute with smoked turkey leg, bacon, or ham bone for similar smoky flavor.

How long do leftovers keep?

Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months in airtight containers.