There’s nothing like a warm, hearty bowl of Instant Pot navy bean soup to comfort you on a chilly day—or to simplify dinner on a busy one. With just a few wholesome ingredients and an electric pressure cooker, this recipe delivers big flavor without the fuss. It’s a cozy, satisfying meal that’s easy enough for beginners but flavorful enough to keep on repeat.
If you’ve been searching for a reliable Instapot navy bean soup recipe, you’re in the right place. This one is packed with nourishing ingredients like carrots, celery, and garlic, and it’s easy to customize with bacon or ham for extra depth. One of the best parts? You don’t need to soak the beans beforehand if you’re using a pressure cooker.
Making navy beans soup Instant Pot style means you get all the flavor of a long-simmered dish in a fraction of the time. The beans become tender and creamy, and the broth takes on a rich, savory flavor that’s just right for a cold night or a hearty lunch. You can even mash some of the beans with a potato masher to create a thicker, more stew-like texture.
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What Are Navy Beans?
The navy bean is a variety of the common bean native to the Americas, where they were first cultivated. You may know them as haricot bean, pearl haricot bean, Boston bean, white pea bean, or pea beans.
Navy beans are a common type of bean that is used to make baked beans. They develop a creamy texture when cooked, which makes them perfect for thickening soups and for making dips.
Instant Pot Bean Soup Video Tutorial
Why We Love This Instapot Navy Bean Soup
- We love a great one-pot meal!
Not only is cleanup a breeze, but these dishes tend to be easy to make for dinner. - Just “set it and forget it”.
You will love this no-soak navy bean soup Instant Pot recipe because it is hands-off and practically foolproof! And, it is the ideal dinner recipe for any night of the week. - Budget-friendly.
Made with simple pantry staples, this soup recipe is economical.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Beans: Dried navy beans are the base of this recipe. Did you know that they can be stored for years? We always have some in the pantry. You can also use similar-sized small dry beans if you prefer.
- Aromatics: Onion, garlic, carrots, and celery are used in this recipe. Feel free to add or substitute with other produce such as mushrooms or squash.
- Broth: We used chicken broth as this is our favorite base for soups. You can also use beef broth, vegetable broth, or even water.
Recipe Variations
- Hearty ham and bean soup: For a traditional spin, add 2 cups of diced, cooked ham to your pot for a rich, savory taste that enhances every bite. If you have a leftover ham bone or ham hock, toss it in while the beans cook to deepen the flavor. This variation pairs wonderfully with warm cornbread or crusty sourdough.
- Bean and bacon twist: Transform this into a comforting bean and bacon soup Instant Pot dish by omitting the oil and sautéing 4 slices of chopped bacon along with the onions. Add a pinch of red pepper flake to bring a little kick and complement the smokiness of the bacon. Serve with roasted vegetables or a simple side salad for a full meal.
- Vegetarian classic: To make a plant-based version of navy beans soup Instant Pot, simply use vegetable stock instead of chicken broth. Enhance the flavor with a sprinkle of dried thyme, a couple of bay leaves, and your favorite spices. This vegetarian option is easy on the wallet, full of flavor, and makes a great meatless dinner.
- Mixed bean medley: Change things up by using a mix of beans like cannellini, black beans, or Great Northern beans in place of navy beans. Add a dash of Italian seasoning and a spoonful of low sodium broth to balance the bold flavors. For even more depth, a ham shank works well in this variation and adds a satisfying richness to every spoonful.
Navy beans can be used in a variety of meals, including soups, stews, casseroles, and salads. If you are looking for recipes featuring other types of beans, you can try our best great northern bean soup, 15 bean slow cooker soup, or crock pot pinto beans recipe. For a spicy option, check out our chilli con carne with beef.
For a healthy salad, our white bean pasta salad is a great option. If you’re looking for a hearty soup, try our Instant Pot lima beans and ham soup and how to cook pinto beans in the Instant Pot. For a comforting casserole, our calico beans recipe is always a hit! Check out more of our easy Instant Pot recipes to get dinner on the table fast.
Dried Beans vs. Canned For Instant Pot Navy Beans
The Instant Pot pressure cooks ingredients quickly and with high pressure. Hard veggies and dried beans become perfectly soft and tender in minutes during this process. There is no need to soak the beans first.
Also, dried beans tend to be cheaper than cans of beans. Who doesn’t love when the tastier option also happens to be the cheapest? This recipe is great for staying on a budget while making a delicious one-pot meal.
Equipment Used in this Recipe
- An electric pressure cooker, at least 6 quart-sized, is used with this recipe.
Popular brands are Instant Pot, Ninja Foodi, Crockpot Express, Cuisinart Pressure Cooker, GoWISE USA, and Chef IQ.
New to Instant Pot Cooking? Be sure to read your manufacturer’s book to familiarize yourself with how your pressure cooker works! Each model differs and has different safety features.
How to Make Navy Beans Soup Instant Pot
- Speed up the cooking time by preheating the broth and water.
You can microwave them while the onions and garlic are sauteing. - Deglaze the Instant Pot by stirring the hot liquid to clean the bottom of the pot.
This adds a ton of delicious flavor to the broth. - Let people choose their toppings for variety and extra flavor.
Serve bean soup warm, topped with ingredients like cheese, bacon bits, fried onions, green onions, or your favorite soup garnish.
🎯 TFN Pro Tip
Set Instant Pot time based on whether beans are dried, canned, and/or pre-soaked.
You’ll need high pressure for 45 minutes for dried, unsoaked navy beans. Use 25 minutes for pre-soaked navy beans and 15 minutes for canned navy beans.
Serving Suggestions
This Instant Pot navy bean soup is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it also shines alongside a few simple sides. Serve it with a crisp green salad and a slice of crusty bread for dipping, or pair it with a warm cornbread muffin to soak up every last spoonful. It’s also delicious next to a grilled cheese sandwich or toasted garlic bread for a cozy lunch or dinner. For a heartier plate, top your bowl with shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh herbs—especially when using the ham and beans Instant Pot recipe variation. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or stocking your fridge with leftovers, this dish is a satisfying and nourishing choice.
Recipe FAQs
Whisk a teaspoon of cornstarch or flour into a Tablespoon of cold water. Pour this mixture into the hot soup and stir until it dissolves. Add more if needed.
If you are using dried beans and making soup in a pot on the stove, then yes. However, if you are using the Instant Pot, then there is no need to pre-soak the beans. Canned navy beans also do not need pre-soaking.
Navy bean soup is quite healthy. The beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber.
Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container storage for up to 1 week. To freeze navy bean soup, let the soup cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
More Easy Dinner Recipes…
- Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe in Dutch Oven
- Turkey and Veggie Meatballs
- Parmesan Roasted Asparagus
- Eye of Chuck Steak
If you tried this instapot navy bean soup recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!
Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup (No Soak Recipe!)
Equipment
- Instant Pot (or any electric pressure cooker)
Ingredients
- 16 ounces (1 pound) dried navy beans (or substitute with any small dried bean)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 (about 2 cups) carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks (about 1 cup) celery, chopped
- 3 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth (I recommend preheating broth)
- 3 cups water (I recommend preheating the water)
- 1 tsp salt
optional
- 2 cups diced ham (precooked)
- 4 slices bacon, chopped (omit oil and sauté with onions)
Instructions
- Set pressure cooker to sauté. Once the pot is ready, add onions, garlic, and salt. Sauté until garlic begins to turn golden and the onions are translucent (about 3-5 minutes).
- Optional: while the onions and garlic are sauteing, preheat the broth and water (I use a microwave) to speed up the cooking time.
- Pour in the broth and water, and deglaze the Instant Pot by stirring the hot liquid to clean the bottom of the pot.
- Add the navy beans, carrots, and celery to the pot. Press cancel, secure the lid on the pressure cooker and seal the pressure lever (if needed). Set the Instant Pot on high pressure for 45 minutes for dried, non-soaked navy beans. Use 25 minutes for pre-soaked navy beans and 15 minutes for canned navy beans.
- Allow the pressure cooker to naturally release pressure (leave the pot undisturbed) for 10 minutes, then initiate a quick release.
- For a creamier soup, use a potato masher to mash the beans until they are creamy.
- Serve bean soup warm, topped with cheese, bacon bits, fried onions, green onions, or your favorite soup garnish.
Video
Notes
- Set Instant Pot time based on whether beans are dried, canned, and/or pre-soaked.
- You’ll need high pressure for 45 minutes for dried, unsoaked navy beans. Use 25 minutes for pre-soaked navy beans and 15 minutes for canned navy beans.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container storage for up to 1 week. To freeze navy bean soup, let the soup cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- How can I thicken instapot navy bean soup?
- Whisk a teaspoon of cornstarch or flour into a Tablespoon of cold water. Pour this mixture into the hot soup and stir until it dissolves. Add more if needed.
- Do you have to soak navy beans for soup?
- If you are using dried beans and making soup in a pot on the stove, then yes. However, if you are using the Instant Pot, then there is no need to pre-soak the beans. Canned navy beans also do not need pre-soaking.
- How healthy is navy bean soup?
- Navy bean soup is quite healthy. The beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber.
- Hearty Ham and Bean Soup: For a traditional spin, add 2 cups of diced, cooked ham to your pot for a rich, savory taste that enhances every bite. If you have a leftover ham bone or ham hock, toss it in while the beans cook to deepen the flavor. This variation pairs wonderfully with warm cornbread or crusty sourdough.
- Bean and Bacon Twist: Transform this into a comforting bean and bacon soup Instant Pot dish by omitting the oil and sautéing 4 slices of chopped bacon along with the onions. Add a pinch of red pepper flake to bring a little kick and complement the smokiness of the bacon. Serve with roasted vegetables or a simple side salad for a full meal.
- Vegetarian Classic: To make a plant-based version of navy beans soup Instant Pot, simply use vegetable stock instead of chicken broth. Enhance the flavor with a sprinkle of dried thyme, a couple of bay leaves, and your favorite spices. This vegetarian option is easy on the wallet, full of flavor, and makes a great meatless dinner.
- Mixed Bean Medley: Change things up by using a mix of beans like cannellini, black beans, or Great Northern beans in place of navy beans. Add a dash of Italian seasoning and a spoonful of low sodium broth to balance the bold flavors. For even more depth, a ham shank works well in this variation and adds a satisfying richness to every spoonful.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container storage for up to 1 week. To freeze navy bean soup, let the soup cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
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Ieva says
This is exactly the soup I needed yesterday. Was feeling a little under the weather, so I really appreciated how quickly it came together, and all the warmth and nutritious veggies and pulses sure made me feel better!
MacKenzie says
I have been on the hunt for budget friendly recipes and this is my new favorite. I love that it is made in the instant pot
Kushigalu says
Comforting and delicious soup recipe. Thanks alot for sharing.
Layne Bradford says
Beans were still a little hard after the stated time but otherwise very good taste.
Sue says
I have everything in the pantry to make this tomorrow, and I can’t wait!