Instant Pot Great Northern Beans

5 from 9 votes

This easy Instant Pot recipe for great northern beans doesn't require any soaking, making it a quick and convenient way to make tender and flavorful beans in a pressure cooker.

Prep Time5

Cook Time35

bringing pot to pressure and natural pressure release35

Total Time1 15

Course: Main Course, Side Dish, Lunch, Dinner

Cuisine: American

Keyword: pressure cooker, dried beans, white beans, instant pot recipe, Instant pot beans recipe, Instant Pot Great Northern beans

Servings: servings

Calories: 168kcal

Author: Renae Gerhardstein

Equipment

Ingredients

1 pound dry great northern beans (may be called northern beans)
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups hot water (preheating your liquid saves time)
3 cups hot chicken broth (can substitute with more water)

optional

1 onion cut into quarters

Instructions

Rinse and pick through dried beans, removing any shriveled beans or rocks. Place them in the pressure cooker, then add salt, broth, water, and onion. *Using hot water and broth helps bring the pot to pressure faster, reducing your cooking time.
Seal the lid, turn or press the sealing lever (if needed), and set on high pressure for 35 minutes. When done, allow a 20 minute natural pressure release (leave pot undisturbed), then do a quick release my twisting or pressing the sealing lever/button.
Using pot holders, carefully remove the pot liner and drain the beans in a colander. Rinse until the water runs clear.
Serve them alone, use in another recipe (as you would canned beans), or store in the refrigerator or freezer for later (see notes below).

Notes

Using hot water and broth in the pot helps it to reach pressure faster, which reduces your cooking time.

Recipe Variations:

Try these add-ins:

Add garlic or herbs when cooking them for a little more flavor.
Use broth instead of water for more flavor.
Add ham hock, bacon, or sausage for a heartier dish.
For a little spice, stir in a teaspoon or two of chili powder, cumin, or smoked paprika.

Presoaking is optional with this recipe. If you presoak them, reduce the natural pressure release time to 10 minutes.

Storing Instructions:

Store pressure-cooked beans in the fridge for up to four days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To freeze, let them cooll completely. Then transfer them to a Ziplock freezer bag or an air-tight storage container.
To reheat, thaw from frozen in the fridge overnight. Then reheat them in the Instant Pot on the saute setting or in the microwave. You can also reheat them by adding them to soups, stews, or chili.

Nutrition