Can I cook these beans without soaking them first?

Yes, you can skip the soaking step, but you'll need to increase the cooking time to about 30-35 minutes in the Instant Pot. Keep in mind that unsoaked beans may not cook as evenly and can cause more digestive discomfort for some people.

Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of in an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! Prepare everything as directed, but simmer in a covered pot on the stovetop for about 1.5-2 hours, or until beans are tender. You may need to add more liquid as they cook.

My beans are still firm after the cooking time. What went wrong?

The age of your beans could be the culprit. Older beans take longer to cook. If your beans aren't tender, simply cook them for another 5-10 minutes on high pressure. Also, acidic ingredients (like tomatoes) can prevent beans from softening, so always add those after beans are tender.

How can I thicken the broth if it's too soupy?

Remove about 1/4 cup of beans, mash them thoroughly with a fork, and stir them back into the pot. You can also simmer the mixture with the lid off for a few minutes to reduce the liquid.

Hearty Great Northern Beans Recipe

Name: Hearty Great Northern Beans Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound great northern beans; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 large onion, diced; 4 cups water; 13 1/2 ounces chicken broth; 1 1/2 cups smoked ham, cut into cubes; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon cloves

This incredibly satisfying Great Northern Beans recipe transforms humble ingredients into a soul-warming meal that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. The magic happens in just 25 minutes in your Instant Pot! The tender beans, smoky ham, and perfect blend of spices create a dish that’s both comforting and impressive. Whether you’re looking for a nourishing weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, these beans deliver exceptional flavor with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Simple: Just toss everything in the Instant Pot and let it work its magic. Perfect for those nights when you want something homemade but don’t have the energy for complicated cooking.
Budget-Friendly: Great Northern beans are incredibly economical, making this a wallet-friendly option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
Deeply Satisfying: The combination of creamy beans, savory ham, and aromatic spices creates a dish that feels like comfort in a bowl.
Time-Saving: Using the Instant Pot cuts down the cooking time dramatically – no need to simmer beans for hours!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Great Northern Beans: These mild-flavored, medium-sized white beans have a delicate nutty taste and creamy texture that makes them perfect for absorbing flavors. Be sure to soak them properly.
Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and essential savory notes that complement the beans beautifully.
Onion: Provides sweetness and body to the broth; the foundation of flavor in this dish.
Water: The cooking liquid that will help transform your beans from rock-hard to perfectly tender.
Chicken Broth: Adds richness and depth that plain water simply can’t provide. The savory backbone of the dish.
Smoked Ham: Contributes incredible smoky flavor and meaty texture. The fat from the ham also enriches the broth.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors together.
Paprika: Adds subtle warmth and a hint of sweetness that balances the savory elements.
Cloves: This unexpected spice brings a warming, aromatic quality that elevates the entire dish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Vegetarian Version

Skip the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add a tablespoon of smoked paprika to maintain that smoky flavor, and consider adding some sautéed mushrooms for umami depth.

Spicy Twist

Add a diced jalapeño or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes for heat. A splash of hot sauce just before serving works wonders too.

Herbed Beans

Toss in a bay leaf during cooking and finish with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley for brightness.

Tomato-Enriched

Add a can of diced tomatoes for acidity and richness that complements the creamy beans beautifully.

How to Make Great Northern Beans

Step a: Prep the Beans

Wash the beans thoroughly, removing any debris or damaged beans. Place them in a large bowl and cover with water. Let them soak overnight for best results, or quick-soak for at least 10 minutes if you’re in a hurry.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Drain the soaked beans and add them to your Instant Pot. Add the minced garlic, diced onion, water, chicken broth, smoked ham cubes, salt, pepper, paprika, and cloves. Give everything a good stir to combine.

Step 3: Pressure Cook

Close the Instant Pot lid securely and set the vent to the sealing position. Set to high pressure for 15 minutes. If you’ve only soaked your beans for the quick 10-minute method, increase cooking time to 25 minutes.

Step 4: Natural Release

Once cooking is complete, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. This additional time helps the beans finish cooking and absorb more flavor.

Step 5: Final Seasoning

After releasing any remaining pressure, open the lid carefully. Give the beans a stir and taste. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Bean Quality Matters: Always check your beans for small stones or damaged beans before cooking.
Salt Timing: Adding salt at the beginning helps flavor the beans throughout, contrary to the old myth that it toughens them.
Ham Selection: Look for a good quality, smoky ham steak or leftover holiday ham for the best flavor. The fattier parts will add richness to your beans.
Quick-Soak Method: If you forget to soak overnight, you can bring beans to a boil for 2 minutes, then let them sit covered for 1 hour before draining and proceeding with the recipe.
Consistency Control: If you prefer thicker beans, mash some against the side of the pot after cooking. For thinner beans, add a splash more broth.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

These beans shine alongside a slice of buttery cornbread or crusty sourdough for sopping up the flavorful broth. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.

Complete Meal Ideas

Turn this into a complete meal by serving over steamed rice or with a side of roasted sweet potatoes. Add a side of braised greens like collards or kale for a traditional Southern-inspired meal.

Garnish Suggestions

Brighten up your bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, a dash of hot sauce, or a dollop of sour cream. Some thinly sliced green onions add color and a fresh bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer leftover beans to an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days. The flavor actually improves after a day, making this perfect for meal prep.

Freezing

These beans freeze beautifully for up to 6 months. Portion them into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat beans in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until warm throughout. Alternatively, warm them on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if they’ve thickened too much.

FAQs

Can I cook these beans without soaking them first?

Yes, you can skip the soaking step, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time to about 30-35 minutes in the Instant Pot. Keep in mind that unsoaked beans may not cook as evenly and can cause more digestive discomfort for some people.
Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of in an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! Prepare everything as directed, but simmer in a covered pot on the stovetop for about 1.5-2 hours, or until beans are tender. You may need to add more liquid as they cook.
My beans are still firm after the cooking time. What went wrong?

The age of your beans could be the culprit. Older beans take longer to cook. If your beans aren’t tender, simply cook them for another 5-10 minutes on high pressure. Also, acidic ingredients (like tomatoes) can prevent beans from softening, so always add those after beans are tender.
How can I thicken the broth if it’s too soupy?

Remove about 1/4 cup of beans, mash them thoroughly with a fork, and stir them back into the pot. You can also simmer the mixture with the lid off for a few minutes to reduce the liquid.

Final Thoughts

This Great Northern Beans recipe proves that humble ingredients can create something truly special. The combination of creamy beans and smoky ham creates a dish that’s both satisfying and nourishing, while the Instant Pot makes it accessible even on busy weeknights. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, these beans will bring comfort and flavor to your table with minimal effort. Give them a try – this might just become your new go-to recipe for those days when you crave something wholesome and delicious!