Easy Instant Pot Lima Beans with Ham (No Soaking Required!)
Transform dried lima beans into a hearty, Southern-style comfort food with remarkable ease using your Instant Pot. This hands-off cooking method delivers perfectly tender, flavorful beans in under an hour, eliminating the need for tedious overnight soaking. It’s a versatile and satisfying dish that promises to be a staple in your recipe rotation, offering a filling, budget-friendly, and undeniably delicious meal for any day of the week.
Preparing lima beans in a pressure cooker is an excellent solution for busy individuals or families seeking a wholesome and delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This method not only significantly reduces cooking time but also excels at locking in moisture and intensifying flavors, especially when combined with smoked meats like ham hocks or diced ham. This Instant Pot lima beans and ham recipe is particularly ideal for utilizing leftover holiday ham, transforming it into a rich, savory, and deeply comforting dish that rivals its slow-cooked counterparts in taste, but with a fraction of the preparation time.
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Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Lima Beans Recipe
Our Instant Pot Lima Beans with Ham isn’t just another meal; it’s a culinary experience designed for modern kitchens and busy lives. This recipe brings together a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, all while simplifying the cooking process. Here’s why this dish will quickly become a favorite:
Unbeatable Flavor & Comfort
- A Symphony of Savory Goodness: This hearty soup is a delicious fusion of savory ham, velvety lima beans, and a rich, aromatic broth. The Instant Pot helps infuse every ingredient with deep flavor, resulting in a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for chilly days or any time you crave a taste of home.
- Southern Comfort, Modern Twist: It captures the essence of traditional Southern ham and lima beans but updates it for efficiency. The smoky notes from the ham complement the creamy beans beautifully, creating a well-rounded and nostalgic flavor profile.
Effortless Instant Pot Convenience
- Set-It-and-Forget-It Simplicity: The Instant Pot truly shines here, making this recipe incredibly easy to prepare. Simply combine your ingredients, set the timer, and let the pressure cooker handle the rest. This makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when time is limited, or for leisurely weekends when you prefer a hands-off approach to cooking.
- No Soaking Required: One of the biggest advantages of using the Instant Pot for dried beans is the ability to skip the traditional overnight soaking. This means less planning and more spontaneity, allowing you to whip up this delicious dish whenever the craving strikes.
Budget-Friendly & Nutritious
- Economical Meal Solution: Dried lima beans are incredibly affordable, and this recipe is fantastic for using up leftover holiday ham, making it a truly budget-friendly meal. It stretches your ingredients further, providing several servings of wholesome food.
- Packed with Protein and Nutrients: Beyond its delicious taste, this soup is a nutritious powerhouse. Loaded with plant-based protein from the lima beans and additional protein from the ham, it’s a filling and healthy option. It’s also a great way to incorporate essential vitamins and minerals into your diet, contributing to a well-balanced meal.
The Great Lima Bean vs. Butter Bean Debate
Many people wonder about the difference between butter beans and lima beans, and the answer is surprisingly simple: they are essentially the same bean! The terms “lima bean” and “butter bean” are often used interchangeably, though they sometimes refer to different stages of maturity or specific regional preferences.
Lima beans are typically the younger, greener versions of the bean, often smaller in size and with a slightly more delicate flavor. Butter beans, on the other hand, are generally more mature, larger, and have a paler, often beige or off-white color. They tend to have a creamier texture and a richer, buttery flavor, which gives them their distinctive name. Both come from the same plant, Phaseolus lunatus.
For this recipe, we specify lima beans, but you’ll notice that during the cooking process, even the greener lima beans will lighten in color, taking on a more “buttery” appearance as they become tender and absorb the flavors of the broth and ham. So whether your package says “lima beans” or “butter beans,” you’re on the right track for this delicious Instant Pot dish!
Essential Ingredients & Smart Substitutions
This comforting Instant Pot lima bean soup relies on a straightforward list of ingredients, making it accessible and easy to prepare. Each component plays a crucial role in building the dish’s depth of flavor. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and potential swaps:
The Core 7 Ingredients
Here is the complete list of all 7 key ingredients needed:
- Large Lima Beans: The star of our dish, these can also be labeled as butter beans. For best results, use dried beans. If lima beans are unavailable, you can substitute with other smaller white beans like cannellini, pinto, or great northern beans, adjusting cooking times as needed.
- Precooked Ham: This provides a delicious salty, smoky base. You can use any store-bought precooked ham, or perfectly repurpose your leftover holiday ham. For an even richer flavor, consider adding a ham hock or ham bone, as detailed below.
- Chicken Stock or Vegetable Broth: The liquid base for our soup, contributing significant flavor. Using a low-sodium variety allows you to control the overall saltiness.
- Water: Essential for cooking the dried beans to perfect tenderness in the pressure cooker.
- Yellow Onion: Adds a foundational aromatic sweetness and depth. White onion can be used as an alternative.
- Garlic: A crucial ingredient for a savory, robust soup. If you prefer, garlic can be omitted or substituted with chives, green onions, or leek leaves for a milder allium flavor.
- Bay Leaves: These herbs impart a subtle yet complex aromatic depth to the broth. While ideal, if you don’t have them, you can experiment with other complementary seasonings like a pinch of cumin, a dash of chili powder, or a blend of dried thyme and oregano, depending on your personal taste preference.
You have flexibility with your beans: use dried lima beans soaked overnight, a quick soak 1-hour method (easily done in the Instant Pot), or even frozen lima beans for this Instant Pot recipe.
Boost Flavor with Ham Bone or Ham Hock
🎯 Pro Tip: Maximize Flavor!
To truly elevate the savory richness of this lima bean soup, consider adding a leftover ham bone from Christmas or Easter, or a single large ham hock. While any precooked diced ham provides excellent flavor, a ham bone or hock contributes an unparalleled depth, smokiness, and collagen-rich body to the broth, taking the savoriness to a whole new level. This is a fantastic way to utilize holiday leftovers and impart an authentic, slow-cooked taste in record time. You might also enjoy our ham in coke slow cooker recipe for more ham-inspired ideas.
Creative Recipe Variations
Once you master the basic Instant Pot Lima Beans and Ham, feel free to experiment with these delicious variations to suit your taste or dietary needs:
- Ham Hock & Diced Ham Combo: For the deepest, smoky richness, use one large ham hock in place of some of the diced ham. If the ham hock is particularly meaty, you may want to reduce the amount of diced precooked ham to about 3 cups to ensure the flavors remain balanced and not overwhelmingly smoky.
- Vegetarian Lima Bean Stew: To transform this into a hearty vegetarian meal, simply omit the ham entirely and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. For added flavor and texture, stir in some cannellini beans along with the lima beans. Finish the dish by adding diced red peppers, a generous squeeze of fresh lime juice, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro just before serving for brightness and depth.
- Bacon-Loaded Beans: If you’re a fan of bacon, this variation is for you! Replace the ham with a pound of crispy sautéed and crumbled bacon. The salty, crispy bits of bacon add a fantastic textural contrast and a different smoky profile. A squeeze of lime juice before serving perfectly cuts through the richness.
- Southwest Veggie & Bean Mix: For a more colorful and vegetable-packed dish, stir in chopped carrots, celery, and diced bell peppers after the pressure cooking cycle is complete. Add a can of pinto beans (drained and rinsed) at this stage too. Simmer the mixture on the Instant Pot’s sauté mode for 5-10 minutes, or until the added vegetables are tender-crisp, for a heartier, more vibrant meal.
Equipment You’ll Need
The star of this recipe, making it incredibly quick and convenient, is an electric pressure cooker. You will need:
- An electric pressure cooker, with a minimum capacity of 6 quarts, is essential for this recipe.
Some popular and reliable brands for electric pressure cookers include:
- Instant Pot (various models)
- Ninja Foodi
- Crockpot Express
- Cuisinart Pressure Cooker
- GoWISE USA
- Chef IQ
New to Instant Pot Cooking? If you’re just starting your pressure cooking journey, we recommend reading a comprehensive guide like “How to Use the Instant Pot 101” first. For additional handy tricks and tips, “Instant Pot for Beginners” offers valuable insights for both new owners and seasoned Instant Pot users alike!
Understanding Dried Lima Beans: Soaking or No Soaking?
One of the beauties of using an Instant Pot for dried beans is the flexibility it offers regarding soaking. While traditional methods often require an overnight soak, the pressure cooker can significantly shorten or even eliminate this step.
Overnight Soaking Method
For those who prefer the traditional approach, simply follow the directions on your package of dried baby lima beans or butter beans to soak them overnight. This generally involves rinsing the beans, placing them in a large bowl, covering them with several inches of water, and letting them sit for 8-12 hours. Draining and rinsing them again before cooking helps reduce gas-producing compounds and can lead to a more evenly cooked, tender bean.
Quick Soak in the Instant Pot
If you forgot to soak your beans overnight, or are short on time, the Instant Pot offers a fantastic quick-soak method. You can find detailed instructions for how to quickly soak dried beans right in the Instant Pot, often reducing the soaking time to just an hour. Alternatively, frozen lima beans are a convenient pre-soaked option that works perfectly in this recipe.
The No-Soak Instant Pot Method
The most convenient option is to skip soaking altogether! Using dry lima beans directly in the Instant Pot makes this a truly hands-off, budget-friendly recipe, and they emerge incredibly delicious when cooked with ham. If you choose not to soak your beans, simply add an additional 20 minutes to the pressure cooking time. This means your no-soak beans will pressure cook for a total of 45 minutes instead of 25 minutes. For more details on cooking dried beans and dispelling common myths, you can refer to this handy reference article.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Instant Pot Lima Beans and Ham
Preparing this hearty and comforting ham and lima bean soup (or butter bean soup) in your Instant Pot couldn’t be simpler. With just a few basic steps, you’ll have a family-friendly dinner on the table that tastes like it simmered all day. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend when you crave something deeply satisfying and easy to make.
Simple 3-Step Process
- Combine Ingredients: Add all of your carefully measured ingredients to the inner pot of your Instant Pot or pressure cooker. Ensure that the total volume of ingredients does not exceed the maximum fill line of your pot to allow for proper pressure buildup. Secure the lid firmly in place and rotate the pressure release valve to the “Sealing” position (if your model requires this manual step).
- Pressure Cook to Perfection: Cook the mixture on high pressure for 25 minutes (if using pre-soaked beans). Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure cooker to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. This natural release time is crucial for preventing the beans from bursting and helps them retain their tenderness and shape. After 10 minutes, carefully perform a quick pressure release to vent any remaining steam until the float valve drops.
- Thicken and Season: Carefully remove the lid once all pressure has been released. The beans will appear soupy at this stage. To achieve your desired thickness, switch the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode with the lid off. Stir frequently as the liquid reduces and thickens, which typically takes a few minutes. Finally, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your preference.
And just like that, your delicious ham and lima bean soup is ready! This recipe makes for a wonderfully gluten-free, quick, and easy one-pot meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
For an extra touch of Southern charm, serve this comforting dish with our dairy-free cornbread recipe!
What to Serve with Your Hearty Lima Beans
These Instant Pot lima beans are warm, hearty, and incredibly comforting, making them perfect as a standalone main dish or a satisfying side. To complete a classic Southern-style meal, here are some delicious serving suggestions:
- Classic Bread Pairings: For soaking up every last drop of the flavorful broth, serve your lima beans with warm, fluffy cornbread, homemade buttery biscuits, or a slice of crusty bread.
- Hearty Bases: For an even more substantial meal, pair the lima beans with a bed of fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes. The beans can be spooned directly over these foundations.
- Fresh Sides: To add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup, serve a simple side of tender collard greens, sautéed mustard greens, or a crisp, tangy cucumber salad. A light green salad with a vinaigrette dressing would also be excellent.
- Optional Kick: For those who enjoy a little heat, always offer a bottle of your favorite hot sauce at the table. A dash can really brighten and enhance the flavors.
Explore Our Other Delicious Bean Recipes!
If you love the convenience of your Instant Pot, be sure to try our Instant Pot Pinto Beans or our comforting Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup, both fantastic side dish options. For those who enjoy slow cooking, our Slow Cooker Calico Beans are a delightful and effortless choice. If you prefer stovetop cooking, our Stovetop Chili Con Carne is packed with flavor. Don’t forget to check out our Fresh Green Beans in Instant Pot, the refreshing Cucumber and Bean Salad, and our classic Calico Beans casserole for more bean-inspired culinary adventures.
Equipment Used in this Recipe
- An electric pressure cooker, at least 6 quart-sized, is used with this recipe.
These are popular brands for Instant Pot:
- Ninja Foodi
- Crockpot Express
- Cuisinart Pressure Cooker
- GoWISE USA
- Chef IQ
New to Instant Pot Cooking? Read How to Use the Instant Pot 101 first! And, then Instant Pot for beginners is great for new owners and seasoned IP-ers alike!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, absolutely! If you’re using canned lima or butter beans, you can substitute the dried beans with three 15-ounce cans of your preferred canned beans. Since canned beans are already cooked, the pressure cooking time will be significantly reduced to just 15 minutes. You will also want to omit the water from the recipe, as it will be unnecessary with canned beans.
No problem at all! The Instant Pot is fantastic for dried beans because it can handle them without prior soaking. You can either use our quick soak method right in the Instant Pot (which takes about an hour), or simply skip soaking altogether. If you choose the no-soak method, just add an extra 20 minutes to the pressure cooking time, making it a total of 45 minutes. Another excellent alternative is to use frozen lima beans in place of dried beans, which require no soaking.
Proper storage is key to enjoying your leftovers. Once the lima bean soup has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This soup also freezes exceptionally well; portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
This hearty lima bean and ham soup pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a traditional Southern experience, a big piece of homemade easy fluffy buttermilk biscuits or a slice of warm cornbread are perfect for soaking up the delicious broth. For those who enjoy a little spice, some delightful jalapeno cheddar sourdough bread also makes an excellent accompaniment.
Easy Instant Pot Lima Beans with Ham Recipe Card
Lima Beans in Instant Pot
Renae Gerhardstein
Recipe Summary
Pin
Key Details
Equipment
- Instant Pot (or any electric pressure cooker)
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried lima beans, soaked overnight or quick soak (for non-soaked beans see notes below)
- 6 cups precooked ham, diced
- 3 cups chicken broth or stock, low sodium
- 3 cups water
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bay leaves
Optional:
- 1 ham hock or ham bone
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to the Instant Pot or pressure cooker, ensuring you do not exceed the fill line of the pot. Lock pressure cooker lid into place, put pressure lever to seal (if needed). Cook at high pressure for 25 minutes.
- After pressure cooking, allow pressure cooker to naturally release for 10 minutes, then initiate a quick release.
- The beans will be soupy in texture. To thicken the beans, cook on sauté mode with lid off until desired thickness, stirring frequently. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Video
Notes & Tips
- For an incredibly rich and savory flavor, use a ham bone leftover from Christmas or Easter, or a ham hock, in place of or in addition to some of the diced ham. This will deepen the broth’s flavor significantly.
- If you choose not to soak your dried beans, add 20 minutes to the pressure cooking time, for a total of 45 minutes on high pressure.
Recipe Variations:
- Ham Hock Swap: For deeper, smoky richness, use one large ham hock in place of some of the diced meat. If it’s meaty, reduce the amount of diced Instant Pot ham to about 3 cups so the flavors stay balanced.
- Vegetarian Version: To make it suitable for vegetarians, skip the meat and use vegetable broth. Add cannellini beans, red peppers, and finish with a splash of lime juice and chopped cilantro for brightness and depth.
- Bacon-Loaded Beans: Replace the ham with a pound of sautéed and crumbled bacon for a salty, crispy edge. The bacon adds a delicious twist and pairs well with a squeeze of lime just before serving.
Storing Instructions:
- Keep your cooled leftovers in an airtight container or storage in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This soup will also freeze well for up to 3 months.
Nutritional Information
More Comforting Bean & Soup Recipes
If you enjoyed this Instant Pot lima bean recipe, you’ll love exploring these other delightful soup and bean dishes:
- Ultimate Clam Chowder Recipe
- Creamy Jalapeno Soup
- 3-Ingredient Tomato Soup
- 15 Bean Soup Crock Pot Recipe
- Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup
- Slow Cooker Calico Beans
Final Thoughts & Your Feedback
We hope this comprehensive guide inspires you to create your own batch of delicious and comforting Instant Pot Lima Beans with Ham. This recipe proves that hearty, flavorful meals don’t have to take all day. The convenience of the pressure cooker, combined with the rich flavors of ham and tender lima beans, makes for an unforgettable dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
If you tried this lima beans in pressure cooker recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Your feedback is invaluable and helps other home cooks discover wonderful new recipes. Thanks for visiting!