Dinner

Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup: The Coziest One-Pot Meal for Chilly Days

BY Abby

On : May 1, 2025

Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup is one of those magic meals that hits the spot every single time. Like, you toss a few pantry staples in the pot, hit a button, and boom—dinner’s done. Honestly, I didn’t believe it until I tried it myself. Whether you’re whipping something up after work, feeding a crowd, or just craving that homemade comfort vibe, this soup’s got your back. And the best part? No soaking required, unless you’re into that sort of thing.

This guide is all about Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup—we’ll talk navy beans, Instant Pot settings, flavor-boosting hacks, and even debunk some common bean myths. If you’re looking to turn a bag of dry beans into a creamy, protein-packed dish with zero fuss, you’re in the right place.

Don’t miss our guide to Instant Pot pantry meals—they’re perfect when your fridge is looking kinda empty.

Table of Contents show

Understanding Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup and Their Benefits

What Are Navy Beans?

Let’s clear this up first—navy beans aren’t just for the Navy, even though that’s how they got their name (yep, sailors used to live off these bad boys). They’re small, white, and super mild-tasting, which makes them soak up whatever flavor you throw at them. That creamy texture? Totally soup-worthy—especially in Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup, where their texture shines.

Nutritional Benefits of Navy Beans

These little guys are packed—like, fiber, protein, folate, and iron kind of packed. And get this: a single cup can give you nearly half your daily fiber needs. Good for your gut, good for your heart, and good for that feeling of being full without going overboard.

Why Choose Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup for Flavor and Simplicity

Aside from the taste? They’re cheap. They’re shelf-stable. And in the Instant Pot, they cook fast—like 35 minutes fast without even needing a soak. Perfect for weeknights when takeout is tempting but you’re trying to behave. Plus, they hold up beautifully in brothy soups, making them ideal for recipes like Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup where every spoonful needs to deliver texture and flavor.

Prepping Your Ingredients and Instant Pot the Right Way

Ingredients You’ll Need for Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup

Assorted ingredients for bean soup including white beans, broth, diced vegetables, herbs, and oil arranged on a white-grey surface.

Okay, first things first—don’t overthink it. One of the best parts about making Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup is how flexible the ingredients are. But here’s a solid starting lineup:

1 cup dried navy beans, rinsed (no need to soak!)
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, chopped
1–1½ cups smoked Turkey breasts or sliced smoked sausage (totally optional, but adds big flavor)
4–5 cups chicken broth (make sure it’s gluten-free if you’re keeping it GF)
1 bay leaf
1 tsp dried thyme (or a sprig if using fresh)
½ tsp dried rosemary
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil for sautéing

Optional flavor boosters:

A dash of liquid smoke (if going meatless but still want that smoky depth)
Splash of apple cider vinegar (for brightness after cooking)

Looking for a cozy side? Try these gluten-free biscuits—they’re perfect for dunking in this soup.

Prepping Tips: Make Life Easy Before the Pressure’s On

Before you even plug in the Instant Pot, do a quick chop of your veggies and rinse those beans. No need to soak—yes, really, the pressure cooking handles that. If you’re using meat, cube it ahead so it gets evenly heated without falling apart.

Bonus tip: sauté your onions, garlic, carrots, and celery in a little olive oil using the “Sauté” function before you add everything else. Trust me, it adds that first-layer flavor you’d normally only get after hours of simmering.

Instant Pot Setup and Cooking Process

Instant Pot showing sautéed vegetables in one half and a bean stew with herbs and broth in the other half on a white-grey ceramic surface.

Here’s the deal:

Set the Instant Pot to Sauté, heat oil, then add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook till soft.
Add beans, meat (if using), broth, bay leaf, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
Cancel Sauté. Lock the lid. Set to Pressure Cook (or Manual) for 35 minutes.
Once it’s done, let the pressure release naturally for 10–15 minutes, then do a quick release.
Remove bay leaf, adjust seasoning, and enjoy!

If it feels too brothy? Hit Sauté again for a few minutes with the lid off to reduce it. Too thick? Add a splash of broth or water.

Discover great ideas like this gluten-free meatball soup if you want to swap proteins or keep the soup party going.

Cooking Time & Instant Pot Tricks That Actually Work

How Long to Cook Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup for Perfect Texture

Alright, here’s the straight-up answer: 35 minutes on High Pressure, followed by a natural release for 10–15 minutes. That’s the sweet spot for soft, creamy beans without them totally falling apart.

You might see some folks say 25 minutes or 40. Sure, those can work—but 35 is that “just right” Goldilocks zone for Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup. If you like your beans a bit firmer, shave off 5 minutes. Want ‘em melting into the broth? Bump it up to 40.

Pro Tip: If your beans are old (like, been in the pantry since pre-pandemic), add an extra 5 minutes. Old beans take longer—science.

Steaming bowl of navy bean soup with ham and parsley served in a white bowl on a rustic table.

Using the Soup Setting: Does It Even Matter?

So, about that “Soup” button on your Instant Pot. Does it work? Yes. Is it better than “Pressure Cook”? Not really.

Here’s the deal:

The Soup mode just means it builds pressure a bit more gently to keep delicate ingredients (like veggies or beans) from turning to mush.
It’s safe to use, but you’ll get the same results using Manual/Pressure Cook and setting your own time.

Honestly, I use Manual almost every time. More control, same flavor. Just don’t forget the natural release—it lets the flavors settle and keeps the beans from blowing up.

Check out this Instant Pot breakdown if you’re still getting comfy with your pressure cooker.

Quick Fixes If Something Goes Wrong

We’ve all been there. Here’s how to troubleshoot like a pro:

Beans still hard? Add 5 more minutes and reseal. Happens with older beans or low pressure.
Too watery? Use Sauté with the lid off for 5–10 mins to thicken.
Too thick? Stir in extra broth or water till you like the consistency.
Flat flavor? Add a splash of vinegar, squeeze of lemon, or more salt. Seriously—it’s magic.

Don’t miss our easy gluten-free butternut squash soup for another warm-you-up bowl you’ll crave.

Flavor Add-Ins and Variations You’ll Want to Try

Flavor Boosters for a Next-Level Soup

Alright, once you’ve nailed the basics of your Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup, it’s time to make it yours. A few small tweaks can totally transform this humble bowl into something people ask for again (and again).

Here are some easy add-ins and flavor enhancers:

Smoked paprika – Just ½ tsp gives a deep, smoky backbone.
Crushed red pepper flakes – For that lil’ kick if you’re into spice.
Liquid smoke – One drop goes a long way (especially if you’re skipping meat).
Bay leaf & rosemary combo – Already in there, but you can add more or go fresh.
Nutritional yeast – Sounds weird, tastes like magic. Adds a cheesy umami vibe (and it’s gluten-free!).
Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice – Just a splash at the end brightens everything.

Looking for inspiration? Try this veggie-packed gluten-free soup that brings big flavor without meat or dairy.

Meaty, Vegan, and All-Around Awesome Variations

Don’t be afraid to switch it up—this soup is your canvas:

Meaty Versions:

Beef bacon: Crisp it first in the pot before adding other ingredients.
Smoked Turkey breasts : Toss it in whole for a rich, smoky broth. Shred the meat at the end.
Turkey sausage: A leaner protein swap that still packs a punch.

Meatless But Mighty:

Add mushrooms (sauté first)—they give an earthy depth.
Stir in some baby spinach or kale right after cooking. Greens wilt fast and boost nutrition.
Use vegetable broth instead of chicken for a 100% plant-based version.

Chunky vs. Creamy:

Want it creamier? Use an immersion blender to partially blend some of the soup (or scoop out a few cups and blend, then return to the pot).
Prefer it chunky? Just skip blending entirely and maybe cut your veggies a little bigger.

Craving carbs? Don’t miss our gluten-free pita chip recipe—they’re killer on top of a hot bowl of soup.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips for Busy Weeks

How to Store Your Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup

So, you made a big ol’ pot of Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup—now what? First off, congrats! You’re about to have the easiest lunches or weeknight dinners on deck.

Here’s the best way to store it:

Let it cool to room temp (don’t throw piping-hot soup into the fridge).
Transfer to airtight containers—glass jars or BPA-free plastic work great.
Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Heads up: this soup thickens as it sits. That’s totally normal. When you reheat, just splash in a little broth or water to get it back to that perfect consistency.

Discover how to meal prep like a pro with our make-ahead chicken pot pie recipe—a freezer favorite too!

Can You Freeze Navy Bean Soup? Heck Yes!

Absolutely. This soup freezes like a champ. The beans hold up great, and the flavor might even get better with time. Just:

Freeze in individual portions (so you don’t have to thaw a giant block).
Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags (lay ‘em flat to save space).
Label with the date (trust me, you won’t remember).

It’ll last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge or zap it gently in the microwave before reheating fully.

Reheating Tips (Without Overcooking Everything)

When it’s time to bring that soup back to life:

On the stovetop: Heat over medium, stir often, add a little broth if needed.
In the microwave: Reheat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
In the Instant Pot: Use the “Sauté” function—just don’t walk away from it!

Avoid reheating more than once if possible—beans get mushy and flavor fades.

Don’t miss our guide to gluten-free breakfast casseroles for another batch-friendly, freezer-loving recipe.

Equipment You’ll Need

FAQs Answered (Let’s Clear Up the Confusion)

How long to cook white navy beans in an Instant Pot?

For unsoaked dried navy beans, cook them for 35 minutes on High Pressure, then let the pressure release naturally for 10–15 minutes. That gives you tender, creamy beans—perfect for soaking up flavor in your Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup. If your beans are older or extra dry, you might need to add another 5 minutes.

Do you have to soak beans before Instant Pot?

Nope. That’s the beauty of using an Instant Pot—you can skip the soaking step entirely. Pressure cooking breaks down the starches and tough skins fast. If you do soak them, cut the pressure cook time down to about 20–25 minutes. But really? Totally optional.

Is there a difference between navy beans and great northern beans?

Yep, there is! While both are white beans, navy beans are smaller, softer, and creamier. Great northern beans are bigger and hold their shape a bit better. You can swap them in a pinch, but if you want that classic silky texture in Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup, stick with navy beans.

What is the soup setting on Instant Pot?

The Soup button on your Instant Pot is a preset that builds pressure more slowly and gently. It’s meant to prevent delicate ingredients like beans and veggies from breaking apart too much. That said, you’ll get just as good results using Manual (Pressure Cook) with your own custom time—like 35 minutes for navy beans.

Conclusion

If you’ve made it this far, you’re officially ready to whip up the most comforting, hearty, no-fuss Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup ever. Whether you’re feeding the whole fam, meal prepping like a pro, or just want a warm bowl after a cold day—this soup’s got you covered.

Remember, the Instant Pot takes the stress out of cooking dried beans, no soaking required. Navy beans give you that creamy, dreamy texture, and the flavor possibilities are basically endless. From smoky ham to veggie-packed variations, this soup flexes with whatever you’ve got in your fridge or pantry.

Oh, and leftovers? They might taste even better the next day. Just sayin’.

For more cozy gluten-free meal ideas, follow us on Facebook.
See what we’re cooking daily over on Instagram.
Pin this recipe and browse more comfort food classics on Pinterest.