Instant Pot Navy Beans {No Soaking}

Navy Beans in the Instant Pot are a perfect make-ahead! They’re also an excellent fibre-booster, and a great source of protein along with heart-healthy nutrients like magnesium and potassium. Oh, and did I mention they taste great? Nevertheless, today’s Instant Pot Navy Beans recipe will show you just how easy it is to make these ahead. I will also describe the science of Instant Pot cooking, why I love navy beans and finally showcase different ways you can include them in your diet with simple meal ideas. 

As a new mom, I am LOVING prepping ahead so that I can focus on other things (or many other things!) Nevertheless, the Instant Pot has become a BFF since it gives me the freedom to “set it and then forget it.” I don’t even have to worry about stopping the cooking or taking the beans out of the pot once finished. I get to them in my time! Let’s get these Navy Beans meal prepped!

What is an Instant Pot? 

The Instant Pot is a multipurpose electric pressure cooker and a big time-saver for many. As a pressure cooker, it can reach temperatures higher than boiling to achieve faster cooking. It does the job of regulating the temperature for you, which means you’re free to do whatever you want, while it does all the work! I love how I can just add my ingredients and don’t have to worry about checking on them. Just seal the pressure valve and enter the right amount of time to cook. Presto! Additionally, when cooking beans, the Instant Pot takes away the need to soak overnight! However, if you care about the beans retaining their shape better, you can soak them first before using your Instant Pot. However, I never soak and find they look great. 

Only need 4 ingredients to make these Instant Pot Navy Beans!

Why I Love Navy Beans: 

Navy beans, also known as Canadian white beans, can be identified by their small, oval shape and white colour when dry. Upon cooking, they turn to a beige, creamy colour, which is what you might be more familiar with. Nutritionally, navy beans are packed with 10 gram of fibre in a ½ cup serving along with 8 grams of plant-based protein. Additionally, these legumes are a great source of heart-healthy potassium, magnesium along with iron. Research supports health benefits to eating more beans since they support weight management, blood sugar control, heart health and bowel regularity. 

Why Make Your Beans At Home: 

You might wonder, why not just buy canned beans? While I do use canned beans, I prefer to make my own in certain instances. For one, sometimes the canned version of navy beans, for example, is unavailable. Therefore, I simply use my Instant Pot method and it gives me the ability to cook any dry bean easily and without soaking. Another factor to consider is dry beans cost less money! Budget saving is a big thing right now and taking advantage of a bag of dry beans saves money with an economical protein. In fact, dry beans costs about a third of the price of their canned counterparts! Be sure to check out our blog on Cheap, Healthy Meals for more ideas! Altogether, this Instant Pot Navy Beans recipe is one you’re going to want to save! 

Bay leaf adds nice flavour to your navy beans in the Instant Pot. See full recipe below!

How do you Release the Pressure?

Once the beans are finished cooking, there are two ways to release pressure. The first is to let the pressure release naturally by simply waiting. The second method is “quick release” using the knob on the tip to release the steam. Keep in mind that with the “quick release” method there may be more splitting in your beans. Finally, be sure to keep a safe distance from the steam that will escape. 

Meal Ideas Using Navy Beans? 

Here are some versatile ways to include Instant Pot Navy Beans in your meals: 

• Add them to make a cold bean salad
• Add them to sauce for Italian Beans on Toast
• Toss them into chili, stir-fries or on top of salads 
• Puree to make a bean dip like hummus
• Substitute them in Ham Pea Soup or Minestrone Soup
• Add them to a curry or stew
• Use them in a Buddha Bowl

How To Store Your Cooked Navy Beans?

After letting your beans cool completely, you can rinse off their liquid and store in an airtight container for about 4 days in the fridge. Alternatively, you can store navy beans in an airtight plastic bag for up to 3 months in the freezer. 

Here’s what you’ll need for this Instant Pot Navy Beans:

• Dried navy beans, rinsed
• Kosher salt
• Bay Leaf 
• Olive oil 
• Water

Instructions for Instant Pot Navy Beans:

1. First, rinse dry navy beans and add to the Instant Pot.
2. Mix remaining ingredients into the beans – salt, bay leaf, water and oil. 
3. Select Manual Pressure Cook on the Instant Pot for 25 minutes. Keep the valve sealed. It will take approximately 15 mins to get up to pressure. 
4. Once complete, release pressure naturally or use the “quick release” with the knob on the lid. 
5. Lastly, rinse and drain your navy beans to enjoy immediately or add them to your cooking with meals suggested above. 

Happy meal prepping!

Instant Pot Navy Beans

Yield: 6

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Additional Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Navy Beans in the Instant Pot are perfect makea- head option!

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Ingredients

• 1 cup dried navy beans, rinsed
• ¼ tsp Kosher salt
• 1 bay leaf
• 3 cups water or stock
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. First, rinse dry navy beans and to the Instant Pot.

2. Add remaining ingredients in with the beans – salt, bay leaf, water and oil.

3. Select Manual Pressure Cook on the Instant pot for 25 minutes. Keep the valve sealed. It will take approximately 15 mins to get up to pressure.

4. Once complete, release pressure naturally or use the ‘quick release’ with the knob on the lid.

5. Rinse and drain your navy beans to enjoy immediately or add them to your cooking with meals suggested above.