How to Make Instant Pot Great Northern Beans

Introduction

Discover how easy it is to cook hearty, creamy Great Northern beans from scratch using your Instant Pot. The pressure cooker turns what’s normally an all-day stovetop task into a simple, almost hands-off process—no overnight soaking required. Enjoy these tender beans as a protein-packed side dish, a comforting main, or add them to soups and stews.

Skip canned beans for once and taste the superior flavor and texture of freshly cooked Great Northern beans. This method is quick, convenient, and versatile—making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead.

Why This Instant Pot Great Northern Beans Recipe Stands Out

Using an Instant Pot gives you perfectly cooked beans in a fraction of the time. The pressure cooking method not only saves hours, it helps the beans absorb maximum flavor from aromatics and spices. You’ll get beans with a creamy interior and tender skin, ideal for everything from salads to casseroles.

You can easily customize the seasoning, plus the Instant Pot frees up your stovetop for other recipes. Say goodbye to mushy, overcooked beans and hello to consistency and delicious results every single time.

Choosing and Prepping the Beans

Start with dried Great Northern beans for optimal results. Give them a quick rinse to remove dust or debris—no soaking necessary. Chop aromatics such as onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. For fast, even dicing, try the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper; it speeds up your prep work and ensures evenly cooked veggies.

If you want to add even more flavor, toss in a bay leaf or fresh herbs during cooking.

Cooking Instructions for Instant Pot Great Northern Beans

Place the rinsed beans, chopped veggies, broth (or water), and your favorite seasonings into the Instant Pot. With just a few button presses on the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 6 Quart, you’ll have beautifully cooked beans in less than an hour.

No need for constant monitoring; the Instant Pot takes care of everything, including automatic pressure release.

Serving Ideas & Storing Leftovers

Once cooked, serve your Great Northern beans alongside rice, with grilled meats, or as an addition to hearty soups. They store well in the fridge, making them perfect for meal prepping—keep them fresh in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers so they’re ready to use throughout the week.

Add leftovers to salads using a large Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl for easy transport and freshness at work or school.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately 6 generous servings. Each serving of plain cooked Great Northern beans contains about 220 calories, 15 grams of protein, and plenty of fiber—making them filling and nutritious. With minimal added fat, beans are a smart choice for heart health and plant-based diets.

How to Make Instant Pot Great Northern Beans (Recap)

Great Northern beans are easy, quick, and delicious when made in the Instant Pot. Skip the long stovetop simmer and the hassle of canned beans. This method delivers tender, flavorful beans perfect for any dish, and cleanup is a breeze.

Instructions

1. Sort and rinse the dried beans under cold water. Place them in the Instant Pot.
2. Using the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper, dice the onion, carrot, and celery for fast, uniform results. Mince the garlic.
3. Add chopped vegetables, minced garlic, broth (or water), salt, pepper, olive oil, and bay leaf (if using) into the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 6 Quart with the beans.
4. Lock the lid and set the valve to ‘sealing.’ Select ‘Pressure Cook’ or ‘Manual’ and set for 35 minutes at high pressure.
5. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 20 minutes after cooking, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
6. Discard the bay leaf. Taste the beans for seasoning, and add more salt if needed. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
7. Store cooled leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or pack into a Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl for portable lunches.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes (plus 20 minutes pressure release)

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes