Instant Pot Pinto Beans with Ham Hock

There are some meals that just feel like home, and for me, pinto beans cooked with a ham hock sit right at the top of that list.

There are some meals that just feel like home, and for me, pinto beans cooked with a ham hock sit right at the top of that list.

This is the kind of supper that’s fed farm families for generations — simple ingredients, big flavor, and plenty to go around. The only difference? We’re using the Instant Pot to get that slow-cooked, smoky goodness without standing over the stove all day.

If you’ve got a bag of dry pintos and a ham hock tucked away in the freezer, you’re already halfway to supper.

Why We Love Instant Pot Pinto Beans

• Budget-friendly

• Hands-off cooking

• Deep, old-fashioned flavor

• Makes plenty for leftovers

• Even better the next day

And let’s be honest — when groceries are expensive, a pot of beans that can feed your family and stretch into lunches is a blessing. No spend January: I’ve got you.

Everything you need for a pot of old-fashioned pinto beans: simple ingredients. BIG Southern flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 lb dry pinto beans, rinsed and sorted

• 1 ham hock

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced

• 6–7 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth

• ½–1 tsp salt (start light — ham hocks can be salty)

• ½ tsp black pepper

Optional add-ins:

• Pinch of red pepper flakes

• 2 tsp Cajun seasoning like Tony Chachere’s Creole Seasoning (my personal favorite!)

How to Make Pinto Beans in the Instant Pot (No Soak)

Step 1: Rinse & Sort the Beans

Rinse beans under cool water and quickly check for:

• Small stones or grit

• Broken or shriveled beans

This takes just a minute and saves surprises later.

Rinsed, sorted, and ready for the instant pot.

Step 2: Add Everything to the Pot

Add the rinsed beans, ham hock, onion, garlic, water or broth, pepper, and a light amount of salt to the Instant Pot.

👉 Don’t over-salt yet — the ham hock will season the pot as it cooks.

Step 3: Pressure Cook

• Lock the lid

• Set valve to Sealing

• Pressure Cook on High for 45 minutes

Step 4: Natural Release

Let the pressure release naturally for 20 minutes, then carefully quick-release the remaining pressure. Your house should smell like you’ve been cooking all day at this point!

Step 5: Finish the Beans

• Remove the ham hock

• Shred the meat and return it to the pot

• Taste and adjust seasoning

The Instant Pot did all the hard work, but I poured these up into a Dutch oven for serving…dont’ tell anyone my secret!

If you like thicker beans, turn on Sauté and simmer 5–10 minutes uncovered.

Farmhouse Bean Tip

If you want extra creamy beans, mash a few against the side of the pot and stir them back in. This thickens the broth naturally without flour or cornstarch.

What to Serve with Pinto Beans

• Cornbread (always)

• Over rice

• Fried potatoes

• Chow chow or hot sauce on the side

This is the kind of meal that doesn’t need much — just something warm to soak up that broth.

Pinto beans, ham Hock, instant pot recipes, Southern comfort food, easy dinners, budget meals, cheap dinner ideas, pantry staples, beans and cornbread, comfort cooking

dinner

American

Yield: 8

Author: Erin Glover

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Instant Pot Pinto Beans with Ham Hock

A pot of pinto beans simmer with a smoky ham hock is pure old-fashioned comfort food. Made quick and easy in the Instant Pot, these beans taste like they've been cooking all day—especially with a slice of warm cornbread on the side.

Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 45 MinInactive time: 20 MinTotal time: 1 H & 15 M

Cook modePrevent screen from turning off

Ingredients

• 1 lb dry pinto beans, rinsed and sorted
• 1 ham hock
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6–7 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
• ½–1 tsp salt (start light — ham hocks can be salty)
• ½ tsp black pepper

Optional add-ins:

• Pinch of red pepper flakes
• 2 tsp Cajun seasoning like Tony Chachere’s Creole Seasoning (my personal favorite!)

Instructions

1. Rinse beans under cool water and quickly check for small stones or grit and broken or shriveled beans. This takes just a minute and saves surprises later.
2. Add the rinsed beans, ham hock, onion, garlic, water or broth, pepper, and a light amount of salt to the Instant Pot.
3. 👉 Don’t over-salt yet — the ham hock will season the pot as it cooks.
4. Pressure Cook: Lock the lid on the Instant Pot, set valve to sealing, and turn the Instant Pot to the 'Pressure Cook' setting for 45 minutes.
5. Let the pressure release naturally for 20 minutes, then carefully quick-release the remaining pressure.
6. Remove the ham hock and shred the meat and return it to the pot. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.

Recommended Products

Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Mini Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer

Nutrition Facts

Calories

186

Fat

6 g

Sat. Fat

2 g

Carbs

18 g

Fiber

5 g

Net carbs

13 g

Sugar

1 g

Protein

15 g

Sodium

253 mg

Cholesterol

23 mg

Similar Recipes

Southern Buttermilk Cast-Iron Skillet Cornbread

Slow Cooker Vegetable Beef Soup (A Cold-Weather Classic from the Ranch)

Old-Fashioned Southern Chocolate Cobbler (with browned butter and a hint of espresso)

https://www.crookedcreekranchlife.com/blog/instant-pot-pinto-beans-with-ham-hock-old-fashioned-flavor-fast

Storage & Leftovers

• Refrigerator: 4–5 days

• Freezer: Up to 3 months

Beans freeze beautifully and reheat like a dream.

A Simple, Faith-Filled Kitchen

Meals like this remind me that good food doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes it’s just about using what you have, slowing down, and feeding the people you love well.

From my farmhouse kitchen to yours — I hope this pot of beans blesses your table.

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