Navy Beans Recipe (with Video)

Navy Beans Recipe: If you’re craving a hearty, comforting, and protein-rich meal, then navy beans should be at the top of your list.

This guide will walk you through how to cook navy beans perfectly—whether on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or with an Instant Pot.

Plus, we’ll share tips, flavor twists, and serving ideas to make this classic dish even better.

What Are Navy Beans?

Navy beans, also known as haricot beans, are small, oval-shaped white beans named after their long-standing popularity in the U.S. Navy. Don’t be fooled by their mild appearance—they are culinary powerhouses. Their creamy texture and subtle flavor make them the perfect base for various dishes, from soups to stews and even baked beans.

They’re incredibly versatile and absorb flavors like a sponge. This makes them ideal for experimenting with different spices and herbs, allowing you to tailor them to your taste. Navy beans are a staple in many households, not just because they’re affordable, but also because they stretch easily into large meals, especially when feeding families or meal prepping for the week.

You’ll often find navy beans used in traditional Southern recipes or as part of comfort food classics. Their ability to soften nicely without falling apart makes them a favorite for slow-cooked recipes where texture matters.

Health Benefits of Navy Beans

Navy beans aren’t just tasty—they’re loaded with nutrition. High in protein and fiber, they support muscle growth and digestion. A single cup offers about 15 grams of protein and 19 grams of dietary fiber, making them an excellent plant-based protein source for vegetarians and vegans.

They’re also rich in key nutrients like folate, magnesium, and iron, supporting heart health and boosting energy levels. And if you’re watching your weight or blood sugar, their low glycemic index can help maintain stable blood sugar levels throughout the day.

These beans also contain resistant starch, which helps feed the good bacteria in your gut. So next time you whip up a pot of navy beans, know you’re giving your body a serious health boost.

Ingredients Needed for Navy Beans Recipe

Basic Ingredients

To make a classic navy beans recipe, you don’t need anything fancy. Here’s what you’ll typically need:

• 1 pound of dried navy beans
• 6–8 cups of water or broth
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 2–3 cloves of garlic (minced)
• 1–2 bay leaves
• Salt and black pepper to taste

These are the building blocks of your recipe. You can stick to these basics for a clean, simple bean dish or go a step further with add-ons for deeper flavor.

The broth you choose—vegetable or chicken—will hugely impact the taste. Vegetable broth makes it vegan-friendly, while chicken broth adds richness. Bay leaves give a subtle earthy note, while garlic and onion create a savory base that develops as it simmers.

Don’t forget to season wisely. Salt and pepper are more than just staples—they elevate everything else in the pot. But be sure to salt your beans after they’re cooked or halfway through cooking; salting too early can make the beans tough.

Optional Add-ins for More Flavor

Want to jazz up your navy beans? These add-ins can take your recipe to the next level:

• Smoked meats (ham hock, bacon, or sausage)
• Crushed red pepper or chili powder for a spicy kick
• Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, parsley)
• Tomatoes or tomato paste
• Carrots and celery for added nutrition

Smoked meats are a game changer, especially in Southern-style navy beans. They infuse a deep, smoky flavor that transforms your dish into something special. If you’re keeping it plant-based, spices like smoked paprika or liquid smoke can mimic those smoky flavors without the meat.

Veggies like carrots and celery not only bulk up the dish but also add a subtle sweetness that balances the savory elements. Herbs bring freshness, and tomatoes can add a slight acidity that cuts through the richness.

Preparing the Navy Beans

Soaking the Beans

To get the best texture and reduce cooking time, soaking the beans is essential. You’ve got two main options:

1. Overnight Soak:

• Rinse beans thoroughly and remove any debris.
• Place in a large bowl and cover with at least 3 inches of water.
• Let sit for 8–12 hours, then drain and rinse before cooking.

2. Quick Soak:

• Place beans in a pot with water (3:1 ratio).
• Bring to a boil for 2–3 minutes.
• Remove from heat, cover, and let sit for 1 hour.
• Drain and rinse.

Soaking helps remove some of the indigestible sugars responsible for gas and bloating. It also softens the beans, making them easier to cook evenly and reducing the likelihood of splitting during cooking.

Tips for Perfectly Soaked Beans

• Always use a large bowl—beans will expand.
• Change the soaking water midway if possible to keep the beans fresh.
• Don’t salt the water—salt can toughen the beans.

A helpful trick? Add a teaspoon of baking soda to the soaking water. It helps soften the beans and reduces cooking time even further. Just make sure to rinse thoroughly afterward to avoid any lingering taste.

Soaking also gives you a moment to inspect the beans for any discolored or broken ones. A few minutes of prep upfront can save your entire dish from going sideways.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Cooking on the Stovetop

Stovetop cooking is the most traditional method and gives you complete control over the flavor and texture. Here’s how to do it:

Ingredients:

• Soaked and drained navy beans
• 6–8 cups water or broth
• Chopped onion and garlic
• Bay leaves
• Salt and pepper
• Optional meats or vegetables

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat a splash of oil over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until fragrant and slightly golden—about 5 minutes.
3. Add your soaked beans and pour in the water or broth.
4. Toss in bay leaves and any add-ins like ham hock or veggies.
5. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer.
6. Cover partially with a lid and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

You’ll want to check the beans for doneness around the 90-minute mark. They should be tender but not mushy. The broth will reduce and thicken slightly as it cooks—perfect for sopping up with cornbread or rice.

If you’re aiming for a thicker texture, you can use a wooden spoon to mash a few beans against the side of the pot toward the end of cooking. This releases starch and thickens the broth naturally.

Salt should be added midway or at the end to avoid toughening the beans. You can also adjust seasoning at this point by adding more herbs or spices.

Using a Slow Cooker

Slow cookers are a dream for bean recipes. They offer that “set it and forget it” convenience that’s hard to beat. Here’s your slow-cooked navy beans roadmap:

Ingredients:

Same as stovetop version

Instructions:

1. Add soaked navy beans to your slow cooker.
2. Add sautéed onion and garlic (optional but recommended).
3. Pour in the broth or water.
4. Toss in bay leaves, meat (if using), and seasonings.
5. Set to Low for 8–10 hours or High for 4–6 hours.

No need to babysit this dish. The beans cook slowly and absorb flavor deeply. You’ll get soft, tender beans every single time. If using smoked meats, this method allows their flavor to seep in slowly and richly.

The slow cooker is also perfect if you like cooking beans in the morning and coming home to a ready-to-eat meal. It’s like having a personal chef at home.

Instant Pot Method

The Instant Pot makes navy beans in a fraction of the time without sacrificing flavor or texture. Here’s how to do it:

Instructions:

1. Set your Instant Pot to Sauté. Add a bit of oil, onion, and garlic. Sauté until translucent.
2. Add drained navy beans, broth, bay leaves, and any meats or veggies.
3. Close the lid, set the valve to Sealing, and cook on High Pressure for 25–30 minutes.
4. Let the pressure release naturally for 15–20 minutes, then do a quick release.

Check the beans. If they need more time, cook for another 5 minutes under pressure. This method is a game-changer for those who forget to soak their beans—it works just as well with unsoaked beans, though the cooking time will increase to 45–50 minutes.

Using an Instant Pot is especially great for batch cooking. You can make several meals’ worth of beans in under an hour and freeze portions for later use.

Flavor Variations and Serving Suggestions

Southern-Style Navy Beans

Southern-style navy beans are rich, smoky, and deeply satisfying. The flavor usually comes from ham hocks, smoked turkey, or bacon. Add some spice with Cajun seasoning or a dash of hot sauce.

To make Southern-style beans:

• Use chicken broth instead of water.
• Add a ham hock or smoked sausage to the pot.
• Season with thyme, paprika, and a hint of cayenne.

Serve with cornbread or collard greens for the full Southern experience. You’ll love how the smoky notes blend with the creamy beans to create an incredibly rich dish.

Vegan Navy Beans Option

Don’t worry, vegans—we didn’t forget about you. You can enjoy navy beans just as much with some clever swaps and rich seasonings.

How to make it vegan-friendly:

• Use vegetable broth.
• Add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a deep, savory flavor.
• Stir in cooked vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers.

Top with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors. This version is clean, hearty, and perfect for meal prepping.

Nutritional yeast or miso paste can add a rich umami note if you’re looking to mimic the savory depth that meat usually provides. And don’t forget—you can always customize the spice level to suit your taste buds.

What to Serve With Navy Beans

Navy beans are versatile and pair well with a ton of sides. Here are a few suggestions:

• Rice – classic and filling
• Cornbread – especially good with Southern-style beans
• Collard greens or sautéed spinach
• Roasted vegetables
• A side salad for freshness

You can also use navy beans as a base for bowls with grain, greens, and protein for a balanced meal. Leftovers go great in tacos or wraps, too.

Storing and Reheating Navy Beans

How to Store Leftovers Properly

Got leftovers? Navy beans store beautifully and even taste better the next day as the flavors meld. Here’s how to store them correctly:

Refrigerator:

• Let the beans cool to room temperature.
• Transfer to an airtight container.
• Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezer:

• Divide beans into meal-sized portions.
• Store in freezer-safe bags or containers.
• Label with the date.
• Beans can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Before freezing, make sure the beans are cooled completely. You can freeze them with or without the broth, but freezing with a little broth helps retain moisture when reheated.

Tips for Reheating Navy Beans

Reheating is simple and the results are just as good, if not better. Here’s how:

Stovetop:

• Place beans in a saucepan.
• Add a splash of water or broth to loosen them up.
• Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally until hot.

Microwave:

• Place beans in a microwave-safe container.
• Cover loosely and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between.

If your beans look too thick or dry, just add a little water or broth as they heat. Don’t forget to taste and re-season if needed—sometimes reheated beans need a flavor boost.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple recipes have pitfalls. Watch out for these common mistakes when making navy beans:

1. Not Soaking Properly

Skipping or poorly timing the soak leads to uneven cooking. Quick soak if you’re short on time.

2. Salting Too Early

Adding salt at the start can harden the beans. Wait until they’re halfway cooked or almost done.

3. Overcooking

Overcooked beans turn mushy. Set a timer and test frequently after the 1-hour mark.

4. Under-seasoning

Beans are like blank canvases—they need flavor. Don’t be afraid to use herbs, spices, or broth.

5. Not Stirring Occasionally

Stirring prevents the beans at the bottom from sticking and ensures even cooking.

Avoiding these mistakes can be the difference between a bland pot of beans and something truly memorable. If your beans aren’t tender after hours, it could also mean they’re old—yes, dried beans have a shelf life!

Creative Ways to Use Leftover Navy Beans

Leftovers don’t have to mean repeat meals. Here’s how to turn extra beans into something exciting:

• Navy Bean Soup – Blend with broth, add some veggies, and heat it up for a cozy soup.
• White Bean Chili – Combine beans with green chiles, corn, and cumin for a flavorful chili.
• Bean Tacos – Mash and season the beans, then add to tortillas with salsa and toppings.
• Bean Patties – Mix with breadcrumbs, herbs, and egg (or flaxseed) to make veggie patties.
• Bean Salad – Toss cold beans with olive oil, vinegar, and chopped herbs for a quick salad.

Get creative and let your fridge guide you. Beans are super versatile and adapt to just about any cuisine—from Mexican to Mediterranean to classic American comfort food.

Navy Beans for Special Diets

Navy beans are a fantastic ingredient for various special diets because they’re naturally:

• Gluten-free
• Low fat
• High fiber
• Dairy-free
• Nut-free

For Diabetics

Thanks to their low glycemic index and high fiber, navy beans can help regulate blood sugar. Just avoid pairing them with sugary sauces or too much white rice.

For Vegetarians and Vegans

They provide a complete protein when paired with grains, making them perfect for plant-based diets. Use veggie broth and skip any animal products.

For Weight Loss

Navy beans are filling, high in protein, and low in calories—excellent for curbing appetite and promoting weight loss.

So whether you’re cooking for someone with dietary restrictions or trying to eat cleaner yourself, navy beans check all the right boxes.

FAQs about Navy Beans Recipe

1. Can I cook navy beans without soaking?

Yes, but the cooking time will increase significantly. Using a pressure cooker or Instant Pot can help if you skip soaking.

2. Why are my navy beans still hard after cooking?

They may be old or were salted too early. Also, hard water or acidic ingredients (like tomatoes) can prevent softening.

3. Are canned navy beans as good as dried?

Canned beans are convenient and pre-cooked, but dried beans usually have a better texture and flavor when cooked properly.

4. How do I reduce gas from navy beans?

Soaking helps remove oligosaccharides that cause gas. You can also add a pinch of baking soda during soaking or cooking.

5. What are the best spices for navy beans?

Garlic, bay leaves, thyme, smoked paprika, cumin, and black pepper work beautifully depending on the flavor profile you want.

Conclusion

Navy beans are a timeless ingredient that delivers on flavor, nutrition, and versatility. Whether you like them smoky and Southern, light and vegan, or somewhere in between, there’s a recipe here for everyone. They’re easy to prep, cost-effective, and can be transformed into countless meals.

By soaking, seasoning, and cooking them with care, you’ll get tender, flavorful beans that are anything but boring. From stovetop to Instant Pot, this guide equips you with everything you need to make navy beans a staple in your kitchen.