Navy beans are one of my favorite beans! And that's saying something because I am currently obsessed with legumes. Every time Amazon drops a package off my kids ask in an accusatory tone, "Mom, Did you buy ANOTHER bean book?" 

Navy beans, also called haricot beans, are at the top of my list because of their creamy texture and buttery, nutty flavor. They are so versatile and my oldest loves them for a simple snack. 

I have structured this post in order of most relevance to the average (not bean-obsessed) home cook, starting with general information about culinary applications and nutrition facts. For my fellow legum lovers, I have followed with more history and cultural context.

For more legume content check out my daughter's taste test between navy beans vs great northens, black beans vs pinto beans, and learn all about lentils and how to use the leftovers. 

culinary uses 

Navy with their thick skins, mild flavor, and creamy texture, Navy beans are perfect for hearty and thick dishes like Boston beans, pork and beans, and navy bean soup. 

They can withstand long cooking times without losing shape, making them ideal for slow-cooked stews and soups. Navy beans also work well in casseroles and bakes, adding substance and flavor to oven-baked dishes. When mashed or pureed, navy beans create a creamy consistency, making them an excellent base for hearty dips and spreads.

You can readily locate this pantry staple, available in the form of either canned or dried beans, at most grocery stores.

navy beans 

• Common Name: Navy Bean 
• Aliases: Peas Beans, Small White Beans 
• Texture: Soft and velvety texture 
• Size: Smallest of the white beans 
• Shape: traditional kidney bean shape
• Color: White
• Taste: Nutty, Buttery, and slightly earthy flavor
• Cooking Time of Dry Beans: 90 minutes after soaking 
• Best Culinary Uses: stews, dips, and purees 

substitutions

If you check your cupboards and discover you don’t have either legume, have no fear. You can use several suitable substitutes to ensure your dish turns out just as delicious. 

If navy beans are unavailable, you can easily use any white like great Northern or cannellini beans. You could also use other colored bean, such as white kidney beans or black beans. In a pinch, lentils can also step in as a viable replacement. 

White beans

other types of white beans 

Navy beans are only one type of white bean.  Great northerns, butter beans (baby lima beans), and Cannellini Beans are a few of the most common. 

Great northern beans have a thin skin and tender texture that makes them ideal for delicate dishes. If your recipe calls for white beans, you can often use Cannellini Beans as an excellent substitute for Navy or Great Beans. They are slightly larger, have a meaty texture, and have thicker skin. With nutty and early flavor works well in soups and cold salads. 

Butter beans are a good size bigger than the other types of white beans- making them a more pronounced and less common substitution. While butter beans are less common, I am really falling in love with their buttery texture and robust flavor- don’t be afraid to try these as a substitute. 

how to cook white navy beans

Navy beans shine in salads, absorbing vinaigrettes and complementing fresh veggies. Transform them into a creamy soup by blending with aromatic herbs and spices. Add them to stews, casseroles, or chili, infusing your dishes with protein and fiber. Mash them for a nutritious spread, tossed in a Mediterranean-inspired dish, or baked into a savory casserole. A versatile bean, it is great in a variety of dishes, but the simplest might be this classic broth beans which can be made on the stove top or an Instant Pot:

stove top instructions 

To prepare navy beans, start by rinsing one pound of dry navy beans under cold water and then placing them in a large soup pot. Cover the beans with fresh water and let them soak overnight at room temperature.

The next day, drain and rinse the beans, returning them to the pot. Add chicken broth to the large pot, enough to cover the beans, and toss two bay leaves and garlic cloves for aromatic depth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil on medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer.

Sprinkle in a pinch of salt and red pepper flakes for a hint of warmth. Allow the beans to cook slowly, absorbing the rich flavors, until they are tender and creamy. This stove-top method ensures that the navy beans soak up the savory essence of chicken broth and the subtle fragrance of bay leaves, creating a hearty and flavorful dish.

instant pot instructions

For a quick and convenient way to prepare flavorful navy beans, opt for your trusty pressure cooker or Instant Pot. Begin by rinsing one pound of dry navy beans under cold water, then transfer them to the Instant Pot.

Cover the beans with fresh water and let them soak for an hour at room temperature or use the Instant Pot's quick soak function to expedite the process. Drain and rinse the beans, returning them to the Instant Pot.

Add chicken broth to the pot, enough to submerge the beans, and toss in a couple of bay leaves for a fragrant touch. Sprinkle in a pinch of salt and red pepper flakes to infuse a subtle heat. Seal the Instant Pot and set it to high pressure for a cooking time of around 25 minutes.

Allow natural release for optimal tenderness. This efficient method ensures that the navy beans absorb the savory goodness of the chicken stock and the aromatics, resulting in a delectable dish ready in no time.

alterations

Quick Soak Method- The quick soak method is a convenient way to prepare dried beans in a shorter time frame compared to the traditional overnight soak. After thoroughly rinsing the dried beans, place them in a pot and cover them with water, using about three cups of water for every cup of beans.

Bring the water to a rapid boil on the stove, allowing the beans to cook for 2-3 minutes. Remove the pot from heat, cover it, and let the beans soak in the hot water for approximately 1 hour. After this expedited soaking period, drain and rinse the beans thoroughly.

The quick soak method efficiently softens the beans, making them ready for cooking without the extended overnight wait, making it a practical option for impromptu meal preparation.

Add a Ham Bone- Do you have a leftover holiday ham? Sound a like great excuse to make navy beans. The addition of a ham bone brings a smoky and meaty essence, infusing the beans with a deliciously complex taste.

Simply introduce the ham bone into the large soup pot along with the navy beans, chicken broth, bay leaves, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Allow the ham bone to simmer alongside the beans, letting its seasoned goodness meld with the other ingredients.

how to serve navy beans

I highly suggest making a big batch of these navy bean recipes because are so versatile and great for meal prep. They are delicious  right out of the pot with crusty pieces of bread but here are a few more ideas for enjoying these beautiful beans all week long:

• Bean Grain bowl- serve the navy beans with whole grains like farro or brown rice. Top with some roasted veggies, and pickled onions and dress with herb tahini sauce or garlic cilaton sauce and will have an impressive vegetarian grain bowl.
• Chessless pizza- navy are key ingredient to my cheerless pizza which is amazing and tasty.  I guarantee it will be the best-tasting "health" pizza you ever have!
• Salads- Navy beans are a great addition to a salad. Try broccoli rabe salad with white bean with sun-dried tomatoes or white bean salad with shallots. 
• Spread- add navy beans to a food process with a splash of olive oil, and lemon juice and blend until smooth. You can do this will cooled, but it even better with warm beans.  It will be a lillte smother and creamier than hummus but you can serve it the same way. 
• Soups- this might be the most common use for navy beans, for good reason. Navy beans easy absorb flavors and have a nice creamy texter in broths.