Introduction
If you’re searching for a comforting and hearty meal that can be prepared quickly, look no further than this savory Instant Pot soup. Combining lean ground beef with a medley of vegetables and flavorful seasonings, this dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Perfect for busy weeknights, it warms the soul and satisfies the appetite. Let’s dive into the ingredients and the simple steps to create this delightful soup.
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
1 pound lean ground beef
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 small onion, diced
3 cups beef broth or stock
1 cup tomato sauce or tomato soup
1 cup celery, chopped
1 cup red bell pepper, diced
1 cup yellow or orange bell pepper, diced
2 cups carrots, chopped
1 can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup Ditalini pasta
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
This Instant Pot soup is a perfect blend of protein and vegetables, making it not only a filling meal but also a nutritious option for families. Enjoy it with some crusty bread or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top for an extra touch of flavor!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1
Set the Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add the extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, and diced onion. Cook until the garlic is fragrant and the onion becomes translucent, approximately 2 minutes.
Step 2
Add the 1 pound of lean ground beef to the pot and cook until no longer pink, stirring regularly. Drain any excess grease and return the beef to the pot.
Step 3
Pour in the 1 cup of tomato sauce (or tomato soup) and the 3 cups of beef broth.
Step 4
Add the chopped celery, carrots, and diced bell peppers to the mixture.
Step 5
Incorporate the rinsed and drained kidney beans and the 1 cup of Ditalini pasta.
Step 6
Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir all the ingredients together until well combined.
Step 7
Press the “Cancel” button to turn off the sauté mode. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and ensure the steam release knob is set to the “Sealing” position.
Step 8
Set the Instant Pot to high pressure and adjust the cook time to 15 minutes.
Step 9
Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes. Afterward, perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.
Step 10
Carefully remove the lid, stir the soup, and serve hot. Optionally, garnish with Parmesan cheese or your preferred toppings.
Notes
Note 1
Make sure to rinse and drain the kidney beans to remove excess sodium and preservatives.
Note 2
Adjust the vegetables according to your preference or what you have on hand.
Note 3
For a spicier version, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Note 4
This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer preservation.
Cook techniques
Sauteing
The sauté function on the Instant Pot allows you to cook ingredients at high heat with a small amount of fat, perfect for developing flavors. Start by adding olive oil, minced garlic, and diced onion, cooking until fragrant and the onion is translucent.
Pressure Cooking
The pressure cooking feature cooks food quickly by trapping steam inside the pot. After all ingredients are added, secure the lid, set to high pressure, and adjust the cook time to 15 minutes for optimal results.
Natural Pressure Release
Allowing the pressure to release naturally for a period of time helps to finish cooking the ingredients and prevents splatter. Follow the natural release with a quick release to ensure all pressure is released safely.
Garnishing
Garnishing with Parmesan cheese or other toppings enhances the visual appeal and adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish before serving.
FAQ
Can I use other types of meat instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different flavor profile.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, replace the ground beef with a meat substitute and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to include any vegetables you enjoy, such as zucchini, spinach, or peas, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
What if I don’t have Ditalini pasta?
You can substitute any small pasta shape or even use rice or quinoa as an alternative.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
To adjust spiciness, you can add red pepper flakes for heat or omit them if you prefer a milder flavor.
Conclusion
This hearty Instant Pot soup is a delightful combination of lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and Ditalini pasta. It’s not only comforting but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. The blend of Italian seasoning elevates the flavors, and the convenience of the Instant Pot means you can have a delicious dish ready in no time. Enjoy it with your favorite toppings or as is for a satisfying bowl of goodness.
Vegetable Beef Soup
Replace ground beef with diced beef, and increase the variety of vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, and green beans for a lighter version of the soup.
Spicy Beef and Bean Chili
Add diced jalapeños and more chili powder to the recipe for a spicy twist. You can also substitute kidney beans with black beans for an extra flavor dimension.
Beef Pasta Bake
After cooking, transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with mozzarella cheese, and bake at 350°F until bubbly and golden brown for a comforting pasta bake.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Use the beef and vegetable mixture to stuff halved bell peppers. Top with cheese and bake until the peppers are tender for a wholesome and colorful dish.
One-Pot Beef and Rice
Replace Ditalini pasta with rice, and adjust the liquid accordingly for a filling one-pot meal that is both hearty and satisfying.
Italian Beef Stew
Add potatoes and aromatic herbs like rosemary and thyme to create a rich, flavorful beef stew that pairs beautifully with crusty bread.
