When the weather turns chilly, nothing beats the comfort of a warm, hearty bowl of soup. If you’re craving something nutritious, flavorful, and easy to make, then you absolutely need to try this Instant Pot Vegetable Beef Soup. It’s a perfect dish for cozy family dinners or meal prepping for the week ahead.
What makes this recipe even better is that it’s made in an Instant Pot, meaning you get all the wonderful flavors of a slow-cooked soup in a fraction of the time. Plus, it’s packed with tender beef, fresh vegetables, and a savory broth that is utterly satisfying. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting to dip your toes into the world of pressure cooking, this recipe is simple to follow, but it feels like it’s been simmering for hours.
Ready to dive in? Let’s get to the details!
Instant Pot Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
This recipe combines the richness of beef with the freshness of vegetables. The Instant Pot makes it a breeze to prepare, and the best part is that it’s a one-pot meal, so clean-up is minimal. Whether you’re cooking for a large group or just for yourself, this recipe is versatile and can be adjusted easily to suit your needs.
Servings
- Makes about 6-8 servings
Total Time
- Prep: 10 minutes
- Cook: 35 minutes (including pressure build-up and release)
Ingredients Needed
The ingredients for this soup are simple and easy to find, and most of them are probably already in your kitchen. Here’s everything you’ll need:
- 1 lb beef stew meat (chuck roast or sirloin works great)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or any oil of your choice)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for added depth of flavor)
Cooking Instructions
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, let’s get cooking! The Instant Pot makes everything quick and easy, so follow these steps for a delicious, comforting soup.
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Sauté The Beef And Vegetables
- Set your Instant Pot to the Sauté setting. Add the olive oil and heat it up.
- Add the beef stew meat and brown it on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. You want that nice sear to lock in the flavors.
- Add the onion and garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
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Add The Liquids And Seasonings
- Pour in the beef broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot (this is where a lot of flavor hides!).
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, paprika, and bay leaf. Season generously with salt and pepper.
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Add The Vegetables
- Toss in the potatoes, carrots, celery, peas, and green beans. Stir everything together to combine.
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Pressure Cook
- Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to Sealing. Set the Instant Pot to Manual/Pressure Cook on high for 25 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes, then carefully turn the valve to Venting to release the remaining pressure.
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Final Touches
- Open the lid, remove the bay leaf, and give the soup a taste. Adjust the seasoning as necessary with a little more salt or pepper.
- Serve hot and enjoy the comforting, hearty flavors of your homemade vegetable beef soup!
Ingredient Insights
Let’s take a deeper look at some of the key ingredients that make this soup so flavorful:
- Beef Stew Meat: The choice of beef stew meat (usually from chuck roast or sirloin) is crucial. These cuts are flavorful and have enough fat to make the broth rich, but they become incredibly tender when pressure cooked. No need to worry about toughness here!
- Beef Broth: You could use vegetable broth if you want to make a lighter version, but beef broth is the foundation of the soup’s hearty flavor. It adds depth and richness that pairs perfectly with the beef.
- Vegetables: The classic vegetable mix (potatoes, carrots, celery, and green beans) creates a satisfying balance of textures. The potatoes add creaminess, while the carrots and celery contribute crunch and freshness. The peas are a great finishing touch, adding a pop of color and sweetness.
- Tomatoes: The diced tomatoes bring acidity to the soup, balancing the richness of the beef. The undrained tomatoes also contribute a little bit of extra liquid, keeping the soup from getting too thick.
Expert Tips
To take your vegetable beef soup to the next level, here are a few expert tips you can follow:
- Browning the meat is key: Searing the beef before pressure cooking adds a huge amount of flavor. Don’t skip this step! It’s where you develop that deep, savory taste that makes the soup so delicious.
- Don’t overload the pot: If you’re doubling the recipe, consider making the soup in two batches. The Instant Pot can only handle so much, and overfilling it can affect the cooking process.
- Use fresh herbs: If you have access to fresh thyme and rosemary, use them instead of dried for an extra layer of flavor. Fresh herbs can really elevate the dish.
- Cut vegetables evenly: When chopping the vegetables, try to keep the pieces roughly the same size so they cook evenly. This is especially important for the potatoes and carrots.
Recipe Variations
This Instant Pot Vegetable Beef Soup is a great base recipe, but don’t be afraid to get creative! Here are some variations you can try:
- Add more greens: You can stir in some spinach or kale right after pressure cooking for an added dose of greens.
- Switch up the vegetables: If you’re not a fan of peas or green beans, try using corn, zucchini, or even parsnips. As long as the vegetables hold up to pressure cooking, the possibilities are endless!
- Spicy version: For a little kick, add some diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. It’ll bring some heat to balance the savory broth.
- Different meats: Swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a leaner version, though beef tends to provide a richer flavor.
- Herb variations: Experiment with other herbs like parsley, oregano, or thyme. A handful of fresh basil right before serving could also add a lovely touch.
Final Words
This Instant Pot Vegetable Beef Soup is truly a game-changer when it comes to easy, comforting meals. The best part? You get all of the flavor without the hours of slow cooking or constant stirring. It’s a perfect recipe for anyone who wants a home-cooked meal without all the time and effort traditionally involved in making a hearty soup.
Whether you’re looking to warm up on a chilly day, create a filling meal for your family, or meal prep for the week, this recipe fits the bill. With the Instant Pot, it’s quick, easy, and absolutely delicious. Plus, the leftovers are just as good (if not better!) the next day.
FAQs
What Ingredients Are Needed For An Instant Pot Vegetable Beef Soup?
The essential ingredients for an Instant Pot vegetable beef soup include beef stew meat, carrots, celery, onions, potatoes, garlic, diced tomatoes, beef broth, seasonings such as salt, pepper, thyme, bay leaves, and a variety of vegetables like peas, green beans, or corn. You can also include optional ingredients like spinach or kale for added nutrition.
How Do You Prepare Beef For The Instant Pot Vegetable Beef Soup?
To prepare the beef, cut the stew meat into bite-sized pieces. You can choose to sear the beef in the Instant Pot before adding other ingredients, which helps to lock in flavor. Use the ’Sauté’ function of the Instant Pot for this step, cooking the beef until browned on all sides.
Can You Use Frozen Vegetables In The Instant Pot Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be used in the Instant Pot vegetable beef soup recipe. They cook quickly in the pressure cooker, and there is no need to thaw them beforehand. Just add them in with the other ingredients, but be mindful of the cooking time to prevent overcooking the vegetables.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Instant Pot Vegetable Beef Soup?
Cooking Instant Pot vegetable beef soup typically takes about 35 to 45 minutes, including the time for the Instant Pot to come to pressure. The soup cooks under high pressure for about 30 minutes, and then you can allow for a natural release of pressure for about 10 minutes before opening the pot.
Can You Add Other Vegetables To The Instant Pot Vegetable Beef Soup?
Yes, you can add various vegetables to the soup. Common additions include zucchini, green beans, parsnips, and turnips. Just ensure that the vegetables are cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking. The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking will help soften the vegetables in a relatively short amount of time.
Is It Necessary To Brown The Beef Before Adding It To The Instant Pot?
While it’s not strictly necessary, browning the beef before pressure cooking enhances the flavor of the soup. Searing the beef caramelizes the natural sugars and helps develop a deeper, richer taste in the final dish. This step is recommended but can be skipped if you’re short on time.
Can I Make Instant Pot Vegetable Beef Soup Without Beef Broth?
Yes, if you prefer a lighter soup or don’t have beef broth, you can substitute with vegetable broth or chicken broth. For a richer flavor, you can use a combination of broth and a splash of red wine or a tablespoon of tomato paste.
How Can I Thicken The Instant Pot Vegetable Beef Soup?
To thicken the soup, you can use a few methods. After cooking, you can blend some of the vegetables in the soup using an immersion blender, or you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water) and stir it into the soup before serving. Let it cook for a few more minutes to thicken.
Can You Freeze Instant Pot Vegetable Beef Soup?
Yes, Instant Pot vegetable beef soup can be frozen. Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator and warm it up on the stovetop or in the microwave.
How Do You Adjust The Seasoning For Instant Pot Vegetable Beef Soup?
To adjust the seasoning, taste the soup before serving. If it needs more flavor, add additional salt, pepper, garlic, or herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves. For a bit of acidity, a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of vinegar can help brighten up the flavors. Always add seasoning gradually and taste as you go.