Instant Pot Vegetable Beef Soup: A Quick and Hearty Delight
Soup in a Flash!
When you’re in need of a hearty, comforting meal but don’t have hours to spare, turn to your trusty Instant Pot to whip up this savory vegetable beef soup. With tender chunks of beef, an array of colorful vegetables, and flavorful broth, this soup is a perfect balance of taste and convenience. Let’s dive into this easy recipe that’s sure to warm your soul and fill your belly.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound stew beef, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1 cup frozen green beans
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Sauté the Beef:
- Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Add the olive oil and allow it to heat. Add the beef chunks and sear them until browned on all sides. This should take about 5 minutes. Once done, remove the beef and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
- In the same Instant Pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
3. Combine Ingredients:
- Return the seared beef to the Instant Pot with the sautéed onion and garlic. Add the carrots, celery, potatoes, frozen green beans, frozen corn kernels, diced tomatoes (with their juices), dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper.
4. Add Broth:
- Pour in the beef broth, ensuring that all the ingredients are submerged.
5. Pressure Cook:
- Close the Instant Pot lid, making sure the venting knob is in the sealing position. Set the Instant Pot to “Soup/Broth” mode and adjust the pressure cooking time to 20 minutes.
6. Natural Release:
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to perform a natural release for about 10 minutes. Carefully switch the venting knob to release any remaining pressure.
7. Serve:
- Ladle the hot vegetable beef soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
8. Enjoy:
- Serve your Instant Pot vegetable beef soup hot and savor the hearty goodness in every spoonful.
Tips and Variations:
Customizing Your Vegetable Beef Soup
Tips:
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a tablespoon of soy sauce when sautéing the beef.
- To make this soup even heartier, add a cup of cooked pasta or rice just before serving.
Variations:
- Feel free to swap out or add different vegetables based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Green peas, bell peppers, or zucchini would all be great choices.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the soup after pressure cooking. Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and stir until the soup thickens.
Customization:
- This vegetable beef soup is versatile, so feel free to adapt it to your taste. You can adjust the seasonings, vegetables, or even the type of meat used. Make it your own!
Storage:
- Leftover vegetable beef soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat.
Cook’s Note:
- The Instant Pot is a game-changer when it comes to making soups quickly. It allows you to achieve the same tender, flavorful results you’d get from slow cooking, but in a fraction of the time. Enjoy the convenience of this Instant Pot vegetable beef soup whenever you need a satisfying, homemade meal in a hurry!
- This Instant Pot vegetable beef soup is not only delicious but also highly customizable. You can tailor it to suit your dietary preferences. For a leaner option, use lean stew beef or even ground beef. If you prefer a meatless version, simply omit the beef and add extra vegetables or even legumes like lentils.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with herbs and spices. Besides thyme and rosemary, you can use fresh or dried basil, oregano, or even a bay leaf for added depth of flavor.
- To make this soup even more robust, consider adding a handful of fresh spinach or kale just before serving. The residual heat will wilt the greens, adding freshness and color to your bowl.
- This Instant Pot vegetable beef soup is perfect for batch cooking. You can double the recipe and freeze individual portions for quick and convenient meals whenever you’re in the mood for a comforting bowl of soup.
- The searing step for the beef is optional, but it does enhance the flavor of the soup by creating a nice caramelized crust on the meat. If you’re short on time, you can skip it, and the soup will still be delicious.
- Enjoy your Instant Pot vegetable beef soup with a side of crusty bread, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, or a dollop of sour cream for added richness. It’s a satisfying meal that’s sure to keep you warm and cozy on chilly days.
- Whether you’re a busy weeknight warrior or simply craving a hearty bowl of soup, this Instant Pot vegetable beef soup is your ticket to a satisfying, homemade meal in a flash. So, let your Instant Pot do the heavy lifting while you savor the flavors of this delightful soup.
