Instant Pot Ground Beef Vegetable Soup

Instant Pot Ground Beef Vegetable Soup is the perfect healthy dinner idea for busy families. This easy, one-pot meal is loaded with lean protein and nutrient-dense vegetables, making it a wholesome choice for weeknight dinners. With just 10 minutes of prep and the magic of the Instant Pot, you’ll have a comforting and filling soup ready in under 30 minutes. It's a balanced meal that’s both hearty and light, keeping everyone satisfied without weighing them down.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 250 kcal

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef (93% lean)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 small onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 carrots, sliced

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 1 zucchini, chopped

• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and chopped

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)

• 4 cups low-sodium beef broth

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 bay leaf

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 cups baby spinach (optional, for added greens)

Instructions

1. Sauté the beef and aromatics
   Set your Instant Pot to "Sauté" mode. Add olive oil and let it heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Brown for 5-7 minutes until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.

2. Add vegetables and seasonings
   Add the onion and garlic to the pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft and fragrant. Stir in carrots, celery, zucchini, and green beans. Add the diced tomatoes (with juice), beef broth, oregano, basil, smoked paprika, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.

3. Pressure cook
   Cancel "Sauté" mode. Close the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the valve is set to "Sealing." Select "Pressure Cook" or "Manual" mode, and set the timer to 5 minutes on high pressure.

4. Quick release and serve
   When the timer goes off, use a quick-release method by carefully turning the valve to "Venting." Once the pressure is fully released, open the lid. Stir in baby spinach (if using) until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

5. Serve
   Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy! It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad for an extra boost of veggies.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 250 kcal

• Protein: 23g

• Carbohydrates: 15g

• Fiber: 4g

• Fat: 12g

• Sodium: 450 mg

• Serving size: 1.5 cups

Things You’ll Love About This Recipe

• Quick and easy: Perfect for busy weeknights; it comes together in under 30 minutes.

• Healthy and hearty: Low in calories and packed with protein, vegetables, and fiber.

• Family-friendly: A flavorful dish that pleases even picky eaters.

• Customizable: You can swap in your favorite veggies or use ground turkey for a lighter version.

• Meal prep-friendly: Makes great leftovers for lunch the next day, or you can freeze it for later.

Expert Tips for Best Results

• Use lean ground beef: Opt for 93% lean to reduce fat while keeping the soup hearty.

• Sauté for flavor: Browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables before pressure cooking adds depth to the flavors.

• Don’t skip the quick release: This keeps the vegetables from overcooking and becoming mushy.

• Add spinach at the end: Stirring in spinach after cooking preserves its nutrients and vibrant color.

• Freeze leftovers: This soup freezes well. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months for an easy, reheatable meal.

Enjoy your cozy bowl of healthy, flavorful soup!