This instant pot beef and bean soup recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a simple, nutritious, and delicious meal. It's a perfect blend of fresh vegetables, hearty beef, and filling beans that comes together in no time, making it an ideal choice for both busy weekdays and relaxing weekends.
If you're craving a meal that's comforting, filling, and full of flavor, then this easy beef and bean stew recipe is for you! This stew is versatile and always a crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for a family meal, a potluck, or a cozy dinner party. Plus, the prep time is minimal - just toss all the ingredients in a pot, let it simmer, and enjoy!
If you're a fan of hearty, comforting meals, you'll love this beef and bean soup recipe. And if you're looking for more ways to use your instant pot, be sure to try my instant pot roast beef and instant pot beef stew recipes.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Key Ingredients
- How to Make Beef and Bean Soup
- Tips for Making the Best Beef And Bean Soup
- Serving Suggestions
- Recipe Variation Ideas
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How to Store Leftovers
- Similar Recipes You'll Love
- Recipe Card
- Instant Pot Beef and Bean Soup (Beginner-Friendly!)
- Comments
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic Flavors: The combination of beef, beans, and vegetables creates a classic flavor profile that's sure to please everyone at the table.
- Family Favorite: This beef and bean soup is a hit with kids and adults alike, making it a perfect family meal.
- Comfort Food: There's nothing like a warm, hearty soup to comfort you on a chilly day. This recipe is the epitome of comfort food.
- Budget-Friendly: Using affordable ingredients like beef and beans, this recipe is as kind to your wallet as it is to your palate.
- Time-Saving: Thanks to the instant pot, this recipe is a time-saver. You can have a delicious, home-cooked meal on the table in less than an hour.
Key Ingredients
All you need are some simple pantry staple ingredients to make this beef and bean soup recipe at home. Let's look at them in more detail:
For a full list of ingredients and quantities, please check the recipe card at the end of this post.
- Beef: The stew meat in this recipe adds a hearty and robust flavor that's perfect for a comforting soup.
- Carrots: These vegetables add a sweet and earthy flavor to the soup, and their vibrant color makes the dish visually appealing.
- Mrs. Dash Seasonings and Garlic Powder: These add depth to the soup's flavor profile, making it more complex and satisfying.
- Potatoes: These add a hearty and comforting element to the soup, and they also help to thicken it.
- Navy Beans: These beans add a creamy texture and a rich, savory flavor to the soup.
- Green Peas: These add a pop of color and a sweet, fresh flavor that contrasts nicely with the richer flavors in the soup.
Instant Pot (click on the link to order yours)
How to Make Beef and Bean Soup
Making this incredible beef and bean soup is easier than you think. Here's how to make them at home step by step:
For a full list of ingredients and instructions, see the recipe card below.
Preparing the Beef and Vegetables
Boil the beef: The first step in this bean soup recipe is optional but recommended for a cleaner soup. Cut your stew meat into small chunks and place them in a small pot with 3 cups of water.
Remove foam: Bring this to a boil on the stovetop. Once it boils, remove from heat, strain the meat, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
Prepare the vegetables: Rinse, peel, and chop your vegetables. I usually chop 2 carrots into discs and shred the remaining two.
Sauté the ingredients: Turn on your instant pot and select the sauté setting. Add 2 tbsp. of olive oil into the pot, then sauté chopped onion and minced garlic for a few minutes.
Next, add the shredded carrots and beef and continue to sauté, stirring occasionally. Add your dry seasonings - salt, pepper, Mrs. Dash seasoning, and garlic powder. Sauté for about 3 to 5 minutes, then press the cancel button.
Add the remaining ingredients: Now, add 8 cups of cold water, chopped potatoes, carrots, rinses beans, and two bay leaves into the instant pot.
Cook the Vegetable Beef and Bean Soup
Set the Instant Pot: Click on the Soup/Broth button, set the pressure to high, and reduce the cooking time to 15 minutes. Close the instant pot lid and turn the valve to "Sealing". The heating will start automatically.
Prepare the parsley: While the soup is cooking, rinse and chop about 2 heaping tablespoons of parsley.
Release the pressure: After the soup is done cooking, use a kitchen glove to turn the valve to "Vent". Be careful not to lean over the instant pot to avoid steam burns. Once the steam is released, open the lid.
Add the fresh ingredients: Turn off the Instant Pot, then add fresh peas, dill, and parsley. Close the lid again and let the fresh ingredients steam through for about 5 minutes with the instant pot off.
Serve: After this, remove the lid and serve the soup warm. Enjoy your delicious vegetable beef and bean soup!
Tips for Making the Best Beef And Bean Soup
- Choose the right meat: For this beef and bean soup recipe, you can use any type of beef you prefer. However, stew meat works best as it becomes tender and flavorful after simmer.
- Sauté for flavor: Sauté your onions, garlic, and shredded carrots in olive oil before adding the beef. This will enhance the flavors of your soup.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley and dill can add a burst of flavor to your soup. Add them towards the end of cooking to maintain their fresh flavor and color.
- Watch your valve: When using an instant pot, make sure to turn the valve to "Sealing" during cooking and to "Vent" after cooking. This will guarantee the pressure is properly regulated.
- Take time with your beans: Rinse your beans before adding them to the soup. This will remove any excess starch and help your soup to have a clearer broth.
- Finish with fresh ingredients: Add fresh peas, dill, and parsley at the end of cooking. This will give your soup a fresh and vibrant flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- For a hearty dinner, serve this vegetable beef and bean soup with a side of crusty bread. The bread is perfect for soaking up the rich flavors of the soup, making every bite a delicious experience.
- Want a lighter option? Pair this soup with a fresh green salad. The crispness of the vegetables compliments the savory flavors of the stew meat and beans in the soup.
- For a cozy winter meal, serve this soup with a side of roasted vegetables. The sweetness of the roasted carrots and onions pairs wonderfully with the hearty flavors of the beef and bean soup.
- This soup also makes a great lunch option. Pack it in a thermos and enjoy a warm, comforting meal in the middle of your busy day. The protein from the beef and beans will keep you satisfied until dinner.
Recipe Variation Ideas
This delicious beef and bean soup recipe is absolutely perfect as is, but if you're looking to change things up, here are a few variation ideas you can try:
- Herby: If you're a fan of fresh flavors, this variation is for you. Simply add a tablespoon of fresh thyme to the soup. This will give your beef and bean soup recipe a refreshing and aromatic twist that pairs perfectly with the hearty vegetables.
- Spicy: For those who like a bit of heat, this variation is a must-try. Add a teaspoon of chili powder to the soup. The chili powder will not only add a kick to your soup, but it will also enhance the flavors of the stew meat and beans.
- Bean Mix: If you love experimenting with different textures and flavors, try this variation. Replace the navy beans with a mix of black beans, pinto beans, and kidney beans. This will give your soup a unique flavor profile and a colorful appearance.
- Garlicky: For garlic lovers, this variation is a must. Double the amount of garlic in the recipe by adding two more garlic cloves. This will give your beef and bean soup recipe a rich, aromatic garlic flavor that compliments the other ingredients perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! This recipe is quite versatile. You can substitute navy beans with kidney beans, pinto beans, or black beans. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly if you're using dried beans.
You can use any type of beef you prefer. However, stew meat works best as it becomes tender and flavorful after slow cooking.
Yes, you can. Feel free to add green beans, peas, or any other vegetables you have on hand. Just remember to chop them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
After setting the Instant Pot to the Soup/Broth function, you'll need to turn the valve to "Sealing". Once the soup is done, carefully turn the valve to "Vent", using a kitchen glove to avoid steam burns.
Of course! This bean soup recipe is adaptable to your favorite flavors. Feel free to add thyme, bay leaves, or even a dash of chili powder for a spicy twist.
How to Store Leftovers
- Refrigerate: After enjoying this hearty beef and bean soup recipe, you can store any leftovers in the refrigerator. Simply place the soup in an airtight container and it will keep for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat Instructions: When you're ready to enjoy the soup again, reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it's hot. You can also reheat it in the microwave, using a microwave-safe dish and stirring every minute or so to guarantee even heating.
- Freeze: This soup is packed with vegetables and beans. Unfortunately, these ingredients don't freeze well as they tend to become mushy upon thaw.
Similar Recipes You'll Love
- Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Rice Soup Recipe
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See all soup recipes.
Recipe Card
Instant Pot Beef and Bean Soup (Beginner-Friendly!)
Ingredients
For the Beef and Bean Soup
- 12 oz. – beef (of your choice)
- 4 – carrots
- 1 tbsp. – sea salt or to taste
- ½ tsp. – black ground pepper
- 1 tsp. – Mrs. Dash seasoning
- 1 tsp. – garlic powder
- 8 cups – cold water
- 1 tbsp. - beef bulion paste
- 4 – large potatoes
- 1 cup – Navy beans
- 4 large – bay leaves
- 1 cup – fresh green peas
- 1 tbsp. – fresh dill
- 2 tbsp. – fresh parsley
Instructions
How to Make Beef and Bean Soup
- Boil the beef: The first step in this bean soup recipe is optional but recommended for a cleaner soup. Cut your stew meat into small chunks and place them in a small pot with 3 cups of water.
- Remove foam: Bring this to a boil on the stovetop. Once it boils, remove from heat, strain the meat, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
- Prepare the vegetables: Rinse, peel, and chop your vegetables. I usually chop 2 carrots into discs and shred the remaining two.
- Sauté the ingredients: Turn on your instant pot and select the sauté setting. Add 2 tbsp. of olive oil into the pot, then sauté chopped onion and minced garlic for a few minutes.
- Next, add the shredded carrots and beef and continue to sauté, stirring occasionally. Add your dry seasonings - salt, pepper, Mrs. Dash seasoning, and garlic powder. Sauté for about 3 to 5 minutes, then press the cancel button.
- Add the remaining ingredients: Now, add 8 cups of cold water, chopped potatoes, carrots, rinses beans, and two bay leaves into the instant pot.
Cook the Vegetable Beef and Bean Soup
- Set the Instant Pot: Click on the Soup/Broth button, set the pressure to high, and reduce the cooking time to 15 minutes. Close the instant pot lid and turn the valve to "Sealing". The heating will start automatically.
- Prepare the parsley: While the soup is cooking, rinse and chop about 2 heaping tablespoons of parsley.
- Release the pressure: After the soup is done cooking, use a kitchen glove to turn the valve to "Vent". Be careful not to lean over the instant pot to avoid steam burns. Once the steam is released, open the lid.
- Add the fresh ingredients: Turn off the Instant Pot, then add fresh peas, dill, and parsley. Close the lid again and let the fresh ingredients steam through for about 5 minutes with the instant pot off.
- Serve: After this, remove the lid and serve the soup warm. Enjoy your delicious vegetable beef and bean soup!
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This recipe was originally posted on September 13, 2018 (original picture below). I tweaked it a bit including tips and tricks on making the perfect cinnamon rolls you'll love! This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure.
Sarah says
Can I ask why you boiled the beef first? I would think that would make it tough.
Valya of Valya's Taste of Home says
It's my personal preference, but you can omit that step if you'd like. The meat turns out soft when cooked in the Instant pot even though it went through the boiling step. I hope this helps. Thank you for trying out my recipe!
Lena says
Valya thank you so much for this recipe! It was my first to try out my instant pot! Makes me want to cook more using it now! Soup was absolutely delicious, both husband and son asked for seconds:)) if you have any more recipes for using the instant pot, it would be so appreciated!
Valya of Valya's Taste of Home says
Wow! That is so awesome! Yes, I do have several Instant pot recipes of my blog. Check them out HERE. Thank you for an amazing review!