Hearty Instant Pot Steak and Potato Soup

Imagine a bowl brimming with rich, beefy broth, brimming with succulent chunks of tender steak and hearty potatoes. This isn’t just a dream; it’s the reality of our Instant Pot Steak and Potato Soup – a soul-warming, incredibly satisfying meal perfect for any time you crave robust, comforting flavors. Thanks to the magic of your Instant Pot, you can achieve that slow-cooked taste in a fraction of the time, often in under an hour from start to finish. Get ready to grab your spoon and dive into a truly unforgettable culinary experience!

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This Instant Pot Steak and Potato Soup stands out with its deeply flavorful, robust beef broth. It’s generously loaded with tender steak pieces, substantial potato chunks, vibrant green beans, sweet carrots, and aromatic celery and garlic, creating a meal that is exceptionally hearty and satisfying on its own. This isn’t merely a soup; it’s a complete, nourishing dish designed to warm you from the inside out and satisfy even the most demanding appetites.

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Steak and Potato Soup

This recipe isn’t just another soup; it’s a celebration of comfort food elevated by the convenience of your Instant Pot. Here’s why this Steak and Potato Soup will quickly become a family favorite:

• Effortless & Fast: The Instant Pot slashes cooking time, delivering rich, slow-cooked flavors in under an hour. Perfect for busy weeknights!
• Unbeatable Flavor: Browning the steak and vegetables before pressure cooking creates layers of deep, savory taste that traditionally take hours to develop.
• Hearty & Wholesome: Packed with protein from the steak and fiber from the vegetables and potatoes, this soup is a complete meal that truly satisfies.
• Simple Ingredients: You’ll find most ingredients readily available at your local grocery store, making this a practical recipe for any home cook.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it an excellent candidate for meal prepping and enjoying delicious leftovers.

Essential Ingredients for Your Hearty Instant Pot Steak and Potato Soup

Crafting the perfect Instant Pot Steak and Potato Soup begins with a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the soup’s rich flavor and satisfying texture.

• Instant Pot (a 6-quart model offers ample space for family-sized meals)
• Cooking oil (olive oil or your preferred cooking oil)
• Steak (see notes below for best cuts)
• Onion
• Celery
• Carrots
• Garlic
• Beef broth (quality is key – see notes below)
• Red wine (optional, but highly recommended for depth)
• Potatoes (any type works well in the Instant Pot – see notes below)
• Green beans (fresh or frozen)
• Steak sauce
• Worcestershire sauce
• Bay leaf
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• All-purpose flour (optional, for thickening, or skip for gluten-free)

Choosing the Best Steak for Your Instant Pot Soup

One of the brilliant advantages of using an Instant Pot for this steak soup is its ability to tenderize tougher cuts of meat beautifully. This means you don’t need to break the bank on premium steaks to achieve succulent, flavorful results. The pressure cooking environment works wonders, transforming more economical options into melt-in-your-mouth perfection.

Some of the best steak cuts that thrive in this Instant Pot recipe include:

• NY Strip: Offers a good balance of flavor and tenderness, becoming even more luxurious under pressure.
• Sirloin: A lean yet flavorful cut that responds wonderfully to pressure cooking, emerging tender and juicy.
• Eye of Round: Known for being lean, this cut can be tough when cooked quickly but becomes incredibly tender and absorbs the broth’s flavors beautifully in the Instant Pot.
• Chuck Roast: While not traditionally a “steak,” diced chuck roast is an excellent, budget-friendly option that delivers profound beefy flavor and a wonderfully tender texture, similar to a classic beef stew.

While you certainly *could* use fancier cuts like T-bone or ribeye, they are not necessary for this recipe. The Instant Pot ensures that even everyday cuts will yield spectacular results, making this soup both economical and satisfying. Remember to trim any excessive fat or gristle from your chosen steak cut before dicing to ensure every bite is purely delicious.

The Importance of Quality Beef Broth

The broth is the backbone of any great soup, and in this Steak and Potato Soup, its quality truly shines. It forms the rich, savory foundation that all other ingredients build upon. For the most exceptional flavor, I highly recommend making your own homemade bone broth. It provides an unparalleled depth and nutritional boost that store-bought versions often lack.

However, if time is a constraint, opting for a high-quality, low-sodium or no-sodium-added beef stock is your next best bet. When purchasing, be diligent about checking the ingredient list. Many commercial beef broth or stock products contain artificial flavors, colors, and excessive sodium, which can detract from the natural goodness of your soup. Look for brands with minimal ingredients, focusing on real beef and vegetables for the purest flavor.

Selecting the Perfect Potatoes for Your Soup

Thanks to the unique cooking environment of the Instant Pot, you have a surprising amount of flexibility when it comes to choosing your potatoes for this steak soup. Unlike stovetop cooking, where some potato varieties can easily disintegrate, the pressure cooker helps them maintain their shape and texture, absorbing the delicious flavors of the broth without becoming mushy.

Feel free to use whatever spuds you have on hand!

• Russet Potatoes: While often associated with mashing, russets hold up well in the Instant Pot and contribute a classic hearty texture.
• Yukon Gold Potatoes: These offer a naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture, adding another layer of richness to the soup.
• Red Potatoes: Known for their waxy texture, red potatoes are excellent for holding their shape and provide a delightful visual contrast.

For an added boost of flavor and nutrition, I recommend leaving the peel on the potatoes. Just be sure to give them a thorough scrub under running water to remove any dirt or impurities before dicing.

How to Make This Flavorful Instant Pot Steak and Potato Soup

Creating this deeply satisfying Steak and Potato Soup in your Instant Pot is a straightforward process, designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort. Follow these simple steps to bring a truly delicious meal to your table.

1. Sauté the Aromatics and Steak: Begin by setting your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function and adding your chosen cooking oil. Once the oil is shimmering and hot (but not smoking), add the diced steak, onions, celery, carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the steak is nicely browned and the vegetables are tender-crisp. Don’t worry if the Instant Pot steams more than it browns; the goal here is to build a rich flavor base through searing and developing fond at the bottom of the pot.
2. Deglaze and Add Liquid: Turn off the “Sauté” function. Pour in a splash of the beef broth or red wine (if using) and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This crucial step, called deglazing, prevents the “Burn” warning and incorporates all those delicious caramelized flavors into your soup.
3. Combine Remaining Ingredients: Now, add the remaining beef broth (remember to reserve about 1/2 cup if you plan to thicken the soup with flour later), red wine (if using), diced potatoes, green beans, steak sauce, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, and 1 teaspoon of salt to the pot. Stir everything gently to combine.
4. Pressure Cook: Secure the lid on your Instant Pot, ensuring the sealing ring is properly in place and the vent is set to “Sealing.” Select the “Soup/Stew” setting (or Manual/Pressure Cook) and set the cooking time to 30 minutes on high pressure.
5. Natural Release (NPR): Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. This gradual release helps tenderize the meat further and prevents the soup from gushing out of the pressure spigot. After 10 minutes, you can carefully turn the vent to “Venting” to quick release any remaining pressure. (If you’re in a hurry, you can do a full quick release from the start; it won’t harm the soup, but the meat might be slightly less tender).
6. Thicken (Optional): If you prefer a thicker soup, create a slurry by whisking together the reserved 1/2 cup of beef broth with 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour until completely smooth and lump-free.
7. Simmer to Thicken & Serve: Set the Instant Pot back to “Sauté” (or use the “Keep Warm” function if it has a low simmer option). Slowly stream the flour slurry into the hot soup while continuously stirring. Let the mixture come to a gentle boil and simmer for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until it reaches your desired thickness. Turn off the Instant Pot, remove the bay leaf, adjust seasonings (salt and pepper) to taste, and serve hot!

Chef Jenn’s Expert Tips for the Best Steak and Potato Soup

Achieving a truly exceptional Instant Pot Steak and Potato Soup goes beyond just following the steps. These expert tips from Chef Jenn will help you elevate your soup to culinary perfection:

• Trim Your Steak Thoughtfully: While a little fat adds flavor, excessive gristle can detract from the eating experience. Carefully trim away large pieces of fat and any tough gristle from your steak before dicing. You want tender, bite-sized pieces, not chewy surprises.
• Uniform Potato Cubes: For even cooking and a consistent texture throughout your soup, aim to cut your potatoes into roughly 1/2-inch cubes. This ensures all pieces become perfectly tender at the same time.
• Don’t Skimp on Steak Sauce: Your favorite steak sauce isn’t just for steaks on a plate; it’s a secret weapon for adding incredible depth and savory notes to the soup. It contributes a rich, umami complexity that makes a significant difference.
• Remember the Bay Leaf: The bay leaf adds a subtle, herbaceous aroma that enhances the overall flavor profile of the soup. However, it’s not meant to be eaten. Always remember to remove it before serving.
• Thickening is Optional, but Recommended: While the soup is delicious as a brothy consistency, a slight thickening often provides a more satisfying mouthfeel. If you prefer a richer, more substantial soup, don’t hesitate to add a bit more flour slurry (made with equal parts flour and liquid) until it reaches your desired consistency. For a gluten-free option, you can use a cornstarch slurry or simply omit the thickener.
• The Next Day is Even Better: Like many hearty stews and soups, the flavors of this Instant Pot Steak and Potato Soup truly meld and deepen overnight. Consider making a larger batch to enjoy even more intensely flavored leftovers the following day.
• Make it Gluten-Free: If you’re avoiding gluten, simply skip the all-purpose flour as a thickener. The soup will still be incredibly flavorful and hearty without it. You can also use a gluten-free flour blend or a cornstarch slurry if you still desire a thicker consistency.

What to Serve with This Hearty Instant Pot Steak and Potato Soup

This Instant Pot Steak and Potato Soup is so substantial and flavorful that it truly stands as a complete meal on its own. Its rich ingredients and robust broth are deeply satisfying. However, if you’re looking to round out your dining experience or offer a lighter accompaniment, here are some delightful serving suggestions:

• Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls: There’s nothing quite like a piece of warm, crusty bread or a soft dinner roll for soaking up every last drop of that savory broth. Garlic bread or cheese bread would also be fantastic.
• Simple Green Salad: A light, fresh green salad with a zesty vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup. It’s a perfect way to add a bit of brightness to your meal.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: For the ultimate comfort food pairing, serve a smaller portion of the soup alongside a gooey, golden grilled cheese sandwich. The classic combination is always a winner.
• Cornbread: A warm slice of cornbread offers a delightful texture and slightly sweet complement to the savory beef and potatoes.
• Sandwich Pairings: For a more substantial side, consider a sandwich. A classic Old Fashioned Ham Salad sandwich or a simple turkey and cheese would be a great accompaniment.
• Lighter Main Dishes: If you’re serving this soup as a starter or a side to a less meaty main course, it pairs wonderfully with dishes like Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta or a creamy Smoked Mac and Cheese. The soup’s robust flavor profile can complement a variety of other culinary experiences.

Can I Freeze Instant Pot Steak and Potato Soup?

Absolutely, this Instant Pot Steak and Potato Soup freezes beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prep or saving leftovers for a quick, hearty meal later. It’s a fantastic way to ensure you always have a comforting dish ready to go!

Just be aware of one small change: the texture of the potatoes may become slightly softer or a bit mealy after being frozen and thawed. This is a common characteristic of potatoes in frozen soups and stews, but it doesn’t significantly detract from the overall deliciousness. The steak and broth will remain fantastic.

To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight, freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. For best results, portion the soup into individual servings. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator, then gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Stir occasionally, especially if using a microwave, to ensure even heating.

Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Steak and Potato Soup

Step-by-Step Visual Guide to Instant Pot Steak and Potato Soup

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