Instant Pot Meatball Minestrone Soup

Instant Pot Meatball Minestrone Soup is a hearty and wholesome one-pot meal packed with Italian-inspired flavors. This cozy soup combines juicy homemade (or store-bought) meatballs, tender vegetables, beans, pasta, and herbs in a rich tomato broth. Thanks to the Instant Pot, it all comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights or weekend meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Made in one pot for easy cleanup
• Comforting and loaded with flavor
• Customizable with your favorite veggies and beans
• Kid-friendly and great for leftovers
• Ready in under an hour with the help of your Instant Pot

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef or a beef/pork blend (for homemade meatballs)
• Onion, finely chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Italian-style breadcrumbs
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Egg
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil
• Carrots, sliced
• Celery, sliced
• Canned diced tomatoes
• Kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• Cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• Zucchini, diced
• Small pasta (like ditalini or elbow)
• Spinach or kale, chopped
• Beef or vegetable broth
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

directions

1. Make the Meatballs (optional): In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Roll into 1-inch balls and set aside.
2. Sauté Veggies: Set the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’. Add olive oil, then onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning.
3. Add Base Ingredients: Pour in the broth and diced tomatoes. Stir in the beans. Carefully add the meatballs (either homemade or frozen).
4. Pressure Cook: Seal the Instant Pot lid. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Let it naturally release pressure for 10 minutes, then quick release the rest.
5. Add Pasta and Veggies: Switch to ‘Sauté’ again. Add pasta and zucchini. Cook until pasta is al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in spinach or kale and cook until wilted.
6. Taste and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot with extra Parmesan if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Use store-bought frozen meatballs to save time.
• Swap spinach for kale or escarole.
• Add green beans, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra veggies.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make the recipe gluten-free.
• Skip pasta for a low-carb version or substitute with zucchini noodles.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until hot.
If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water when reheating.
For longer storage, freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen meatballs instead of homemade?

Yes, frozen pre-cooked meatballs work well and save time. Add them directly to the pot before pressure cooking.

Do I need to cook the pasta separately?

No, it cooks directly in the soup after pressure cooking to prevent it from getting mushy.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, skip the meatballs and use vegetable broth. Add extra beans or a meatless meatball alternative.

What’s the best pasta for this soup?

Small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow, or orzo work well and cook quickly.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Absolutely. The flavors improve over time, making it perfect for meal prep.

How do I prevent the pasta from soaking up all the broth?

Cook pasta just until al dente and avoid overcooking. You can also cook and add pasta separately if storing for later.

Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Yes, but consider freezing it without pasta and adding it fresh when reheating.

Can I use canned vegetables?

Fresh is best for texture, but canned can work in a pinch—just adjust cooking time and add canned veggies after pressure cooking.

Can I use turkey or chicken for the meatballs?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken are great lean alternatives.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta, or skip pasta for a fully gluten-free version.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Meatball Minestrone Soup brings together classic Italian flavors in a convenient, family-friendly meal. It’s nourishing, customizable, and perfect for cozy nights or efficient meal prep. With minimal effort and big taste, this soup is sure to become a go-to in your recipe rotation.

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