Instant Pot Rave: Kale & Meatball Soup Recipe
Cozy Up with Instant Pot Kale & Meatball Soup!
Looking for a comforting and flavorful dinner that comes together fast? Our Instant Pot Kale & Meatball Soup is the answer! This hearty soup combines the classic flavors of Italian-American cuisine with the convenience of pressure cooking. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
This isn’t your average soup. The kale adds a wonderful nutritional boost and a slightly earthy flavor that balances beautifully with the savory meatballs and rich broth. Plus, the addition of tender tortellini makes it a truly satisfying meal. We love how quickly this comes together – from start to finish, you’ll have a delicious, warm soup on the table in under an hour!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick & Easy: The Instant Pot does all the work, making this a super speedy meal.
- Flavorful: A delicious blend of Italian-American flavors.
- Healthy: Packed with kale and protein from the meatballs.
- Family-Friendly: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Tips for Success:
- Kale Choice: You can use either curly kale or Tuscan (lacinato) kale. Remove the tough stems before chopping.
- Meatball Quality: Using good quality frozen meatballs makes a big difference in flavor. You can also use homemade if you prefer!
- Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: The tortellini cooks quickly in the Instant Pot, so be sure to follow the timing instructions carefully to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use different types of meatballs?
A: Absolutely! Beef, turkey, or chicken meatballs all work well in this recipe. Adjust cooking time if using larger meatballs.
Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Yes! Feel free to add carrots, zucchini, or spinach along with the kale.
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes, this soup tastes even better the next day! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: Is this soup gluten-free?
A: Not as written, due to the tortellini. You can substitute gluten-free tortellini or omit it altogether for a gluten-free version.
Q: Can I use chicken broth instead of stock?
A: Yes, chicken broth will work just fine. Stock generally has a richer flavor, but broth is a perfectly acceptable substitute.
Instant Pot Kale & Meatball Soup
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 chopped onions
- 1.5 cups chopped celery
- 6 cups chicken stock or broth
- 16 oz frozen Italian Meatballs
- 2 cups water
- 8 oz fresh tortellini
- 4 cups chopped kale
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ½ lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- to taste salt & pepper
Instructions
- Turn the Instant Pot to saute mode and cook onions until they are translucent (about 5 minutes).
- Add celery, chicken stock, water, meatballs, kale, garlic, lemon juice, sugar, and basil.
- Lock the lid (with vent closed) and set to manual for 4 minutes.
- When the Instant Pot beeps, perform a quick pressure release (open the vent until the steam is released).
- Add tortellini noodles, lock the lid (with vent closed) and set to manual for 1 minute.
- Perform a quick pressure release.
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