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Instant Pot Skinny Steak Soup – only 3 weight watchers points for a hearty, warm, and comforting soup you’ll love! A hearty, delicious low carb steak soup that works in keto, paleo, and weight watchers diet plans in your Instant Pot for a hearty dinner the whole family will love!
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At Sweet C’s, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe. My goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.
Table of Contents
Easy Instant Pot Skinny Steak Soup
I have been doing weight watchers recently and have been trying to find as many recipes as I can that are made in the Instant Pot. This skinny beef stew is packed with vegetables and beef so a perfect and delicious, very satisfying and it freezes well!
Instant Pot Skinny Steak Soup is a hearty yet health-conscious choice that marries the robust flavors of tender steak and a medley of vegetables, all simmered to perfection in a flavorful broth. Utilizing the convenience of the Instant Pot, this soup offers a nourishing meal that’s both comforting and easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or cozy weekends alike. If you are looking for an easy meal prep recipes that is keto, paleo, and whole 30 compliant as well this instant pot skinny steak soup is perfect!
How to Make Skinny Beef Soup
First assemble the following ingredients:
- Stew meat (1 lb) – Lean stew meat is the protein-rich foundation of this soup, providing hearty texture and deep flavor after being tenderized in the Instant Pot.
- Onion (1) – Chopped onion adds a sweet, aromatic base that enhances the overall depth of the soup’s flavor profile.
- Carrots (2) – Carrots bring a touch of sweetness and vibrant color, contributing essential vitamins and fiber to the soup.
- Celery Stalk (2) – Sliced celery offers a subtle, earthy flavor and a satisfying crunch, adding complexity to the soup’s texture.
- Sweet peppers (4) – Sweet peppers introduce a mild, fruity element and additional color, making the soup even more visually appealing and nutritionally balanced.
- Mushrooms (8 oz) – Mushrooms add a meaty texture and umami richness, deepening the soup’s savory qualities without added fat.
- Garlic powder (2 tbsp) – Garlic powder provides a convenient way to infuse the soup with garlicky warmth, complementing the other herbs and spices.
- Celtic sea salt (2 tsp) – Celtic sea salt, less refined than table salt, adds a nuanced mineral flavor while helping to draw out the natural tastes of the other ingredients.
- Oregano (2 tsp) – Dried oregano contributes a hint of earthy, slightly bitter flavor, reminiscent of Mediterranean cuisine.
- Thyme (1 tsp) – Thyme lends a subtle, aromatic quality with its minty, lemony undertones, enhancing the layers of flavor in the soup.
- Bay leaf (1) – A bay leaf adds a distinct fragrance and depth, infusing the soup with a floral and slightly woodsy essence.
- Crushed tomatoes (1 cup) – Crushed tomatoes provide a tangy, robust base that thickens the broth and adds a rich, slightly sweet acidity.
- Beef stock (2 cups) – Beef stock serves as the savory liquid foundation, enriching the soup with a concentrated meaty flavor and nourishing body.
- Water (2 cups) – Water is used to adjust the soup’s consistency, ensuring it’s neither too thick nor too thin, while also helping to balance the intensity of the flavors.
- Sea Salt (1 tsp) – Salt is necessary to season the beef and everything.
Use this Method
Sauté Vegetables. Set Instant pot to sauté (or heat a large stock pot to medium). Add stew meat and brown. Add onion, celery, pepper, carrots, and cook until softened. Add mushrooms, cook until soft.
Spices and Stock. Add spices, salt, water, and stock and cover instant pot, setting to seal. (or cover with lid and set to low if cooking on stove.)
Cook. Cook on soup setting for 15 minutes (if cooking on stovetop, cook on low for 1 hour). Release steam and serve hot.
Tips and Tricks for Making Skinny Beef Soup
Choose the Right Cut of Steak: For a leaner soup, opt for cuts like sirloin or round steak. These cuts are lower in fat but still provide great flavor.
Trim the Fat: Before cooking, trim any visible fat from the steak to make the soup even healthier.
Sear the Steak: Use the sauté function on your Instant Pot to sear the steak pieces before adding the other ingredients. This step adds depth of flavor to the soup.
Deglaze the Pot: After searing the steak, deglaze the pot with a little broth or water, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This technique ensures those flavorful bits are incorporated into your soup.
Use Low-Sodium Broth: Opt for low-sodium beef broth to control the salt content of your soup, making it healthier and allowing you to adjust seasoning to taste.
Bulk Up with Veggies: Increase the nutritional value of your soup by adding a variety of vegetables. Carrots, celery, onions, and tomatoes are traditional, but feel free to include your favorites.
Add Whole Grains: For a more filling soup without adding much fat, consider stirring in some whole grains like barley or farro. Add them with enough time to cook thoroughly based on the grain’s cooking time.
Season Well: Don’t skimp on seasoning. Fresh herbs, garlic, and pepper can add layers of flavor without the need for additional salt or fat.
Thicken Naturally: If you prefer a thicker soup, use a slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken it without adding cream or flour. Alternatively, blending a portion of the soup and adding it back can naturally thicken it.
Release Pressure Naturally: Allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for at least 10 minutes after cooking. This helps the meat stay tender.
Adjust Consistency at the End: If the soup is too thick, add more broth to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, use the sauté function to simmer it down a bit.
Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. A splash of acid, like lemon juice or vinegar, can brighten the flavors.
Add Fresh Herbs Before Serving: Stir in fresh herbs like parsley or thyme right before serving to keep their flavors vibrant and fresh.
FAQ’s
Lean cuts like sirloin or round steak are ideal for skinny steak soup, as they are lower in fat but still flavorful. Ensure to trim any excess fat before cooking.
Yes, you can use frozen meat directly in the Instant Pot, but keep in mind that it may increase the overall cooking time. It’s best to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure the meat is tender.
Cut your vegetables into larger pieces than you might for stovetop cooking, as the high pressure of the Instant Pot can cause smaller pieces to become too soft.
Absolutely. While beef stock adds depth of flavor, you can use chicken or vegetable broth for a lighter taste, or even water in a pinch, though you may need to adjust seasonings accordingly.
While not strictly necessary, searing the meat on the sauté function before pressure cooking can add a rich, caramelized flavor to the soup that you won’t get otherwise.
Yes, but add them after the soup has cooked under pressure. Use the sauté function to simmer the soup with the added pasta or rice until they are tender, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
Use the sauté function after pressure cooking to simmer and reduce the broth to your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can thicken the soup by making a slurry with cornstarch and water, then stirring it in and simmering for a few minutes.
Yes, this soup freezes well. Cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Leave some space for expansion, and consume within 3 months for the best quality.
Enhance flavor without additional salt by increasing herbs and spices like garlic powder, oregano, and thyme. Acidic ingredients like a splash of vinegar or lemon juice at the end of cooking can also brighten the flavors.
While the steak is a primary component, you can substitute it with a hearty vegetable like mushrooms or add more beans for protein to create a vegetarian version. Use vegetable broth instead of beef stock.
What to Serve with Skinny Steak Soup
Crusty Whole Grain Bread: Perfect for dipping and soaking up the flavorful broth, adding a satisfying crunch to your meal.
Green Salad: A fresh, leafy green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing offers a crisp contrast to the hearty soup.
Steamed Green Beans: Lightly steamed green beans seasoned with a pinch of salt and a squeeze of lemon juice can add a bright, fresh side to the meal.
Roasted Carrots: Carrots roasted with herbs complement the savory flavors of the steak soup, adding a hint of sweetness.
Quinoa Salad: A cold quinoa salad with chopped vegetables and a lemony dressing can add a refreshing and nutritious side.
Baked Sweet Potatoes: Offer a baked sweet potato on the side for a filling, nutritious complement that has a natural sweetness.
Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These add a bit of texture and a burst of flavor, making a great side dish that complements the soup’s richness.
Cauliflower Mash: For those avoiding heavy carbs, cauliflower mash is a creamy, delicious alternative to mashed potatoes.
Cheese Toasts: Thin slices of baguette topped with a bit of cheese and broiled until golden make a delightful accompaniment, adding a touch of indulgence.
Corn on the Cob: A simple, boiled or grilled corn on the cob, seasoned with salt and butter, can add a sweet and crunchy element.
Cucumber Tomato Salad: A light salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, and a simple vinegar dressing can add a refreshing touch to balance the meal.
Try making Chicken and Corn Chowder, Creamy Hash Brown Hamburger Soup, Hamburger Cabbage Soup, and Manly Steak Chili.
Try these with your soup:
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Instant Pot Skinny Steak Soup
Ingredients
- 1 lb Steak, or stew meat, fat trimmed
- 1 Onion, diced
- 2 Carrots, diced
- 2 Celery Stalk, diced
- 4 sweet peppers, diced (or 1 large bell pepper)
- 8 oz mushrooms, cremini, button sliced thin
- 2 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp celtic sea salt
- 2 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups beef stock
- 2 cups water
- ½ tsp sea salt
- Fresh cracked pepper
Instructions
- Set Instant pot to sauté (or heat a large stock pot to medium).
- Add half the salt and pepper to the stew meat and brown.
- Add onion, celery, pepper, carrots, and cook until softened.
- Add mushrooms, cook until soft.
- Add spices, salt, water, and stock and cover instant pot, setting to seal. (or cover with lid and set to low if cooking on stove.)
- Cook on soup setting for 15 minutes (if cooking on stovetop, cook on low for 1 hour).
- Add the remaining salt and pepper, taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Release steam and serve hot.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Is the Skinny Steak soup supposed to have tablespoons for all of the spices? It seemed a like a little too much.
My recipe plugin went a little haywire – I am going to fix them right now !