1canGreat Northern Beans, rinsed and drained15 ounce
1canKidney beans, rinsed and drained15 ounce
¼cupfresh parsleychopped
¼cupshredded parmesan cheese
Instructions
Turn on Instant Pot and select "SAUTE." Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain liquid and remove meat to paper towel lined plate. Set aside.
Add olive oil, onion, carrots, celery and garlic to the instant pot while still on saute. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until vegetables have softened slightly.
Add the beef broth to the pot while still on saute. Deglaze the pot by scraping the bits of browned meat and vegetables off the bottom. This takes only a few seconds, but is an important step! Select "cancel."
Now add the beef back to the pot, as well as the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, remaining beef broth, water, ditalini pasta, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Give a quick stir.
Lock the lid in place, turn on High Pressure and cook time of 4 minutes.
When cook time ends, allow to naturally release pressure for 5 minutes, then do a quick release.
Open the lid after pressure releases and add one can of Great Northern Beans and one can of Kidney beans (both drained and rinsed).
Give the soup and stir and serve with parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Notes
Swap out the kidney beans for Cannellini beans. For whatever reason, I find the white beans to be a little creamier and kid friendly!
Be sure to deglaze the pot with the beef broth. Failure to do so could result in a “burn” notice. Those bits of meat and veggies stuck on the pan can trigger this notice.
During the quick pressure release, if it becomes messy, instill a “controlled” pressure release by turning the valve knob open and close. I will sometimes cover the top of the valve with a thin tea towel, tenting it over the valve with my hands to keep the “liquid” from spraying all over my kitchen.
DO NOT SKIP PARSLEY. It really does add flavor to this soup!
Leftover soup can be kept in refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-5 days. The noodles may get extra soft when reheating, but the flavor is still delicious!