Name: Instant Pot Sweet Potato Kale Beef Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 cups beef stew meat, cut into small cubes; 1 tsp garlic clove, minced; 1 cup red onions, chopped; ½ cup celery, chopped; 4 cups sweet potato, diced; 2 cups diced tomatoes with juice (canned); 4 cups beef broth; 2 bay leaves; 1 tsp Italian seasoning or provincial herbs; 1½ tsp salt; Fresh ground black pepper, to taste; 2 cups kale, chopped; Fresh thyme, for garnish

If you’re craving a warm, hearty bowl of comfort that’s both nourishing and bursting with flavor, this Instant Pot Sweet Potato Kale Beef Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful blend of tender beef, vibrant sweet potatoes, and nutritious kale—all cooked effortlessly in your Instant Pot for a meal that’s not just delicious but also quick and easy.

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Rich, comforting flavors: The combination of browned beef, sweet potatoes, and savory herbs creates a deep, satisfying taste that feels like a warm hug.
Quick and easy prep: Using the Instant Pot cuts cooking time dramatically without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Nutritious and wholesome: Packed with kale and sweet potatoes, this soup is full of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants to fuel your body.
Flexible ingredients: You can easily customize the recipe by adding other root veggies or herbs you love, making it perfect for any season.

The image shows a metallic pot with black edges filled with a red soup, containing visible pieces of green kale, light orange chunks of vegetables, and small bits of tomato, all mixed in a clear broth. The pot is on a white marbled surface, and in the top left corner, a white bowl holds fresh green herbs on the same surface. There is also a light gray cloth partially visible under the pot on the left side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Instant Pot Sweet Potato Kale Beef Soup, healthy beef soup with sweet potatoes and kale, easy Instant Pot beef soup recipe, hearty vegetable beef soup, quick nutritious beef stew

Ingredients & Substitutions

The beauty of the Instant Pot Sweet Potato Kale Beef Soup Recipe lies in its simple, straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the tender beef cubes that add richness to the sweet potatoes bringing natural sweetness, every component works in harmony to deliver texture, color, and robust flavor.

Flat lay of tender cubes of raw beef stew meat, bright orange diced sweet potatoes, fresh deep green chopped kale, vibrant red chopped onions, pale green celery pieces, plump diced tomatoes with juice, sprigs of fresh thyme, and a few bay leaves, all beautifully arranged with fresh garlic cloves scattered around, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Instant Pot Sweet Potato Kale Beef Soup, healthy beef soup with sweet potatoes and kale, easy Instant Pot beef soup recipe, hearty vegetable beef soup, quick nutritious beef stew

Olive oil: Used for sautéing, it adds a subtle fruitiness and helps brown the beef for that deep savory base.
Beef stew meat: Small cubes make sure the beef cooks evenly and stays tender in the Instant Pot.
Garlic and red onions: Infuse the soup with aromatic depth and a gentle sweetness.
Celery: Adds a delicate crunch and fresh undertones to balance the richer ingredients.
Sweet potatoes: Their creamy texture and natural sugars complement the earthiness of the beef beautifully.
Diced tomatoes with juice: Provide acidity and brightness that enliven the broth.
Beef broth: I recommend a quality broth like Kettle & Fire’s for a flavorful, whole30-approved base.
Bay leaves & Italian seasoning: These herbs add a warm, fragrant herbal layer to the soup.
Kale: Stirred in at the end for a vibrant pop of color and a boost of nutrients.
Fresh thyme (for garnish): Adds a lovely fresh aroma just before serving.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Instant Pot Sweet Potato Kale Beef Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by setting your Instant Pot to sauté mode and heating the olive oil until shimmering. Add the beef cubes in a single layer and let them brown without stirring too much—this step seals in flavor and develops that irresistible depth you want in a stew. Once browned, you’ll notice the rich aroma filling your kitchen.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then add in chopped red onions and celery. Stir and let these soften for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent and tender. This is where the base flavor deepens, making the soup truly comforting and fragrant.

Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients and Pressure Cook

Turn off sauté mode, then add your diced sweet potatoes, canned tomatoes with juice, beef broth, bay leaves, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Lock the lid onto your Instant Pot and set it to manual high pressure for 15 minutes. It’ll take a little while to come to pressure, but once it does, the Instant Pot works its magic, tenderizing the beef and melding all those flavors together.

Step 4: Add Kale and Finish

After the pressure cooking is done, quickly release the pressure and open the lid. Stir in the chopped kale, then close the lid again and let the residual heat wilt the greens for about 3 minutes. Finish by garnishing with fresh thyme for that subtle herbaceous note that elevates every spoonful.

How to Serve Instant Pot Sweet Potato Kale Beef Soup Recipe

The image shows a bowl filled with a thick red soup that has visible chunks of dark brown meat, orange sweet potato pieces, and dark green leafy vegetables floating on top. The soup looks rich and smooth in texture with fresh green herb sprigs scattered across the surface. The bowl is white with small black specks, sitting on a white marbled surface next to a soft gray cloth. Part of another similar bowl is visible at the bottom right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Instant Pot Sweet Potato Kale Beef Soup, healthy beef soup with sweet potatoes and kale, easy Instant Pot beef soup recipe, hearty vegetable beef soup, quick nutritious beef stew

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, or even a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper make fantastic garnishes that brighten the soup just before serving. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan can also add a lovely creamy or umami touch if you’re feeling indulgent.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls—the perfect tool for soaking up every last bit of that rich broth. For a lighter option, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the nutrient-rich soup perfectly without overpowering its flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup in rustic bowls for a cozy, homey feel or go fancy with white fine china for a dinner party. Layer kale leaves and a thyme sprig on top for a pretty visual pop. You can also offer small bowls of garnishes on the side, like chopped scallions or chili flakes, so guests can personalize their bowls.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your leftover Instant Pot Sweet Potato Kale Beef Soup Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Just make sure it cools down before sealing it tightly to retain freshness and flavor.

Freezing

This soup freezes wonderfully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring gently until warmed through. You can also use the microwave or your Instant Pot’s sauté mode—just be careful not to overcook the kale to keep it vibrant and tender.

FAQs

Can I use frozen kale instead of fresh for this soup?

Yes, you can use frozen kale if fresh isn’t available. Just add it towards the end of cooking and let it warm through. It might be a bit softer, but it will still add great flavor and nutrients.
Is there a way to make this soup dairy-free and Whole30 compliant?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally dairy-free and can easily be Whole30 compliant by using a compliant beef broth and skipping any cheese or creamy garnishes.
Can I use other proteins instead of beef?

Yes! While beef provides a wonderful depth of flavor, you can substitute with diced chicken thighs or turkey. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure tenderness.
What’s the best way to thicken the soup if I want it heartier?

To thicken your soup, you can mash some of the sweet potatoes after cooking or add a small amount of tomato paste before pressure cooking for richer consistency and deeper flavor.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Instant Pot Sweet Potato Kale Beef Soup Recipe enough—it’s one of those comforting meals you’ll want to make again and again. Whether it’s a chilly night, you’re craving nutrient-packed goodness, or just need a no-fuss dinner that feels like a warm hug, this soup checks all the boxes. Give it a try and watch how it quickly becomes a favorite in your household!

Instant Pot Sweet Potato Kale Beef Soup Recipe