Can I use different types of meat in this stew?

Absolutely! You can easily swap the ground beef and pork for ground turkey or chicken to make it lighter. Just be sure to adjust cooking times slightly as poultry cooks faster.

Can I add beans to this stew?

Yes, you can! Adding a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans or kidney beans would work wonderfully. Stir them in during the last 15 minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming too mushy.

Can I freeze this stew for later?

For sure! This stew freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It'll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What can I use if I don't have acini di pepe pasta?

If you don't have acini di pepe pasta, you can use ditalini or orzo pasta as substitutes. They have a similar size and texture, so they'll work just as well in the stew.

How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy in the Instant Pot?

To prevent the pasta from becoming mushy, add it during the last few minutes of cooking time. This ensures it cooks perfectly without overcooking and losing its texture. I always keep an eye on it at this stage!

Italian Wedding Stew, or minestra maritata in Italian, isn't actually served at weddings! The name refers to the 'marriage' of flavors between the greens and the meat. I remember the first time I tried this stew. It was at my grandmother's house, and the aroma alone was enough to make my mouth water. She always made it with so much love, and now I'm sharing my Instant Pot version with you!

This Instant Pot recipe simplifies the traditional stovetop method without sacrificing any of the rich, comforting flavors. Ground beef and pork combine with tender vegetables, hearty broth, and tiny acini di pepe pasta for a complete meal in a bowl. It's perfect for a chilly evening or any time you crave a taste of Italy, in fact, last night I invited some friends over and everyone love it!

The beauty of the Instant Pot is that it intensifies the flavors and tenderizes the meat in a fraction of the time. Plus, it's a one-pot wonder, so cleanup is a breeze! Get ready to experience the warmth and heartiness of Italian Wedding Stew with this easy and delicious recipe. Trust me, your family will be asking for it again and again. Maybe you can even add more garlic, I love it that way!

Instant Pot Italian Wedding Stew

Name: Instant Pot Italian Wedding Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Instant-Pot
Ingredients: 0.5 lb Ground Beef; 0.5 lb Ground Pork; 1 tbsp Olive Oil; 1 medium, chopped Onion; 2 cloves, minced Garlic; 6 cups Chicken Broth; 1 (14.5 oz) can Crushed Tomatoes; 2 medium, diced Carrots; 2 stalks, diced Celery; 5 oz, fresh or frozen Spinach; 2 tsp Italian Seasoning; 1 tsp Chicken Bouillon; 0.5 cup Acini di Pepe Pasta; to taste Salt; to taste Pepper; for garnish (optional) Parmesan Cheese

This Instant Pot Italian Wedding Stew recipe is a quick and easy way to enjoy a classic comfort food. Combining ground meat, vegetables, and pasta in a flavorful broth, it's a hearty and satisfying meal ready in minutes.

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 4 servings

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

📖 Instructions

Gather your ingredients: Have everything prepped and ready to go. This includes chopping your vegetables, measuring out spices, and having your meat thawed. I find that prepping everything ahead of time makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Brown the Meat: Turn on your Instant Pot to the 'Sauté' function. Add the olive oil and let it heat up for a minute. Add the ground beef and ground pork to the pot. Break the meat apart with a spoon and cook until it's browned. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper. Drain any excess grease to avoid a greasy stew.
Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the Instant Pot. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant. This step is crucial because it builds a flavorful base for the stew. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to dislodge any browned bits (fond). This is where a lot of flavor hides, so don't skip this step! Deglazing ensures your stew has a rich, complex taste.
Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the crushed tomatoes, diced carrots, celery, spinach, Italian seasoning, and chicken bouillon to the Instant Pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly. Make sure everything is well mixed for a harmonious flavor profile.
Pressure Cook: Secure the lid of the Instant Pot, making sure the valve is set to 'Sealing.' Select the 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' function and set the timer for 10 minutes. The Instant Pot will take some time to come to pressure, so be patient.
Release Pressure: Once the cooking time is up, let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, carefully do a quick release of any remaining pressure. Be cautious of the steam! It's super hot and can cause burns.
Add Pasta: Open the Instant Pot and stir in the acini di pepe pasta. Make sure the pasta is evenly distributed throughout the stew. This tiny pasta adds a delightful texture and is a signature of Italian Wedding Stew.
Cook Pasta: Close the lid again and set the Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Watch it closely to avoid overcooking the pasta.
Add Spinach (if not already added): If you prefer a brighter, fresher spinach flavor, stir in the fresh spinach during the last minute of cooking. The heat from the stew will wilt the spinach perfectly without making it mushy.
Season and Serve: Taste the stew and adjust seasoning as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a nice touch too.
Let it Rest: Allow the stew to sit for a few minutes before serving, this allows the flavors to meld together even more.