If you’re like me and always looking for easy, wholesome and kid-friendly meals that don’t take forever to make, you’re going to love this Instant Pot Alphabet Soup with Meatballs! It’s a tomato-based soup packed with mini meatballs, alphabet pasta, and veggies. The soup is made quickly in the Instant Pot, making it a great option for busy parents who need a fast and satisfying meal on the table in under 30 minutes.
If your little one loved this Instant Pot Alphabet Soup, be sure to check out my Carrot Soup for Babies and Toddlers with Bone Broth and Kid-Friendly Lentil Soup with Veggies for more of easy, healthy soups!
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Not only is it a quick family dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes, but it’s also a fun and engaging meal for kids. My toddler absolutely loves it, and one of our favorite things to do while eating is play “letter search.” It’s simple – we look for specific letters in the soup, which adds an extra layer of fun to mealtime. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in a little learning while they eat.
Here is Why You Should Make This Alphabet Soup
Here’s why this homemade alphabet soup for kids deserves a spot in your weekly meal rotation:
- It’s Fast and Convenient: his recipe is ideal for those days when you need a fast dinner recipe for busy parents. The Instant Pot does all the hard work, and you’ll have dinner ready in no time.
- Perfect for Picky Eaters: Kids love the playful alphabet pasta, making it easier to serve something nutritious without complaints.
- Healthy Soup for Toddlers: It’s protein rich from the meatballs and well-balanced with veggies.
- Great for Lunches: Leftovers make great easy lunch ideas for toddlers, and you can pack them for school or daycare the next day.
Substitutions and Variations
- Meatballs Alternatives: Not a fan of beef? You can use turkey, chicken, or even plant-based options.
- Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to customize the soup with whatever vegetables your family likes. Carrots, peas and celery are classic choices, but you can add other vegetables likes zucchini, corn or spinach.
- Different Pasta Options: If you can’t find alphabet pasta, any small pasta shape will work. Ditalini or orzo are great alternatives.
How to Store Alphabet Soup
Refrigerate: Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to serve it again, just reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Freeze: If you’re making a bigger batch and want to freeze some for later, this soup freezes well too! Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve. You may want to add a little extra broth when reheating, as the pasta can absorb some liquid.
More Toddler Meals
Cheesy Spinach Pasta Sauce for Toddlers
Easy Turkey Meatballs for Toddlers (With Veggies)
Vegetable Chicken Fingers For Babies and Toddlers
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?
Don’t forget to leave a ★ star rating and comment below to let us what you think. We’d love to hear about your experience and any creative variations you’ve come up with.
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Alphabet Soup with Meatballs
Equipment
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken or beef
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1/3 cup diced onion
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small white onion finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 large carrot finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks finely chopped
- 1 can 14.5 0z diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4-6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 3/4 cup alphabet pasta
- 1 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, diced onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well and form into small meatballs about 1 1/2 inch in diameter.
- Turn on the Instant Pot and select the sauté setting. Preheat the inner pot for 1 minute on sauté, High temperature.
- Add olive oil to the pot and let it heat up.
- Add the meatballs to the heated pot and sauté for about 5 minutes until browned. Remove the meatballs from the pot and set aside.
- Add diced carrot, celery and onion to the pot, and cook for 3 minutes until softened. After, add minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper for 1 minute then select cancel.
- Add chicken broth, diced tomato, alphabet pasta and cooked meatballs back to the pot and stir to combine.
- Secure the lid on the Instant pot and set the valve to the sealing position.
- Select the pressure cook setting. Pressure Cook on High for 5 mins. When the time is up, carefully quick release the pressure.
- Once done, select cancel and remove the lid.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
