Instant Pot Southwest Vegetable Soup (vegan)

Instant Pot Southwest Vegetable Soup is an easy, 30-minute, beginner meal. This soup is loaded with hearty vegetables, protein-rich black beans, and seasoned with a spicy, smoky southwest flavor. It is also vegan and gluten-free.

This southwest version of my Instant Pot vegetable soup has a slight kick from the chilies in the tomatoes, and the fire-roasted corn brings a delicious smoky flavor to the soup. It’s sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

There are 8 main ingredients (plus seasonings) you’ll need for this Instant Pot Southwest Vegetable Soup.

*Full amounts in the recipe card below

Ingredient notes and substitutes

• Canned tomatoes. Choose diced fire-roasted tomatoes with green chilies for a mildly spicy soup. To leave the spice out, go with fire-roasted tomatoes—no green chilies.
• Vegetable broth. Any vegetable broth will do. But, you may need to add more salt for low sodium broth. Vegetable bouillon cubes are also an option.
• Fire-roasted corn. Use fire-roasted corn and do not substitute. The fire-roasted corn adds a delicious smoky flavor to the Southwest vegetable soup.
• Bell pepper. Use red, yellow, or green bell pepper.
• Paprika. To enhance the smoky flavor in the soup, add smoked paprika alongside the paprika.

How to set the Instant Pot

Make sure the inner rubber seal is properly inserted before sealing the lid. And, be sure the steam release valve is in the “sealing” position.

• Press the “manual” or “pressure cook” button (depending on your model).
• Use the plus or minus button to add or remove time, and set 4 minutes.
• To set the pressure to “high” use the “pressure” button.

*Labeling on the buttons may vary depending on the model of your Instant Pot.

Southwest Vegetable Soup FAQ's

Tips for Success

• Black beans. If your canned black beans are split, add them to the soup after cooking. This will keep the beans from overcooking and splitting further.
• Tomato base. Add a (15oz) can of tomato sauce for more tomato flavor. I’ve made this southwest vegetable soup with and without the tomato sauce and love it both ways!
• Extra heat. If you love spicy food, add a small diced jalapeño (seeds removed) to the soup before cooking.

Continue to Content

Instant Pot Southwest Vegetable Soup (vegan)

Yield: 6 bowls

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 4 minutes

Pressure Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 34 minutes

This Instant Pot southwest vegetable soup has a slight kick from the chilies in the tomatoes, and the fire-roasted corn brings a delicious smoky flavor to the soup. It’s sure to be a hit!

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Ingredients

• 5 cups vegetable broth
• 1 (15-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes and green chilis
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup fire-roasted corn, frozen or canned
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1/2 bell pepper, slice into 2-inch strips
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)

Optional

• 1 (15oz) can tomato sauce

Instructions

Instant Pot Instructions

1. Prepare the ingredients. 
2. Add everything to the Instant Pot and stir to combine.
3. Seal the lid and use the “manual” or “pressure cook” button to set the Instant Pot to 4 minutes at high pressure. 
   Note: The Instant Pot takes about 15 minutes to come to pressure before sealing and cooking.
4. After the 4 minutes is up, allow the pressure to naturally release for 5-10 minutes.  Then, carefully turn the steam knob to “venting” to release the remaining pressure.  
5. Carefully open the lid and stir the soup. Set a small portion aside to cool, then taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
6. Serve with tortilla chips, diced avocado, vegan cheese, or your favorite soup toppings and side.

Stovetop Instructions

1. Prepare the ingredients. 
2. Add everything to a large soup pot and stir to combine.
3. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then cover.  Simmer for 35-45 minutes while occasionally stirring.
4. The soup is ready when a fork easily pierces the soft vegetables.
5. Serve with tortilla chips, diced avocado, vegan cheese, or your favorite soup toppings and side.

ENJOY!

Notes

• Tomato Sauce. For a tomato-based soup add in 1 can of tomato sauce.  I have made it with and without the tomato sauce and love it both ways.  You can always add the tomato sauce in after the soup is cooked—if you decide you want the extra flavor.
• Black beans.  If your canned black beans are split, add them to the soup after cooking.  This will keep the beans from overcooking and splitting further.
• Fire-roasted corn.  There is no need to defrost the corn.  Toss it right into the pot from the freezer.
• Instant Pot models may vary.  If so, the buttons may be labeled differently depending on the model you own. 

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 96Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 720mgCarbohydrates: 18gFiber: 6gSugar: 4gProtein: 6g

**Nutritional info is provided as an estimate based on the ingredients I used and for convenience and as a courtesy only.**

Hearty vegan soups