Beef, Tomato and Acini di Pepe (Small Pasta) Soup

Adapted fro Skinnytaste.com

Ingredients:

• 1 - 2 Tablesspoons Olive oil
• 1 package of Stewing Beef (about 1 pound)
• 2 teaspoons salt (more or less to taste)
• 1 1/2 cups chopped onions
• 1 1/2 cups chopped carrots
• 1 1/2 cups chopped celery
• 2 - 3 cloves chopped garlic
• 28 ounce can diced tomatoes
• 15 ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 6 cups beef stock
• 1 Tablespoon Worchestershire sauce
• 3 bay leaves
• 6 ounces Acini di pepe or other small pasta

Stove Top Directiions:

1. In a Dutch oven or similar size pot, brown stewing beef in olive oil
2. Add vegetables and saute for a few minutes.
3. Add all other ingredients except the Acini di pepe (or small pasta)
4. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to a simmer and cook 60 - 90 minutes until beef and vegetables are tender.
5. Add pasta and cook until pasta is ready.
6. Remove bay leaves, adjust seasonings, and serve.

Instant Pot Directions:

1. Press the Saute button.  When hot add the olive oil and the beef. 
2. When the beef is browned, add the vegetables and saute another 4 or 5 minutes.
3. Add the rest of the ingredients except for the pasta (Acini di pepe)
4. Set the Instant Pot to the soup setting for 35 minutes.
5. Carefully do a Quick Pressure Release
6. Add the pasta, use the manuel setting for 6 minutes.
7. Depending on time, either allow pressure to come down naturally or carefully do a Quick Release.
8. Remove bay leaves and adjust seasoning and serve