Instant Pot Sweet Potato Tortilla Soup Recipe

The Coziest Instant Pot Sweet Potato Tortilla Soup Recipe

Warming bowls of creamy sweet potato tortilla soup have become my winter weeknight obsession.

Comfort arrives quickly with this magical instant pot creation.

Rich, hearty flavors blend seamlessly in a single pot.

Unexpected spices dance through tender sweet potato chunks, creating depth and excitement.

Southwestern-inspired ingredients merge into a robust, soul-satisfying meal that feels both familiar and innovative.

Robust beans and vibrant vegetables make this soup a nutritious powerhouse.

You’ll want to savor every delicious spoonful of this comforting Mexican-inspired delight.

How To Cook Instant Pot Sweet Potato Tortilla Soup

Step 1: Awaken The Aromatics

Activate the Instant Pot’s sauté function. Drizzle olive oil into the pot and welcome diced onions, letting them dance and soften for a few minutes. Introduce minced garlic and chopped jalapeño, allowing them to release their vibrant flavors for a quick moment.

  • Olive oil
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Jalapeño

Step 2: Spice Up The Foundation

Sprinkle in a symphony of spices, stirring them gently to create a fragrant base. Fold in the hearty ingredients, creating a colorful medley of comfort.

  • Cumin
  • Chili powder
  • Smoked paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Bell pepper
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Black beans
  • Corn
  • Vegetable broth

Step 3: Pressure Magic

Secure the lid and set the valve to sealing. Let the Instant Pot work its magic, transforming ingredients into a harmonious soup. Cook on high pressure, then allow a natural release followed by a quick release.

Step 4: Brighten The Flavor

Unveil the lid and awaken the soup with a burst of fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your heart’s content.

  • Lime juice
  • Fresh cilantro

Step 5: Create Crispy Tortilla Companions

While the soup simmers, prepare the tortilla strips. Preheat the oven and transform corn tortillas into crispy delights.

  • Corn tortillas
  • Olive oil
  • Salt

Step 6: Serve With Love

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Crown each serving with the golden tortilla strips and any additional toppings that spark joy.

Optional toppings:
  • Sour cream
  • Avocado
  • Shredded cheese
  • Green onions

Tips To Get The Perfect Texture In Sweet Potato Tortilla Soup

  • Boost Flavor Depth: Add a splash of beer or tequila during sauteing to enhance the soup's complexity and create a richer, more robust taste profile.
  • Customize Heat Levels: Adjust the spiciness by removing jalapeno seeds for mild soup or adding extra chili powder for those who love intense heat.
  • Make It Creamy: Blend a portion of the cooked sweet potatoes to create a thicker, creamier texture without adding heavy cream.
  • Prep Ahead Trick: Chop vegetables and measure spices in advance to streamline the cooking process and reduce stress during meal preparation.
  • Dietary Swap Genius: Replace black beans with quinoa for a protein-packed alternative or use vegetable broth to make the soup completely vegan-friendly.

How To Store Instant Pot Sweet Potato Tortilla Soup

  • Refrigerate leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Keep crispy tortilla strips separate to maintain their crunch.
  • Freeze the soup without toppings for maximum freshness, storing in freezer-safe containers for 23 months.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
  • Stir occasionally to prevent scorching and restore the soup's smooth consistency.
  • When reheating, add a splash of broth if the soup seems too thick.
  • Avoid refreezing previously frozen soup to maintain the best flavor and texture.

What Tastes Great With Sweet Potato Tortilla Soup

  • Pair with Zesty Margaritas: Combine the soup's smoky, spicy flavors with a classic margarita. The citrusy lime and tequila complement the sweet potato's richness and cut through the soup's heat.
  • Match with Mexican Cerveza: Grab a cold Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo. Its light, crisp profile balances the soup's hearty texture and provides a refreshing contrast to the bold spices.
  • Enhance with Avocado Salad: Create a simple side salad with ripe avocados, fresh cilantro, and a lime vinaigrette. The creamy avocado and bright dressing mirror the soup's Mexican-inspired flavors and add a cool, fresh element.
  • Complete with Cornbread Muffins: Bake quick jalapeño cornbread muffins. Their slightly sweet, slightly spicy character harmonizes perfectly with the soup's robust profile and provides a delightful textural contrast.

Easy Variations Of Sweet Potato Tortilla Soup

  • Slow Cooker Southwest Fusion: Transform this Instant Pot recipe into a hands-off slow cooker version by sauteing aromatics first, then transferring everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours, letting flavors meld beautifully while you go about your day.
  • Roasted Vegetable Fiesta: Skip the pressure cooking and roast sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and onions in the oven before combining with broth. This method intensifies the vegetables' natural sweetness and adds a smoky depth to the soup.
  • Protein Power Bowl: Enhance the soup's nutritional profile by adding shredded chicken, ground turkey, or plant-based protein like quinoa. Incorporate the protein during the final stirring stage for a heartier meal that keeps you full longer.
  • Creamy Verde Edition: Blend in some roasted green chiles and a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk near the end of cooking. This variation creates a rich, velvety texture with a tangy green chile kick that elevates the entire soup experience.

Common Questions About Sweet Potato Tortilla Soup

  • Why use sweet potatoes in this soup?

Sweet potatoes add incredible nutritional value, natural sweetness, and a creamy texture to the soup. They’re packed with vitamins, fiber, and provide a hearty base that makes the soup more filling and nutritious.

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! This recipe is already vegetarian. To make it vegan, ensure you use vegetable broth and skip any dairy toppings like cheese. The soup is naturally plant-based and super flavorful.

  • How spicy is this soup?

The soup has a mild to moderate heat level from the jalapeño and spices. You can control the spiciness by removing jalapeño seeds or using less. If you prefer more heat, add extra jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce.

  • Is this an Instant Pot-friendly recipe?

Yes, this recipe is specifically designed for the Instant Pot! The pressure cooking method helps blend flavors quickly and makes the sweet potatoes tender in just 8 minutes. It’s perfect for quick, easy weeknight meals.

Why Instant Pot Sweet Potato Tortilla Soup Has Layers Of Flavor

  • Whip Up Speedy Comfort: This Instant Pot sweet potato tortilla soup delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Customize Your Culinary Adventure: The recipe offers incredible flexibility, allowing you to adjust spice levels, swap ingredients, and add personal toppings like avocado, sour cream, or extra cilantro to match your taste preferences.
  • Nutrition Packed in One Pot: Loaded with sweet potatoes, black beans, and vegetables, this soup provides a balanced, nutrient-dense meal that satisfies hunger while delivering essential vitamins and protein in every delicious spoonful.
  • Effortless Cooking Technology: Using an Instant Pot dramatically reduces cooking time, transforming complex flavors into a quick 8-minute pressure cooking process that creates a restaurant-quality soup with minimal hands-on preparation.

What You Need For Instant Pot Sweet Potato Tortilla Soup

Main Ingredients:

Sweet Potatoes: Hearty root vegetable that adds creamy texture and nutritional boost to the soup. Choose firm, smooth-skinned sweet potatoes without bruises..

Black Beans: Protein-packed legume that provides substance and earthy flavor. Canned beans work well for convenience..

Corn: Sweet kernel that adds pop of texture and subtle sweetness. Frozen or canned corn are excellent options..

Liquid and Broth:

Vegetable Broth: Flavor base that brings all ingredients together. Low-sodium broth allows better control of salt content..

Tomatoes: Acidic component that creates depth in soup’s flavor profile. Canned diced tomatoes with their juices work perfectly..

Aromatics and Herbs:

Onion: Foundational flavor builder with sweet undertones. Yellow or white onions provide classic soup base..

Garlic: Intense, pungent ingredient that deepens overall taste. Fresh garlic cloves offer most robust flavor..

Jalapeno: Adds subtle heat and complexity. Remove seeds for milder spice level..

Cilantro: Fresh herb that brings bright, citrusy notes. Optional for those who enjoy its flavor..

Spices and Seasonings:

Cumin: Warm, earthy spice that adds Mexican-inspired depth. Ground cumin provides most concentrated flavor..

Chili Powder: Mild heat and rich color enhancer. Blend of ground chilis and spices..

Smoked Paprika: Adds smoky undertone and rich color. Choose high-quality, fresh spice..

Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning that balances and highlights other flavors..

Garnish and Texture:

Tortilla Strips: Crispy to.

Print
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Instant Pot Sweet Potato Tortilla Soup Recipe

Instant Pot Sweet Potato Tortilla Soup Recipe


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4.5 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Mexican-inspired Instant Pot Sweet Potato Tortilla Soup delivers comfort in a bowl, combining hearty vegetables and rich spices. Creamy, zesty flavors meld perfectly, inviting you to savor each spoonful of this soul-warming culinary adventure.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Vegetables and Proteins:

  • 1 lb sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes

Aromatics and Spices:

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped (optional for spice)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Liquids and Garnishes:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

Tortilla Topping:

  • 4 corn tortillas, cut into thin strips
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Pinch of salt

Optional Toppings:

  • Diced avocado
  • Extra cilantro
  • Lime wedges
  • Vegan sour cream
  • Jalapeno slices

Instructions

  1. Awaken the Instant Pot’s sauté function and drizzle olive oil into the vessel. Tumble diced onions into the heated surface, allowing them to soften and become translucent. Introduce minced garlic and diced jalapeño, stirring until their aromatic essence emerges.
  2. Sprinkle a constellation of spices – cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper – creating a flavor foundation. Layer in cubed sweet potatoes, vibrant bell peppers, juicy tomatoes, protein-rich black beans, and sweet corn kernels. Pour in vegetable broth, ensuring all ingredients are harmoniously integrated.
  3. Secure the lid, positioning the valve to sealing mode. Initiate high-pressure cooking for eight minutes, allowing the Instant Pot to transform ingredients into a cohesive symphony. After cooking, permit a natural pressure release for five minutes, then swiftly release remaining pressure.
  4. Unveil the lid and brighten the soup with fresh lime juice and verdant cilantro. Taste and calibrate seasonings to personal preference.
  5. Meanwhile, prepare crispy tortilla garnish. Slice corn tortillas into delicate strips, toss with oil and a whisper of salt. Arrange on a baking sheet and roast in a 375°F oven until golden and crunchy.
  6. Ladle the steaming soup into waiting bowls. Crown each serving with the freshly crafted tortilla strips and optional embellishments like sliced avocado, crumbled queso fresco, or additional cilantro.

Notes

  • Customize heat levels by adjusting jalapeño quantity or using milder pepper varieties for sensitive palates.
  • Swap black beans with pinto beans or chickpeas for different protein and texture variations.
  • Create vegetarian version by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, ensuring rich flavor profile remains intact.
  • Reduce sodium content by selecting low-sodium broth and minimizing added salt during cooking process.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 8 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Emily Morgan

Emily Morgan

Food Critic & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Global Food Exploration & Critique, Simple Kitchen Hacks & Time-Saving Tips, Presentation & Plating Techniques, Culinary Research & Storytelling.

Education

New York University

  • Program: Bachelor’s in Journalism
  • Focus: Combined foundational journalism training with deep dives into global food traditions, restaurant criticism, and the cultural role of cuisine.

Emily Morgan has journeyed across the globe, collecting culinary secrets that turn everyday ingredients into impressive meals.

Based in Seattle and armed with a Journalism degree from NYU, she blends thorough research with a flair for presentation, ensuring every dish looks just as good as it tastes.

Focusing on fresh flavors, simple methods, and a bit of fun, Emily shows home cooks how to elevate their daily cooking without fancy gadgets or complex steps.

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