If you’re craving a hearty, comforting dish that’s packed with flavour and perfect for cozy nights in, you may want to try this Hearty Italian Bean and Orzo Stew! This pressure cooker recipe combines the  15 Bean Soup Mix, ground beef, fresh vegetables, and (my favourite) orzo, making it a meal the whole family will love.

If you’re looking for more Soups that Don’t Suck you can check them out here:

Creamy Tuscan Tortellini Soup

Toasted Orzo Chicken Soup

Golden Garlic Soup

Nordic Lasagna Soup

Single Serve Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Roasted Red Pepper Ravioli Soup

Why You’ll Love this Hearty Italian Bean & Orzo Stew:

This Hearty Italian Bean and Orzo Stew is one of those recipes that hits all the right notes. It’s simple yet packed with flavour, and the best part? It’s made in your Instant Pot or pressure cooker, which means it’s ready to enjoy in just under an hour! The mix of ground beef, leeks, carrots, celery, and garlic creates a rich, savory base, while the 15 Bean Soup Mix offers a hearty and nutritious addition that makes this stew feel like a complete meal in a bowl.

The Italian seasoning and a hint of cayenne give it a bit of a kick, while the orzo adds a satisfying bite. You can finish it with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a touch of brightness and garnish with Parmesan and fresh Italian parsley for the perfect finishing touch. It’s comfort food that’s cozy and filling but doesn’t skimp on flavour!

How to make Hearty Italian Bean & Orzo Stew:

Step One: Rinse the beans under cold water. 

Step Two: Set your pressure cooker to sauté mode and add 2 tbsp olive oil. Add the ground beef and sautée for about 5-7 minutes or until browned.

Step Three: Add in chopped celery, carrots, leeks and garlic and stir for a few more minutes. 

Step Four: Add the rinsed beans into the pot with 6 cups of water or broth.

Step Five: Add diced tomatoes and tomato sauce.  Season with salt, pepper, the seasoning packet that came with the bean mix, italian seasoning and a pinch of cayenne.

Step Six: Stir to combine and then close the pressure cooker lid, set the valve to sealing, and set to Pressure Cook or manual for 40 minutes. 

Step Seven: After cooking time is complete, allow to naturally release for 10-15 minutes, then carefully turn the valve to release any additional pressure. 

Step Eight: Open the pot, add in the orzo, stir, and adjust to sauté setting until the orzo is tender. Depending on the thickness you like, feel free to add an additional cup of water/broth at this point (as the orzo will absorb liquid). 

Step Nine: Option to squeeze in a touch of lemon juice to taste for brightness. Adjust seasonings as desired. Ladle into bowls and garnish with parmesan cheese, fresh italian parsley and a drizzle of olive oil.

How to Store and Reheat This Stew:

This stew not only makes an amazing meal the day you make it, but it also stores wonderfully for leftovers. You can store any extra stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. The flavours will actually deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day.

If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze it! Just let it cool completely, then transfer the stew to a freezer-safe container or zip-top freezer bag. It will last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. You might need to add a little extra broth when reheating, as the orzo absorbs some of the liquid.

Substitutions:

This Hearty Italian Bean and Orzo Stew is versatile, so feel free to make it your own! Here are a few substitutions and variations to suit your tastes:

• Ground Beef: If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken. For a vegetarian version, omit the meat entirely and add an extra cup of beans or some sautéed mushrooms for added texture and flavour.
• Orzo: If you’re not a fan of orzo, you can easily swap it for another small pasta like ditalini, small shells, or even farro for a heartier grain.
• Beans: While the Hurst’s 15 Bean Soup Mix is the star of this recipe, you can switch out the beans for any canned beans you have on hand, such as cannellini, kidney beans, or chickpeas. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly if using canned beans.
• Vegetables: You can customize the veggies in this stew! Add in some zucchini, spinach, or kale for extra nutrition.
• Seasoning: Don’t be afraid to play with the seasoning! You can add crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat, or toss in some fresh oregano or basil.

How to Make Hearty Italian Bean and Orzo Stew on the Stovetop (Without a Pressure Cooker):

If you don’t have a pressure cooker or Instant Pot, no worries! You can still make this Hearty Italian Bean and Orzo Stew on the stovetop, with just a little more time for soaking the beans and cooking. Here’s how to do it:

Overnight soak: The easiest method is to soak the Hurst’s 15 Bean Soup Mix in water overnight (8-12 hours). Simply rinse the beans, then place them in a large bowl and cover with plenty of water. Drain and rinse the beans before using them in the recipe the next day.

Continue to cook the ground beef, vegetables, diced tomatoes, sauce, seasonings, water/broth and soaked beans in a large pot over the stove. 

Simmer the Stew: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender. Be sure to stir occasionally and check the stew for the right amount of liquid. If it’s thickening too much, feel free to add a bit more water or broth as needed.

Add the Orzo: Once the beans are tender, stir in the orzo and continue to cook, uncovered, for about 10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the stew has thickened to your liking.

This Hearty Italian Bean and Orzo Stew is the kind of recipe you’ll make again and again. It will feed a crowd (or provide leftovers for days), it’s perfect for chilly evenings and busy weeks and it couldn’t be easier to make. 

As always, please tag me on social (@britacooks) if you try this recipe out! I love nothing more than seeing your creations <3