Instant Pot Cabbage Roll Soup: Your Go-To Comfort Food for Easy, Low-Carb Meals
As the chill of winter sets in, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of soup to chase away the cold. This Instant Pot Cabbage Roll Soup is exactly that – a perfect blend of tender cabbage and hearty ground beef, all simmering in a rich, savory tomato broth. It’s an incredibly satisfying, low-carb meal that delivers big on flavor without the fuss of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls.
Often dubbed “lazy man’s stuffed cabbage” or “deconstructed cabbage rolls,” this soup captures all the beloved flavors of classic cabbage rolls in a simple, unstuffed format. You get the same delicious combination of ingredients, but with significantly less prep work. No tedious rolling, just a comforting, wholesome soup that’s ready to enjoy in a fraction of the time. Whether you’re an Instant Pot enthusiast or prefer the stovetop, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Embrace the ease of your Instant Pot to create quick lunches and effortless dinners. If you love the convenience of pressure cooking, be sure to explore more of our simple and delicious recipes. You might enjoy our Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup, a classic hearty option, our creamy Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup, or the ever-popular Instant Pot White Chicken Chili for another crowd-pleasing meal.
Note: This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you click on a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting our content!
Essential Ingredients for Your Cabbage Roll Soup
Crafting this flavorful, unstuffed cabbage roll soup is a breeze with a handful of common pantry staples and fresh ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the robust flavors each component brings. Here’s what you’ll need to create this savory tomato-based broth masterpiece:
- Ground Beef: The foundation of this hearty soup. For a leaner option, we recommend using 93/7 ground beef. Whichever type you choose, remember to thoroughly drain any excess fat after browning to ensure your soup isn’t greasy and the flavors shine through.
- Onion: A medium yellow onion is ideal for its balanced sweetness and pungency, which mellows beautifully during cooking. If a yellow onion isn’t available, a white onion will work just as well.
- Garlic: No savory soup is complete without the aromatic depth of garlic. Freshly minced garlic offers the best flavor, but for convenience, pre-minced garlic from a jar is a perfectly acceptable time-saver.
- Cabbage: The star of the show! Regular green cabbage is the traditional choice for its firm texture and ability to hold up well during simmering. Cut it into bite-sized pieces so it’s easy to enjoy in every spoonful.
- Tomatoes: This recipe utilizes both diced tomatoes and tomato sauce to build a rich, tangy base. If you’re aiming for a keto-friendly meal, be sure to select brands of diced tomatoes and tomato sauce with no added sugars to keep the carbohydrate count low.
- Beef Broth: Essential for developing a deep, savory flavor profile. High-quality beef broth truly enhances the overall taste. In a pinch, or if you prefer a slightly lighter flavor, chicken broth can be substituted.
- Carrot: Just a touch of carrot adds a subtle sweetness and a hint of color to the soup, balancing the acidity of the tomatoes and the richness of the beef.
- Worcestershire Sauce: This is our secret ingredient! Worcestershire sauce adds an undeniable umami depth and a distinct savory note that elevates the beef flavor. Do not skip this; it’s crucial for the authentic cabbage roll taste.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: A small amount of apple cider vinegar brightens the flavors of the soup, cutting through the richness and balancing the acidity of the tomatoes, making every bite incredibly vibrant.
- Spices: A thoughtful blend of dried parsley, oregano, bay leaves, salt, and pepper forms the aromatic backbone of this soup, infusing it with classic, comforting flavors.
For those looking to make this soup even more substantial, consider serving it over cauliflower rice to maintain its keto status, or over fluffy cooked long-grain white rice for a more traditional, heartier meal.
New to using an Instant Pot? Make sure you read our comprehensive beginner’s guide on “How to Use an Instant Pot” to get started with confidence!
Instant Pot Cabbage Roll Soup: Step-by-Step Guide
Making this incredible Cabbage Roll Soup in your Instant Pot is incredibly straightforward, allowing you to achieve deep, rich flavors in record time. Follow these steps for a perfectly cooked, tender, and savory soup every time.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Begin by setting your Instant Pot to the SAUTÉ function. Add the ground beef to the inner pot and brown it thoroughly for 7-10 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, carefully drain any excess grease and set the cooked beef aside in a separate bowl. This step is crucial for developing flavor and removing unwanted fat.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add a teaspoon of olive oil to the Instant Pot (if needed, after draining fat) along with the diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté these aromatics for approximately 5 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant. This step builds the aromatic base for your soup. After sautéing, press CANCEL to turn off the SAUTÉ mode, preparing the pot for pressure cooking.
- Combine All Ingredients: Now, return the browned ground beef to the Instant Pot. Add the remaining ingredients: the bite-sized cabbage, canned diced tomatoes (undrained for maximum flavor), tomato sauce, beef broth, sliced carrot, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, dried parsley, dried oregano, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently to combine everything, ensuring the ingredients are well distributed in the liquid.
- Secure the Lid and Seal: Carefully place the lid on your Instant Pot and turn it until it locks securely into place. Make sure the sealing valve is set to the SEALING position. This creates the airtight environment necessary for pressure cooking.
- Set Pressure Cooking Time: Select the MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK setting (depending on your Instant Pot model) and set the cooking time to HIGH pressure for 15 minutes. The Instant Pot will take some time to come to pressure before the cooking countdown begins.
- Natural Release and Vent: Once the 15-minute cooking cycle is complete, the Instant Pot will beep. Press CANCEL to stop the cooking process. Allow the Instant Pot to perform a 5-minute natural pressure release. This means you do nothing and let the pressure decrease gradually on its own for five minutes. After 5 minutes, carefully turn the sealing valve to the VENTING position to quick-release any remaining pressure. Once the float valve drops, it’s safe to open the lid. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Stir well and serve hot!
Stovetop Cabbage Roll Soup: Classic Preparation
If you don’t have an Instant Pot or simply prefer the traditional stovetop method, this delicious cabbage roll soup is just as easy to make. It simmers beautifully on the stove, developing rich flavors over time.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, add the ground beef. Cook over medium-high heat for 7-10 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until it is thoroughly browned. Once cooked, carefully drain any excess grease from the pot and set the browned beef aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: To the same pot, add a teaspoon of olive oil (if necessary) along with the diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté for approximately 5 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Combine All Ingredients: Return the browned ground beef to the pot. Add the rest of the ingredients: the cabbage, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, sliced carrot, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, parsley, oregano, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Simmer to Perfection: Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 1 hour. Continue to cook until the cabbage is tender and all the flavors have melded together beautifully. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Enjoy your comforting, homemade cabbage roll soup!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cabbage Roll Soup
What Meat Goes Best with Cabbage Roll Soup?
The beauty of cabbage roll soup is its versatility when it comes to meat. While ground beef is the traditional and most common choice, almost any ground meat will pair wonderfully with cabbage. You could opt for ground pork for a richer flavor, or even Italian sausage (mild or hot, depending on your preference) to add a spicy kick. For those looking to reduce calories or avoid red meat, ground turkey or chicken are excellent lean alternatives that absorb the savory broth flavors beautifully. Experiment to find your favorite combination!
What Kind of Cabbage Should I Use for Cabbage Rolls (or Soup)?
For this unstuffed cabbage roll soup, regular green cabbage is highly recommended and most often used. Its thick, sturdy leaves hold their shape and texture well, even after simmering for an extended period in the savory broth. This ensures that the cabbage remains a satisfying component of the soup rather than disintegrating. Green cabbage also reheats exceptionally well, making this soup perfect for meal prep. Savoy cabbage is another great option, known for its crinkly, ruffled texture. While it offers a slightly different mouthfeel, it’s also hearty enough to withstand simmering and adds a lovely visual appeal. Red cabbage is generally not recommended for this specific recipe, as its distinct flavor profile can alter the overall taste of the soup, and it may also leach color into the broth, changing its appearance.
Can I Make This Cabbage Roll Soup Vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make this soup vegetarian or vegan, simply substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative. You can also use lentils, mushrooms, or a combination of both for a rich, earthy texture. Replace the beef broth with vegetable broth and ensure your Worcestershire sauce is vegan-friendly (some brands contain anchovies). The result will still be a wonderfully flavorful and comforting soup!
What Can I Serve with Cabbage Roll Soup?
This soup is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice is excellent. A crusty piece of sourdough bread or a fresh dinner roll is perfect for dipping into the savory broth. A light green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast, or you could simply serve it as is for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Can You Freeze Cabbage Roll Soup?
Yes, this Cabbage Roll Soup freezes beautifully, making it an excellent candidate for meal prep or saving leftovers for a quick and easy meal later. To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely to room temperature first. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Using freezer bags laid flat can save significant space in your freezer. It will keep well for up to 3-4 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply transfer the frozen soup to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. Once thawed, reheat it gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through. You can add a splash more beef broth or water if it seems too thick.
Storing Your Leftover Cabbage Roll Soup
Proper storage ensures your delicious soup remains fresh and flavorful for days. Any leftover Instant Pot Cabbage Roll Soup should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. When properly stored, it will maintain its quality and taste for up to 5 days, making it perfect for healthy lunches throughout the week. As mentioned, this unstuffed cabbage roll soup also freezes exceptionally well for longer storage, providing a convenient homemade meal whenever you need it.
Discover More Delicious Instant Pot Recipes!
The Instant Pot is a game-changer for busy cooks, transforming ordinary meals into extraordinary ones with minimal effort. If you’ve enjoyed the simplicity and flavor of this Cabbage Roll Soup, you’ll love exploring our other pressure cooker favorites. Dive into a world of quick and comforting meals with these highly-rated Instant Pot recipes:
- Pressure Cooker Taco Soup {Instant Pot}: A vibrant, flavor-packed soup that’s perfect for taco night.
- Low Carb Instant Pot Sausage and Kale Soup: Hearty, healthy, and incredibly satisfying.
- Pressure Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup: All the flavors of your favorite enchiladas in a comforting bowl.
- Low Carb Creamy Chicken Soup (Instant Pot): Rich and creamy, yet surprisingly light.
- Instant Pot Big Mac Soup {Low Carb}: A fun, keto-friendly twist on a classic fast-food favorite.
- Instant Pot Chili: A classic chili recipe, made super fast in your pressure cooker.
- Instant Pot Loaded Cauliflower Soup {Keto}: A creamy, cheesy, low-carb delight.
- Instant Pot Vegetable Soup: A wholesome and nutritious option, packed with fresh veggies.
- How to Make Chicken Bone Broth in an Instant Pot: Learn to make your own flavorful, nutrient-rich broth at home.
Loved this recipe?
Stay connected and never miss out on our latest delicious creations! Follow us on Instagram and Pinterest for more inspiring recipes and culinary tips.
Instant Pot Cabbage Roll Soup (with stove top instructions)
Print Recipe
Average Rating: 4.30 from 20 votes
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds Ground beef
- 1 teaspoon Olive oil
- 1 cup Onion, diced
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 8 ounces Cabbage, chopped
- 14 ounces Canned diced tomatoes, undrained
- 8 ounces Canned Tomato sauce
- 4 cups Beef broth
- 1 Carrot, peeled, and sliced into rounds
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Apple cider vinegar
- 1 Bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons Parsley, dried
- 1/2 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
Instant Pot Method:
- Set the Instant Pot to SAUTÉ and add the ground beef, browning it for 7-10 minutes. Drain grease and set aside.
- Add olive oil, onions, and garlic to the Instant Pot and sauté for 5 minutes. Press CANCEL to turn off the SAUTÉ mode.
- Place the browned ground beef, cabbage, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, carrot, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, parsley, oregano, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper into the Instant Pot with the onions and garlic.
- Lock the lid in place and turn the valve to SEALING.
- Set to HIGH pressure for 15 minutes.
- When the timer goes off, press CANCEL and let the Instant Pot do a 5-minute natural release before turning the valve to VENTING and releasing the remaining pressure. Carefully remove the bay leaf before serving.
Stove Top Method:
- In a large pot, add the ground beef, browning it for 7-10 minutes. Drain grease and set aside.
- Add olive oil, onions, and garlic to the pot and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Place the browned ground beef, cabbage, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, carrot, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, parsley, oregano, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper into the pot with the onions and garlic. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook over medium-low heat for 1 hour, or until the cabbage is tender and flavors have melded. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Calories: 261kcal
,
Carbohydrates: 8g
,
Protein: 17g
,
Fat: 17g
,
Saturated Fat: 6g
,
Cholesterol: 60mg
,
Sodium: 1046mg
,
Potassium: 605mg
,
Fiber: 2g
,
Sugar: 4g
,
Vitamin A: 1565IU
,
Vitamin C: 20.7mg
,
Calcium: 67mg
,
Iron: 3mg
