Instant Pot Cabbage Soup Recipe

Instant Pot Cabbage Soup is full of wholesome vegetables simmered in a flavorful stock for a hearty, yet light meal. This meal is perfect any time of the year, but especially when made with seasonal ingredients. This is one of the easiest soup recipes and it tastes even better the next day.

Instant pot recipes are always convenient and so easy to make. If you prefer this meal to be a bit heartier then check our Instant pot Cabbage Roll Soup or Instant Pot Cabbage Stew with ground meat. These are great quick dinner options, that are budget-friendly and that the whole family will love.

a bowl of instant pot cabbage soup

Instant Pot Vegan Cabbage Soup

This easy soup recipe tastes fresh, bright, and is packed with veggies. It’s one of our go-to comfort foods when it starts to get cold out, but it’s also perfect for summers when you have so many fresh vegetables on hand.

Also, making it in the pressure cooker takes almost no effort at all! While this dish is low in calories and very healthy, but it’s far from bland. The broth is well-seasoned with herbs, aromatics, and has a delicious acidity from the tomatoes.

It’s so full of flavor, that even meat-eaters will love it! Finally, this dish also freezes well. Double the recipe and freeze half so you can enjoy a bowl anytime you want.

The soup can easily be a complete meal if you serve it with some lean protein! Make sure to add a crusty roll or these crispy breadsticks on the side.

Ingredients Needed:

This easy instant pot soup recipe is made with wholesome ingredients and requires minimal effort. Here is an overview of the simple list of ingredients you need:

  • Vegetables: We’re using carrots, chopped bell peppers, sliced celery, green beans (they are optional, but great to add some – trim then slice into halves), and half a head of green cabbage sliced into chunks.
  • Broth: Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. If you want a bit more of a bold flavor, use chicken broth or this homemade chicken stock.
  • Herbs: You’ll need both dried Italian seasonings herbs and a dash of dried thyme.
  • Seasonings: Fresh ground pepper and kosher salt.
  • Aromatics: We’re using the classic duo of minced garlic and diced yellow onion.
  • Olive oil: A healthy oil that’s perfect for sautéing aromatics. Some options are olive oil or avocado oil.
  • Diced tomatoes and paste: Both add acidity and depth to the broth.

cabbage soup with veggies

How to make Instant Pot Cabbage Soup Recipe?

  1. Sauté. First, turn on the IP and select the Sauté mode. Then, heat the oil, and sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant. Stir in the veggies, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Continue sauteing for a couple of minutes.
  2. Pressure cook. Next, add the remaining ingredients to the pot. And pressure cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
  3. Pressure Release: Once the pressure cooker beeps, carefully do a Natural Pressure Release for 10 minutes and after that a quick release.
  4. Seasoning: After that, carefully open the pot and season with more salt and fresh pepper if needed.
  5. Serve. Enjoy warm with some crusty bread on the side.

Recipe Variations:

  • Veggies: This recipe is very versatile, hence you can use any veggies you have on hand or need your immediate attention. Therefore, we suggest using green pepper, zucchini, or yellow squash. Red cabbage, Yukon gold potatoes, sweet potatoes, purple cabbage, fresh sweet corn, or zucchini.
  • Greens: Also, for extra flavor and nutrients add some chopped kale or spinach.
  • Meat: Want to make this recipe with meat? Then saute some ground beef, or other great options are ground chicken, ground turkey, or hot Italian sausage.
  • Acidity: As an alternative, if you prefer the broth tangier, add a cut of tomato sauce, some lemon juice, white wine vinegar, or apple cider vinegar.
  • Spicier: For a spicier kick, add some dried red pepper flakes.
  • Fresh herbs: Also, feel free to try a variety of flavors by adding fresh herbs like basil, oregano, cilantro, or parsley.
  • Seasonings: Make it more interesting by using different seasonings like Taco Seasoning or Cajun seasoning.
  • Grains: Bulk it up by stirring in some cooked white rice, brown rice, or noodles.
  • Beans: As an option increase the veggie protein by adding beans or lentils.

Slow Cooker Version:

Want to whip up this recipe but too busy to watch over the Instant Pot? Then, follow this slow cooker cabbage soup recipe which takes even less effort.

Simply, place everything in the pot. Then, set on low for 8 hours or 4-5 hours on high. Finally, when done cooking stir it and taste for salt and pepper.

Stove top Version:

First, just like you would make the instant pot cabbage soup recipe, start by sauteing the aromatics in a large Dutch oven or a large pot. After that, add the veggies, herbs, seasonings, tomato paste, and diced tomatoes.

Next are the stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Then simmer for around 30 minutes until the veggies still retain a bit of crispiness but are cooked through and tender. You can check the full stovetop cabbage soup recipe here

instant pot cabbage soup in bowls

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cabbage soup good for weight loss?

While we do not promote or encourage the cabbage soup diet, we recommend this healthy recipe as part of a healthy diet.

The recipe is very low in calories and is loaded with nutritious vegetables. Make sure it’s part of a balanced diet that’s appropriate for your health and lifestyle.

Also, we encourage you to discuss any weight-loss goals or questions with your nutritionist.

What to Serve with?

It’s wonderful with some crusty Beer Bread, but if you want something extra special, serve with this stuffed Olive Bread or Sun-Dried Tomato Mozzarella Bread.

How to store:

  • Store: Properly stored in an airtight container, you can keep it in the fridge for as long as 5 days. However, I highly recommend consuming it as soon as you can for the best texture of the veggies. Also, make sure you fully cool it before placing it in the fridge.
  • Freeze: Actually this is a great freezer meal. Just add the cooled leftover to freezer bags, lay flat in the freezer, and freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Thaw: Next, when ready to thaw, transfer the frozen soup from the freezer to the fridge and let it thaw overnight. Another option is to fill a casserole dish with warm water and place the frozen bag in it to thaw quicker.
  • Reheat: Finally, when ready to serve just reheat it in the microwave or on the stove on medium heat. Also, make sure to taste and adjust it for salt and pepper.

cabbage soup

More easy Instant Pot recipes:

Recipe tips:

  • Do a Natural Release only for a few minutes, otherwise this will overcook the vegetables.
  • Also, make sure to select fresh and flavor veggies that are crisp!
  • As an alternative, make this soup with some canned vegetables as well. Like green beans, peas or mushrooms.
  • Always taste and adjust for seaoning, to make sure the broth is flavorful!
instant pot cabbage soup

Instant Pot Cabbage Soup

Catalina Castravet
Instant Pot Cabbage Soup is full of wholesome vegetables simmered in flavorful stock for a hearty, yet light meal. 
5 from 8 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Pressure Time and NPR: 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 140 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large sweet onion diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper diced
  • 2 medium carrots peeled and sliced into coins
  • 1/2 cabbage chopped
  • 2 14. 5 ounces cans San Marzano diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoons dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon pepper or to taste
  • 6-8 cups low-sodium vegetable broth or chicken broth
  • 3 bay leaves

Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley leaves finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • Set Instant Pot to Saute mode.
  • Once HOT, add olive oil, let it warm up, and add onion, cook for a few minutes, until soft.
  • Add minced garlic, cook for 1 minute, stirring all the time.
  • Add bell peppers, carrot, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste stir and cook for 1 minute.
  • Add the rest of the ingredients. Stir to combine.
  • Make sure you don't go over the MAX fill line of the pot.
  • Close lid and set to Manual High Pressure for 5 minutes. It will take about 10 minutes for the Instant Pot to reach high pressure, then it will cook for 5 minutes. Make sure you close the vent.
  • When the timer goes off, do a 10-minute Natural Pressure Release. Then carefully open the vent and release any remaining steam.
  • Open the Instant Pot, remove and discard the bay leaves and gently stir to combine the soup.
  • Taste and adjust for salt and pepper.
  • Serve and garnish with chopped parsley.

Nutrition

Calories: 140kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 3gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 1395mgPotassium: 563mgFiber: 5gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 4838IUVitamin C: 103mgCalcium: 90mgIron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

photo collage of instant pot cabbage soup for Pinterest

5 from 8 votes

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

25 Comments

  1. Do you know I have never had cabbage soup! I should really try it sometime as I’ve heard it spoken about so much.

  2. A friend just gave me three heads of fresh picked cabbage and I didn’t know what to do with them. Now that I have this soup recipe, I have one recipe down.

  3. I’m glad I saw this recipe because I have cabbage to use up. I had been trying to think of what I could make. This soup looks amazing. I know I’ll be giving this a try now.

  4. This Instant Pot Cabbage Soup looks absolutely delicious and very comforting! My son will love this.5 stars

  5. My husband can handle everything in the cabbage soup recipe but tomatoes, is there anyway of making this without the tomatoes?

  6. I made this soup yesterday and it was great. I added the dried chili flakes and it helped elevate the flavour to a nice spicy level. I used seven cups of broth and wish I had used 6 so it was a bit more veg ratio to broth as finished product. Also, I will reduce cooking time in instant pot by a minute or two as veg was very soft. Would highly recommend and it’s great on calories. Not a fan of cabbage but enjoyed this soup.

  7. Looks delicious, and I can’t find the recipe I used to use. I’ll give it a try. How many servings does this make?

  8. Turned out really well even though I didn’t stick to the ratios very well.

    I also used fresh thyme and basil because I couldn’t find my dried. Still good!5 stars

  9. I made this but added mild Italian sausage and ground beef, I didn’t stick to the rations and also added 3 celery sticks and 2 jalapeños. Instead of of the dried herbs I used summer savoury and fresh thyme. Also added red pepper flakes. I also used a whole head of cabbage and 9 cups of broth. Family looooooves it!5 stars