This cabbage soup in Instant Pot recipe is one of my favorite ways to turn a few inexpensive ingredients into a warm, satisfying meal. The Instant Pot does most of the work, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something wholesome without spending all evening in the kitchen.
Cabbage is one of the most budget-friendly vegetables you can buy, and it stretches beautifully in soups. Combined with tender vegetables, flavorful broth, and simple seasonings, it creates a comforting bowl that’s filling, healthy, and surprisingly delicious.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for an easy dinner the whole family can enjoy, this Instant Pot cabbage soup is a simple recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Soup in Instant Pot
There is a lot to love about this simple cabbage soup recipe. It uses everyday ingredients, comes together with minimal effort, and makes enough for leftovers, which always feels like a win in my kitchen.
If you’re new to pressure cooking, this recipe is also a great introduction to the Instant Pot. The appliance makes it easy to create flavorful homemade meals with less hands-on cooking time and fewer dishes to clean afterward.
To purchase an Instant Pot just go to Amazon. Click here for their page.
If you’re curious about how Instant Pots work and why so many home cooks love them, be sure to check out my guide on choosing and using an electric pressure cooker.
The Instant Pot helps the vegetables become perfectly tender while allowing the flavors to blend together beautifully. The result is a hearty, comforting soup that tastes like it simmered all day, even though it comes together much faster.
- Budget-friendly ingredients
- Easy one-pot meal
- Great for meal prep
- Packed with vegetables
- Family-friendly and filling
- Naturally low in calories
- Perfect for busy weeknights
- Freezer-friendly
- Beginner-friendly Instant Pot recipe
- Warm and comforting any time of year
Ingredients
One of the reasons I come back to this cabbage soup in Instant Pot recipe so often is that the ingredient list is simple and affordable. Most of these ingredients are easy to keep on hand, making this a great last-minute meal when you need something healthy and filling.
The vegetables provide plenty of flavor and texture, while the broth and seasonings bring everything together into a comforting soup that tastes like it simmered for hours. Feel free to adjust the vegetables based on what you have available in your refrigerator.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups green cabbage, chopped
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 6 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 pound ground beef, browned
- 12 ounces smoked sausage, sliced
- Red pepper flakes for heat
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
How to Make Cabbage Soup in Instant Pot
One of the best things about this recipe is how little hands-on time it requires. The Instant Pot does most of the work, allowing the vegetables to become tender and flavorful while you focus on other things.
If you’re new to pressure cooking, don’t worry. This is a beginner-friendly recipe with simple ingredients and straightforward steps that make it nearly foolproof.
This can also be made on the stove-top. Click here for the recipe.
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Set your Instant Pot to the Sauté setting. Add the olive oil, then cook the onion, carrots, and celery for 4 to 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
Step 2: Add the Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Remaining Ingredients
Add the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes, broth, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and bay leaf if using. Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 4: Seal and Pressure Cook
Place the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to Sealing. Cook on High Pressure for 8 minutes.
Step 5: Release the Pressure
Once the cooking time is complete, carefully perform a quick release by turning the valve to Venting.
Step 6: Remove the Bay Leaf
Open the lid and remove the bay leaf before serving.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Variations
One of my favorite things about cabbage soup is how easy it is to customize. You can keep it simple and vegetable-packed, or add extra protein to make it even more filling. These easy variations help you make the recipe your own while using ingredients you may already have on hand.
Ground Beef Cabbage Soup
Brown 1 pound of ground beef before sautéing the vegetables. Drain any excess grease, then continue with the recipe as written. This creates a heartier soup that’s perfect for hungry families.
Sausage Cabbage Soup
Add 12 ounces of sliced smoked sausage to the Instant Pot along with the broth and vegetables. The sausage adds a rich, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with cabbage.
Low-Carb Cabbage Soup
For an even lower-carb version, simply omit the carrots. You’ll still have a flavorful, satisfying soup loaded with cabbage and vegetables.
Spicy Cabbage Soup
If you enjoy a little heat, add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce before pressure cooking.
Chicken Cabbage Soup
Stir in 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken after cooking. This is a great way to use leftover rotisserie chicken while adding extra protein to the meal.
What to Serve With It
This cabbage soup is satisfying enough to enjoy on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of simple side dishes. Whether you’re serving it for lunch or dinner, these easy additions can help round out the meal.
Crusty Bread
A slice of warm crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth. If you’re not watching carbs, this is one of my favorite ways to serve cabbage soup.
Side Salad
Pair the soup with a simple green salad for a fresh and balanced meal. A light vinaigrette works especially well alongside the rich flavors of the soup.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
For a classic comfort-food combination, serve this soup with a grilled cheese sandwich. It’s a family favorite that turns a simple bowl of soup into a hearty dinner.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts make excellent vegetable sides that complement the soup without overpowering it.
Simple Protein
If you’d like to add extra protein, serve the soup alongside grilled chicken, smoked sausage, or a few slices of leftover roast beef. This is a great option for especially hungry eaters or meal prep lunches.
Storage and Reheating
One of the reasons I love making a big batch of cabbage soup is that the leftovers taste just as good the next day. The flavors continue to develop as the soup sits, making it a great option for meal prep and busy weeknights.
Refrigerator
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezer
This soup freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then place it in freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months.
For easy meal prep, consider freezing individual portions so you can thaw only what you need.
Reheating
Reheat the soup in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring halfway through the heating time.
If the soup thickens during storage, simply add a splash of broth or water while reheating to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition Information
The nutrition information for this cabbage soup in Instant Pot will vary depending on the ingredients and serving sizes you use. Adding proteins such as ground beef, sausage, or chicken will increase both the calorie and protein content.
For the most accurate nutrition information, enter your exact ingredients into your preferred nutrition calculator.
Estimated Per Serving (based on 8 servings):
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Fat: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
This soup is naturally packed with vegetables, making it a satisfying option for anyone looking for a simple, wholesome meal. For a lower-carb version, omit the carrots and choose a broth with no added sugars.
Final Thoughts
This cabbage soup in Instant Pot recipe is proof that simple ingredients can create a meal that is both comforting and satisfying. With a handful of budget-friendly vegetables and a few pantry staples, you can have a warm homemade soup on the table with very little effort.
I especially love this recipe because it’s easy to customize. Whether you prefer adding ground beef, smoked sausage, chicken, or keeping it vegetable-focused, the Instant Pot makes the entire process quick and convenient.
If you’re looking for a healthy meal that works for busy weeknights, meal prep, or chilly days when you want something warm and cozy, this cabbage soup is a recipe worth keeping on repeat.
Give it a try, and let me know your favorite variation in the comments. I’d love to hear how you make it your own.