Cabbage roll soup is a hearty, comforting classic, and with the Instant Pot, it's easier than ever to achieve perfectly tender cabbage and flavorful broth. This recipe delivers a delicious, satisfying meal in a fraction of the time compared to traditional stovetop methods. Forget hours of simmering – your Instant Pot will handle the heavy lifting, leaving you with more time to enjoy the delicious results!
What Makes Instant Pot Cabbage Roll Soup So Great?
The Instant Pot's pressure cooking capabilities are game-changing for this recipe. Instead of slowly simmering for hours, the Instant Pot cooks the cabbage to tender perfection while simultaneously infusing the broth with rich flavors. This means you get all the comforting goodness of traditional cabbage rolls without the lengthy cooking time. The result? A flavorful, convenient, and incredibly delicious soup.
Ingredients for the Best Instant Pot Cabbage Roll Soup
To make this recipe truly shine, using high-quality ingredients is key. Here's what you'll need:
- Ground Meat: 1 lb ground beef (or a blend of beef and pork) – leaner ground meat helps to prevent a greasy soup.
- Rice: 1 cup long-grain white rice – this adds heartiness and helps to soak up the flavorful broth.
- Onion: 1 large onion, chopped – provides a base of sweetness and flavor.
- Garlic: 4 cloves garlic, minced – essential for adding depth of flavor.
- Cabbage: 1 medium head of green cabbage, shredded – the star of the show! You can also use savoy cabbage for a slightly different texture.
- Tomatoes: 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes – provides acidity and richness.
- Broth: 4 cups beef broth – you can also use chicken broth for a slightly lighter flavor.
- Spices: 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, salt and pepper to taste – these spices enhance the depth of flavor.
- Optional additions: 1 (15 ounce) can of diced tomatoes, drained, 1 tablespoon tomato paste for a richer tomato flavor, a bay leaf for added complexity.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Instant Pot Cabbage Roll Soup
- Sauté: Set your Instant Pot to the "Sauté" function. Add the ground meat and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the shredded cabbage, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, rice, thyme, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. If using, add diced tomatoes, tomato paste and bay leaf.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to "Sealing." Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
- Natural Pressure Release: Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy! Garnish with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use other types of meat in this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or a combination of meats will work well. Just adjust the seasoning to complement your chosen meat.
What if I don't have an Instant Pot?
This recipe can be adapted for the stovetop. Sauté the meat and vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to a large pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 45-60 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this soup tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before freezing in airtight containers or freezer bags. It will keep for up to 3 months.
How can I make this soup spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to taste.
What kind of rice is best?
Long-grain white rice works best, as it holds its shape well and absorbs the broth beautifully.
By following this recipe, you'll be well on your way to enjoying a delicious and easy Instant Pot Cabbage Roll Soup. Enjoy!
