Welcome to your new favorite weeknight meal! This incredibly easy pressure cooker cabbage soup with savory ground sausage and tender rice offers all the comforting flavors of classic cabbage rolls without any of the fuss. Whether you’re a devoted Instant Pot enthusiast or a proud Ninja Foodi owner, this recipe is designed to deliver a hearty, flavorful, and gluten-free dinner in record time. Say goodbye to complicated meal prep and hello to delicious simplicity!
This pressure cooker cabbage soup is a game-changer, especially as the weather turns cooler. It’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to use ground sausage for a rich, savory depth or lean ground beef if you prefer. Get ready to add this to your collection of go-to Instant Pot recipes for those busy evenings!
Instant Pot Unstuffed Cabbage Soup: The Easiest Way to Enjoy Cabbage
If you’re a fan of traditional cabbage rolls but dread the time-consuming process of stuffing and rolling, this Instant Pot unstuffed cabbage soup is your culinary dream come true. It captures all the beloved flavors and textures in a convenient, one-pot meal. Beyond the Instant Pot, this recipe is perfectly adaptable for your Ninja Foodi or even a Crockpot Express. Any pressure cooker with a high-pressure function will yield fantastic results.
While a slow cooker stuffed cabbage soup offers its own charm, the pressure cooker slashes cooking time dramatically, making it ideal for busy schedules. Both methods, however, deliver a wonderfully hearty meal that can be customized with ground beef, sausage, or even enjoyed as a wholesome vegetarian dish by omitting the meat. The convenience of an unstuffed version means more flavor with less effort, allowing the cabbage to truly shine in every spoonful.
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- For effortless cleaning and to help prevent the dreaded “burn message”, I highly recommend investing in a non-stick inner pot. It makes a significant difference!
For all our recipe creations, this is the pressure cooker model we consistently rely on.
Ninja Foodi Cabbage Soup: A Versatile Family Favorite
This recipe seamlessly transitions to a Ninja Foodi cabbage soup. I’ve experimented with similar dishes, like an Instant Pot stuffed cabbage casserole, which turned out thicker and more stew-like. For this soup, I specifically adjusted the liquid content by adding more broth and tomato sauce to achieve the perfect consistency – a rich, soupy base with tender ingredients. With your Ninja Foodi, simply use the non-attached pressure cooking lid and the pressure cook function; it’s that easy!
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Use whatever ingredients you have on hand and whatever flavors you love. It pairs wonderfully with a side of warm, crusty bread, such as a pull-apart bread recipe, creating a complete and satisfying dinner that your whole family will adore. This dish proves that simple ingredients, combined with the magic of pressure cooking, can create truly memorable meals.
Savoy cabbage is often considered the best choice due to its tender texture and mild flavor, which holds up well during cooking. However, standard green cabbage works perfectly fine and is readily available. You might find other unique varieties at a local farmers market, but for everyday cooking, green or Savoy cabbage are excellent.
The name can vary greatly depending on region and specific ingredients. We affectionately call this our unstuffed cabbage soup due to its ease compared to traditional cabbage rolls. If you introduce sauerkraut, some might refer to it as sour shchi, a nod to Eastern European traditions. Regardless of the name, it’s a comforting and delicious meal!
Here’s a glimpse at the common ingredients we gather to bring this delightful soup to life:
Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup: A Homage to Comfort Food
If you’ve been hesitant to explore simple cabbage recipes, now is the time to dive in! Cabbage adds a fantastic texture and a subtle sweetness that truly elevates this soup. It’s a humble vegetable that, in my opinion, doesn’t always get the credit it deserves, but in this dish, it’s a star.
- I recall my grandma cooking with cabbage frequently, and in my younger years, I was far from eager to try it. Funny how tastes change with age! Now, I find myself incorporating cabbage into almost everything. This unstuffed cabbage roll soup was an absolute winner, perfectly satisfying on its own, perhaps with just a crusty roll on the side for dipping.
Is cabbage soup good for weight loss?
It’s important to clarify that this particular recipe for pressure cooker cabbage soup is not designed as a “diet” soup. It’s packed with hearty and flavorful ingredients like ground sausage and/or ground beef, making it a rich and satisfying meal. Traditional weight loss cabbage soups typically omit meat and focus on low-calorie vegetables to reduce overall calorie intake. While some individuals report weight loss on very restrictive cabbage soup diets, this is generally due to severe calorie reduction and often not considered the healthiest or most sustainable approach. Our recipe prioritizes flavor and satiety, offering a wholesome family dinner rather than a diet plan.
Essential Pressure Cooker Cabbage Soup Ingredients
Crafting the perfect pressure cooker cabbage soup starts with quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some helpful tips:
- Ground Sausage: For unparalleled flavor, I highly recommend ground sausage, especially a mix of regular and spicy if you enjoy a little kick. While ground beef can be used, sausage offers a much richer and more complex taste.
- Cabbage Head: Choose a fresh, firm head of cabbage and chop it into large, bite-sized pieces. Savoy cabbage is excellent for its tenderness, but green cabbage works wonderfully too.
- Olive Oil: A couple of tablespoons of olive oil are essential for sautéing the meat and onions, building the foundational flavors of the soup.
- Spaghetti Sauce or Tomato Sauce: We prefer the depth of a good quality spaghetti sauce, but a robust tomato sauce can also be used. This forms the rich, tomatoey base of the soup.
- Diced Tomatoes: A can of petite diced tomatoes adds a lovely chunky texture and bright tomato flavor to the soup.
- Beef Broth: Opt for beef broth over water for a much deeper and more savory flavor profile. The amount can be adjusted based on how soupy you desire your final dish to be.
- Rice: Uncooked white rice (long grain or Jasmine works best) is added directly to the pot and cooks perfectly in the broth, absorbing all the delicious flavors. Avoid instant or minute rice.
- Onions (Optional): Diced onions add an aromatic sweetness and savory depth. While optional, they significantly enhance the overall flavor.
- Minced Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is a must for its pungent aroma and flavor. Add it halfway through sautéing the meat to prevent burning.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Just a tablespoon adds a subtle umami depth that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- Seasoning: We often find the existing ingredients provide ample flavor, but feel free to add salt, pepper, or your favorite herbs and spices to taste.
Optional Add-ins: For extra vegetables and nutrients, consider dicing and adding carrots, celery, or bell peppers along with the onions.
What kind of rice is best for soup?
For this unstuffed cabbage soup, I highly recommend using long-grain white rice or Jasmine rice. These varieties cook relatively quickly and maintain a good texture, becoming tender without turning mushy. I advise against using “Minute” or instant rice varieties, as they tend to become too soft and lose their appealing texture when cooked directly in soup under pressure. The goal is a tender, distinct grain that complements the soup, not a starchy paste.
Can you cook raw rice in soup?
Absolutely, and this is one of the best features of this pressure cooker cabbage soup recipe! There’s no need to pre-cook your rice beforehand. You simply add the raw, uncooked white rice directly into your Instant Pot or Ninja Foodi with all the other ingredients. The rice then cooks perfectly in the flavorful broth, absorbing all the delicious spices and savory notes. Every grain emerges wonderfully tender, contributing to a truly hearty and satisfying meal. This method not only saves time but also infuses the rice with incredible flavor, all achieved in about 15 minutes of active cook time under pressure.
Can you make unstuffed cabbage without rice?
Yes, certainly! While I personally believe the rice contributes significantly to making this a heartier and more substantial meal, you can absolutely make unstuffed cabbage soup without rice if you prefer. The soup will still be incredibly flavorful and satisfying. If you’re looking to reduce carbohydrates or simply prefer a different texture, omitting the rice is an easy adjustment. You might find the soup to be a bit thinner, but the core flavors of the cabbage, meat, and tomato broth will still shine through.
How long does it take to make soup with rice in a pressure cooker?
The total time to make this delicious pressure cooker cabbage soup with rice is remarkably quick – approximately 20-25 minutes from start to finish. This includes the time it takes for your pressure cooker to come to pressure, the short cooking cycle, and a quick release. Once the pressure is released, you’ll be greeted with a steaming, hearty dinner soup that’s ready to serve. One of the best secrets about this Instant Pot cabbage soup is that it’s even more fantastic the next day as leftovers.
As it sits, the soup naturally thickens slightly, making it less “soupy” but intensifying its rich flavors. This change in consistency only enhances the overall taste, proving it truly is amazing even after a day in the fridge. Prepare to be delighted!
Once you’ve savored this fantastic Instant Pot cabbage soup, be sure to explore our extensive collection of other easy pressure cooker soups. They are perfect for expanding your repertoire of flavorful, complete meals.
- Instant Pot lasagna soup – all the comfort of lasagna, in soup form!
- Pressure cooker bean soup – incredible flavor, and no soaking required!
- You’ll also adore this pressure cooker sausage and cabbage dish for another quick and tasty meal.
- Our 17-minute homemade Instant Pot split pea soup recipe is a surprisingly fast classic.
If you’re preparing Ninja Foodi cabbage soup, simply set your appliance to high pressure for 12 minutes, as it may not have a specific “rice” button. The results will be equally delicious!
Can you freeze cabbage soup?
Absolutely! This cabbage soup recipe is excellent for meal prepping. I highly recommend making a double batch so you can easily freeze half for a quick and convenient dinner on another busy day. To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer it to airtight, freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will maintain its quality in the freezer for approximately 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
For more delicious ideas, discover additional Instant Pot cabbage recipes here and below:
- Pressure cooker fried cabbage offers a unique and speedy twist on a classic side dish.
- Instant Pot stuffed cabbage is a tried-and-true family favorite that always satisfies.
- For a comforting oven-baked alternative, try our unstuffed cabbage casserole.
- Our easy Instant Pot corned beef and cabbage is perfect for a hearty holiday or special occasion meal.
Pressure Cooker Cabbage Soup
Justine
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Equipment
-
1 pressure cooker
-
1 knife
Ingredients
-
1
lb
ground sausage, (1/2 regular and 1/2 lb. spicy is best for optimal flavor) -
1
c
onion, diced -
1
tbsp
garlic, minced -
1
jar
spaghetti sauce, (24 oz) -
1
can
diced tomatoes, (petite, 14.5 oz.) -
32-40
oz
beef broth, (depending on desired soupiness) -
1
tbsp
Worcestershire sauce -
1/2-1
c
rice, (uncooked white rice, raw; we add 1 cup for a heartier soup) -
6
c
cabbage, (cut into 2×2″ squares, cubed then separate chunks) -
2
tbsp
olive oil
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Instructions
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Set your pressure cooker to the sauté function and add the olive oil. Once hot, add your diced onion and 1 lb. of ground sausage (or beef). Cook, breaking up the meat, until it’s no longer pink. About halfway through, stir in the minced garlic. Once the meat is browned, turn your pot OFF. This prevents scorching the bottom.
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Carefully add the can of diced tomatoes, spaghetti sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth into your pot. Stir everything gently to combine and deglaze the bottom of the pot, scraping up any browned bits. (We typically start with 32 oz. of broth and can add an extra cup after cooking if a thinner, soupier consistency is desired.)
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Evenly pour your uncooked white rice into the liquid. It’s crucial NOT to stir the rice into the mixture; simply layer it on top. Then, prepare your cabbage by separating the leaves from the cubed chunks and measure out about 6 cups.
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Gently place the 6 cups of cubed cabbage leaves into your Instant Pot. Lightly push them down into the liquid without stirring, ensuring they are mostly submerged.
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Secure the lid on your pressure cooker, ensure the steam release valve is set to the sealing position, and press the “Rice” button.
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The pressure cooker will automatically set to low pressure and cook for 12 minutes, which is perfect for tender rice and cabbage.
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Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure. Open the lid safely, stir the soup, and serve immediately. This soup is fantastic topped with some freshly shredded Parmesan cheese! Enjoy your easy and hearty dinner!
Video
(Video coming soon!)
Nutrition
Calories: 409kcal,
Carbohydrates: 28g,
Protein: 17g,
Fat: 25g,
Saturated Fat: 7g,
Cholesterol: 54mg,
Sodium: 1686mg,
Potassium: 971mg,
Fiber: 4g,
Sugar: 10g,
Vitamin A: 695IU,
Vitamin C: 43.2mg,
Calcium: 96mg,
Iron: 3.6mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Appetizer, Entree, Main Course, Soup
American
