There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of homemade soup to bring comfort after a long day, and this Instant Pot Cabbage Roll Soup delivers all the hearty, satisfying flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the time-consuming rolling and baking. Made with lean ground beef, tender cabbage, rice, tomatoes, aromatic vegetables, and savory herbs, this one-pot meal is rich, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights.

Traditional cabbage rolls are a beloved comfort food in many cultures, but they can take hours to prepare. This soup transforms those same delicious ingredients into an easy, family-friendly recipe that comes together in under an hour thanks to the Instant Pot. Every spoonful is packed with protein, vegetables, and a rich tomato broth that’s both nourishing and filling.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, feeding a hungry family, or looking for a cozy dinner on a chilly evening, this Instant Pot Cabbage Roll Soup is sure to become one of your favorite recipes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

All the flavors of classic cabbage rolls
Quick and easy in the Instant Pot
One-pot meal with minimal cleanup
Rich, hearty, and satisfying
Great for meal prep
Freezer-friendly
Budget-friendly ingredients
High in protein and vegetables
Perfect for busy weeknights
Family-approved comfort food

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Pressure Build & Release: 20 minutes

Total Time: Approximately 50 minutes

Servings: 6–8

Ingredients

For the Soup

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound (450g) lean ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
½ large green cabbage, chopped
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 cup tomato sauce
5 cups low-sodium beef broth
¾ cup uncooked long-grain white rice
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons paprika
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley
Fresh dill
Sour cream
Grated Parmesan cheese

Equipment

6- or 8-quart Instant Pot
Wooden spoon
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Ladle

Why This Recipe Works

Classic cabbage rolls are typically made by wrapping seasoned meat and rice inside cabbage leaves, then simmering them in tomato sauce. This soup simplifies the process by combining all the same ingredients into one pot. Pressure cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully while keeping the vegetables tender and the meat juicy.

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Dice the onion, carrots, and celery into small, even pieces.

Mince the garlic.

Remove the core from the cabbage and chop it into bite-sized pieces.

Measure out the remaining ingredients before you begin cooking.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Select the Sauté setting on your Instant Pot.

Add the olive oil.

Once hot, add the ground beef.

Cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon until browned.

Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot.

Cook for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and become fragrant.

This step builds a flavorful base for the soup.

Step 4: Add the Seasonings

Stir in:

Paprika
Italian seasoning
Thyme
Salt
Black pepper

Cook for about 30 seconds to bloom the spices and enhance their flavor.

Step 5: Add the Remaining Ingredients

Pour in:

Beef broth
Crushed tomatoes
Diced tomatoes
Tomato sauce
Worcestershire sauce

Add:

Chopped cabbage
Uncooked rice
Bay leaf

Stir well to combine.

Be sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to remove any browned bits, helping to prevent a burn notice.

Step 6: Pressure Cook

Secure the lid and set the pressure valve to Sealing.

Cook on High Pressure for 12 minutes.

Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.

Step 7: Finish the Soup

Open the lid carefully.

Remove the bay leaf and discard it.

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

If the soup has thickened more than you prefer, stir in a little extra beef broth until it reaches your desired consistency.

Flavor Profile

This soup is:

Rich and tomato-forward
Hearty and filling
Savory with aromatic herbs
Slightly sweet from the carrots
Tender from the slow-cooked cabbage
Comforting and satisfying

Best Potatoes or Rice?

Traditional cabbage rolls use rice, but you can customize the recipe.

White Rice

Classic choice with a tender texture.

Brown Rice

Adds extra fiber and a slightly nutty flavor. Increase the pressure cooking time by a few minutes if using uncooked brown rice.

Cauliflower Rice

For a lower-carb option, stir in cauliflower rice after pressure cooking and let it warm through for a few minutes.

Variations

Ground Turkey

Replace the ground beef with lean ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Spicy Cabbage Roll Soup

Add crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños for extra heat.

Extra Vegetables

Include mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.

Cheesy Version

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Parmesan over each serving.

Smoky Flavor

Use smoked paprika and add a small amount of cooked smoked sausage for a richer taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty soup with:

Crusty artisan bread
Garlic bread
Dinner rolls
Cornbread
A crisp green salad
Roasted vegetables

A dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley add a delicious finishing touch.

Make-Ahead Tips

This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

Prepare it up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

If making ahead, you may need to add a little extra broth when reheating because the rice will continue to absorb liquid.

Storage

Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers.

Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing Instructions

Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

For the best texture, consider cooking the rice separately and adding it when serving if you plan to freeze the soup, as rice can become softer after thawing.

Reheating

Stovetop

Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Add additional broth if needed.

Microwave

Heat individual servings in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until hot.

Expert Tips

Brown the beef well for maximum flavor.
Cut the vegetables into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
Scrape the bottom of the Instant Pot after sautéing to avoid the burn warning.
Use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor.
Let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Rice

Using the recommended cooking time helps keep the rice tender without becoming mushy.

Skipping the Sauté Step

Browning the meat and vegetables first builds a much deeper flavor than simply pressure cooking everything together.

Using Too Little Liquid

The rice absorbs broth as it cooks, so don’t reduce the liquid unless you prefer a very thick soup.

Forgetting to Remove the Bay Leaf

Always remove and discard the bay leaf before serving.

Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)

Calories: 330
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 620mg

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this soup without rice?

Yes. You can omit the rice entirely or replace it with cauliflower rice, cooked barley, quinoa, or another grain of your choice.

Can I use red cabbage?

Green cabbage is traditional and has a milder flavor, but red cabbage can be used if preferred. Keep in mind it may slightly change the color of the broth.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be. Use a gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and verify that all canned ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, as long as your Instant Pot is large enough and you do not exceed the maximum fill line.

Why is my soup thicker the next day?

The rice continues to absorb liquid as the soup sits. Simply stir in additional broth or water while reheating until it reaches your preferred consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Cabbage Roll Soup transforms the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls into a simple, hearty one-pot meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Packed with lean ground beef, tender cabbage, wholesome vegetables, rice, and a rich tomato broth, it offers all the warmth and satisfaction of the classic dish without the extra preparation.

Easy to customize, freezer-friendly, and ideal for meal prep, this soup is a reliable recipe you’ll return to again and again. Pair it with crusty bread or a fresh green salad, and you’ll have a complete, nourishing meal that’s sure to please the whole family. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!