Homemade Cabbage Roll Soup – Instant Pot

Transforming Classic Cabbage Rolls into a Flavorful Soup – A New Twist on an Old Favorite

Cabbage rolls are a beloved comfort food, with their tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory filling of ground meat, rice, and spices. However, while these rolls are delicious, they can be a bit time-consuming to prepare, requiring careful rolling, stuffing, and baking. But what if we could turn this classic dish into a simpler, more convenient version without sacrificing flavor? Enter the cabbage roll soup!

This hearty, flavorful soup brings together all the beloved ingredients of cabbage rolls—ground beef, ground pork, cabbage, rice, and a rich, tomato-based broth—into one easy-to-make dish. It’s a fantastic option for busy weeknights when you want a filling and nutritious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Using a multi-functional pressure cooker, like an Instant Pot, speeds up the process and allows the ingredients to meld together perfectly, creating a satisfying soup that tastes like you’ve been cooking all day long.

The Benefits of Cabbage Roll Soup

Cabbage roll soup offers all the delicious flavors of the traditional dish but with less effort and time. Here are just a few of the reasons why you’ll love this simple recipe:

1. Simplicity: Making cabbage rolls involves several steps, from boiling the cabbage leaves to stuffing and rolling each one by hand. With cabbage roll soup, all you need to do is sauté the meat, toss everything into the pressure cooker, and let it do the work. This is a perfect recipe for anyone who wants to enjoy the flavors of cabbage rolls without the fuss.
2. Hearty and Filling: Just like the traditional version, cabbage roll soup is packed with nutritious ingredients that will fill you up. The combination of ground beef and pork, rice, cabbage, and tomatoes makes for a rich and satisfying meal. The soup is high in protein and fiber, which helps keep you full for hours.
3. Nutrient-Rich: Cabbage is an excellent source of fiber, Vitamin C, and antioxidants. The beef and pork provide a healthy dose of protein and iron, while the tomatoes add vitamins and minerals. The addition of apple cider vinegar and Worcestershire sauce enhances the soup’s flavor profile, giving it a slight tang and depth.
4. Customizable: One of the best parts about this recipe is how easily it can be customized. If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply swap the meats for plant-based protein like lentils or tempeh. You can also adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding more paprika for a smokier flavor or a touch of hot sauce for some heat. The recipe is very flexible, so you can make it your own.
5. Quick Cooking with the Instant Pot: Using a pressure cooker like the Instant Pot drastically cuts down on cooking time. With just 15 minutes of high-pressure cooking, you’ll have a flavorful and rich cabbage roll soup ready to serve. Plus, the pressure cooker locks in the flavors and nutrients, making the soup even more delicious.

Key Ingredients for Cabbage Roll Soup

To make this cabbage roll soup recipe, you’ll need a few simple yet essential ingredients. Each of these components contributes to the depth of flavor that makes this soup so irresistible:

• Ground Beef and Ground Pork: The combination of these two meats creates a rich, savory base for the soup. The beef provides a deep, hearty flavor, while the pork adds a touch of sweetness and tenderness.
• Cabbage: Shredded cabbage is the star of the show, giving the soup its signature texture and flavor. As cabbage cooks, it becomes tender and slightly sweet, absorbing the flavors of the broth and spices.
• Rice: Uncooked jasmine rice adds heartiness to the soup, making it more filling and providing a comforting texture. The rice also absorbs the flavors of the broth, making every spoonful flavorful.
• Tomatoes and Tomato Sauce: The combination of diced tomatoes and tomato sauce creates a rich, tangy broth that complements the savory meats and cabbage. The acidity of the tomatoes balances out the sweetness of the cabbage and the richness of the meat.
• Seasonings: Brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar add layers of flavor to the soup. Paprika and bay leaves contribute depth, while salt and black pepper season the dish perfectly.

How the Instant Pot Makes It Easy

The Instant Pot (or any multi-functional pressure cooker) is a game-changer when it comes to making soups and stews. Not only does it cut down on cooking time, but it also helps infuse the flavors of all the ingredients together in a way that traditional stovetop cooking can’t quite match. Here’s how the Instant Pot makes this cabbage roll soup recipe a breeze:

1. Sautéing the Meat: Instead of browning the meat in a separate pan, the Instant Pot has a sauté function that allows you to brown the beef and pork right in the pot. This step ensures that the meat releases all its flavor and juices, making the soup even more flavorful.
2. Pressure Cooking: Once the meat and vegetables are added, the Instant Pot uses high pressure to cook everything quickly. The pressure cooker traps steam inside, which helps cook the ingredients evenly and infuse all the flavors together. In just 15 minutes, you’ll have a pot of delicious cabbage roll soup.
3. Natural Pressure Release: After the cooking time is up, the Instant Pot allows for a natural pressure release. This means the soup continues to cook gently as the pressure slowly decreases, allowing the flavors to deepen even more. It also ensures that the cabbage is perfectly tender, not overcooked or mushy.
4. Minimal Cleanup: Since everything is cooked in one pot, cleanup is a breeze. Simply remove the inner pot, wash it, and you’re done. This makes cabbage roll soup the perfect weeknight meal, as you can enjoy a comforting dinner without spending hours cleaning up afterward.

Perfect Pairings for Cabbage Roll Soup

While cabbage roll soup is hearty and satisfying on its own, you can serve it with a variety of side dishes to round out the meal. Here are some ideas:

• Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty loaf of bread is perfect for soaking up the rich broth of the soup. Serve it on the side for a comforting and filling meal.
• Green Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup and adds a fresh, crunchy contrast.
• Pickles: The acidity of pickles pairs wonderfully with the savory and slightly tangy soup. Try serving some dill pickles on the side for an extra burst of flavor.

Now that you know why cabbage roll soup is such a great choice, let’s dive into the recipe itself. It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for a cozy dinner.

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Part 2: Easy Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 bay leaves
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 medium head cabbage, shredded
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup uncooked jasmine rice

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Meat: Turn on your Instant Pot or pressure cooker and select the “Sauté” function. Heat the olive oil and add the ground beef, ground pork, and diced onion. Cook until the meat is browned and crumbly, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Season the Meat: Add the brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, paprika, salt, pepper, and bay leaves to the pot. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
3. Add the Remaining Ingredients: Pour in the beef broth, shredded cabbage, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and uncooked rice. Stir everything together until evenly combined.
4. Pressure Cook: Close and lock the lid of your Instant Pot. Set it to high pressure for 15 minutes. The pressure will take about 10-15 minutes to build up.
5. Release Pressure: Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10-15 minutes before unlocking the lid.
6. Serve: Stir the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot, and enjoy your hearty, flavorful cabbage roll soup.

Notes:

• Storage: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or it can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Customizations: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to the soup for more variety. You can also use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to beef and pork.

Nutrition (per serving):

• Calories: 356 kcal
• Fat: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 23g

Enjoy your comforting, low-effort cabbage roll soup!

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