The Ultimate Instant Pot Cabbage Soup: A Wholesome, Flavorful & Low-Carb Delight

Craving a comforting, yet healthy meal that’s bursting with flavor? Look no further than this incredible Instant Pot Cabbage Soup! This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a deeply satisfying dish that is both **low in carbohydrates** and completely **gluten-free**. It’s the perfect solution for a nourishing weeknight dinner, packed with wholesome vegetables and lean protein, all made effortlessly in your pressure cooker.

What sets this cabbage soup apart from the rest is its incredible depth of flavor. The secret lies in a carefully crafted combination: the savory, smoky notes of diced sausage perfectly complement the lean ground turkey, while a classic mirepoix (a foundational blend of sautéed onion, carrots, and celery) builds a rich aromatic base. This isn’t just a healthy soup; it’s a truly delicious culinary experience that will impress even the most discerning palates.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Pressure Cooker Cabbage Soup

This Instant Pot Cabbage Soup isn’t just another recipe; it’s a game-changer for your meal rotation. Here’s why it deserves a permanent spot in your kitchen:

• Unrivaled Flavor: Forget bland diet soups. The combination of smoked sausage, ground turkey, and a hearty mirepoix creates a symphony of savory, smoky, and slightly sweet flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Effortlessly Quick: The magic of the Instant Pot means significantly reduced cooking time compared to traditional stovetop methods. You can have a deeply flavorful, slow-simmered tasting soup on your table in under an hour and a half, including prep!
• Health-Conscious & Diet-Friendly: Perfectly aligned with low-carb and gluten-free dietary needs, this soup is also packed with nutrient-dense vegetables, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to eat healthier without sacrificing taste.
• Hearty and Satisfying: Despite being light on carbs, the generous amounts of ground turkey and cabbage, combined with the rich broth, make this soup incredibly filling and comforting. It’s a complete meal in one bowl.
• Versatile & Adaptable: While designed for the Instant Pot, we provide easy instructions to adapt this recipe for conventional stovetop cooking. Plus, the ingredients are flexible, allowing for personal touches and substitutions.
• Excellent for Meal Prep: This soup tastes even better the next day! Prepare a large batch and enjoy healthy, delicious lunches or dinners throughout the week. It freezes beautifully too.

The Secret to Unforgettable Flavor: Mirepoix and Smoked Sausage

The true essence of this cabbage soup’s rich flavor profile lies in two key components that elevate it far beyond a basic broth: a classic mirepoix and the strategic inclusion of smoked sausage.

A **mirepoix**, a French culinary base made from sautéed diced onions, carrots, and celery, is the foundation of countless delicious soups, stews, and sauces. When slowly cooked, these humble vegetables release their natural sugars, caramelizing slightly and creating a profound depth of flavor (umami) that adds complexity and sweetness to the broth. We build this flavor directly in the Instant Pot, ensuring every spoonful is infused with these aromatic notes.

The addition of a small amount of **smoked sausage**, such as kielbasa, is another game-changer. It provides a wonderful smoky aroma and a savory richness that perfectly complements the lean ground turkey and the freshness of the cabbage. This isn’t just about adding meat; it’s about introducing a layer of robust flavor that makes the soup incredibly satisfying without being overly heavy. The diced sausage browns beautifully at the start, infusing the pot with its distinctive character before the other ingredients are even added.

Together, the mirepoix and smoked sausage transform this cabbage soup from a simple meal into a gourmet experience. It’s these thoughtful details that ensure every bowl is not only healthy but also exceptionally delicious and truly memorable.

Instant Pot vs. Stovetop: Your Cooking Choice

While our detailed instructions are tailored for the convenience and speed of an electric pressure cooker, specifically the Instant Pot, we understand that not everyone has one. Rest assured, you can easily adapt this incredible cabbage soup recipe for stovetop cooking without any compromise to the magnificent depth of flavor or the tender consistency of the finished product. The Instant Pot merely accelerates the process, allowing the ingredients to meld and tenderize much faster under pressure.

For those opting for the traditional method, the initial sautéing steps remain largely the same, building the essential flavor base in a large soup pot. The primary difference comes in the simmering stage, where the soup will gently cook for a longer duration to achieve the same tender vegetables and rich broth. Detailed notes for conventional cooking are provided within the recipe card, ensuring you can enjoy this delicious low-carb cabbage soup no matter your kitchen equipment.

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Pressure Cooker Cabbage Soup

By
Lynne Webb

A small amount of diced smoked sausage combines with cabbage and ground turkey to create this deliciously satisfying cabbage soup that’s both low carb and gluten-free.

Prep:

15 minutes
mins

Cook:

1 hour
hr

Total:

1 hour
hr
15 minutes
mins

Servings:

6
servings

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Ingredients

• 1
  lb
  ground turkey
• 1
  link smoked sausage,
  e.g. kielbasa, diced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2
  tablespoons
  olive oil,
  divided
• 1-1/2
  cups
  onion,
  chopped
• 2
  carrots,
  diced
• 3
  ribs celery,
  diced
• 3
  cloves
  garlic,
  minced
• 1
  small head cabbage,
  cored and thinly sliced
• 2
  cups
  tomato sauce
• 3
  cups
  low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions

• Press the sauté button on the pressure cooker and add 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Add the diced sausage and sauté for 2 minutes until lightly browned.
• Add the ground turkey, 1 teaspoon salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Sauté until lightly browned, breaking the meat up into small pieces as it cooks. Transfer the turkey mixture to a plate and set aside.
• Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Stir in the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 2 minutes. Add the diced carrots and continue cooking for another 2 minutes, then add the diced celery.
• Continue cooking the vegetables until they are tender and just beginning to caramelize, typically 2 to 3 minutes more. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
• Gradually add the thinly sliced cabbage to the pot, a handful at a time. Allow each addition to wilt slightly before adding more, stirring gently to combine with the mirepoix.
• Return the reserved turkey and sausage mixture to the pot. Pour in the tomato sauce and low-sodium chicken broth. Stir everything together thoroughly and cook for 1 minute longer, ensuring all the ingredients are well combined. Season the soup to taste with additional salt and pepper as needed.
• Cancel the sauté function on the pressure cooker. Secure the lid on the pot, ensuring it is properly sealed, and set the pressure valve to the sealed position.
• Program the cooker for 25 minutes on high pressure. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally. This process typically takes about 15 minutes and helps to further tenderize the ingredients and deepen the flavors. Once the float valve drops, carefully remove the lid. Stir and serve hot.

Notes

Conventional Cooking Instructions:

If you don’t have an electric pressure cooker, simply follow our instructions using a large soup pot (Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot works best). Instead of cooking under pressure, after adding all ingredients, bring the soup to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and cook on the stovetop for about 1-1/2 hours, or until the cabbage is very tender and the flavors have melded. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Nutrition

Calories:
345


,

Total Fat:
21
g

,

Cholesterol:
84
mg

,

Sodium:
625
mg

,

Carbohydrates:
17
g

,

Fiber:
4
g

,

Sugar:
8
g

,

Protein:
25
g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Cabbage Soup

Crafting this flavorful Instant Pot Cabbage Soup relies on a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is vital:

• Ground Turkey: We recommend using lean ground turkey for a healthier profile, but you can opt for a slightly higher fat content for a richer flavor. Ground chicken or even lean ground beef can be used as alternatives, though they will slightly alter the taste.
• Smoked Sausage (e.g., Kielbasa): This is a star ingredient, adding a crucial layer of smoky, savory depth. Look for a good quality smoked sausage; kielbasa is an excellent choice. If you prefer, a spicy chorizo can add a delightful kick, or for a non-pork option, try chicken or turkey smoked sausage.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing, olive oil helps brown the meats and soften the vegetables, building the foundational flavors. You can use another cooking oil of your preference.
• Mirepoix (Onion, Carrots, Celery): This aromatic trio is non-negotiable for building complex flavor. Chop them to a consistent size for even cooking. Fresh is always best for maximum flavor.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides an indispensable aromatic kick. Avoid pre-minced garlic if possible, as the flavor isn’t as vibrant. Add it towards the end of sautéing the mirepoix to prevent burning.
• Cabbage: A small head of green cabbage works wonderfully. Be sure to core it and slice it thinly so it tenderizes evenly and quickly in the pressure cooker. Cabbage is the bulk of this soup, offering a satisfying texture and healthy dose of nutrients.
• Tomato Sauce: This adds a lovely tang and body to the broth, creating a balanced flavor profile. Choose a good quality plain tomato sauce without added sugar or excessive seasonings to control the soup’s final taste.
• Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Using low-sodium broth allows you to control the saltiness of the soup. Feel free to substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option (if you also omit the meats) or beef broth for a deeper, richer flavor.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: These essential seasonings are used throughout the cooking process to layer flavor. Remember to taste and adjust at the end.

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfection (Instant Pot Method)

Follow these detailed steps to create a truly spectacular Instant Pot Cabbage Soup:

1. Sauté the Smoked Sausage: Begin by pressing the “Sauté” button on your Instant Pot and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the diced smoked sausage. Sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s lightly browned and has released some of its flavorful oils. This step is crucial for building the smoky base.
2. Brown the Ground Turkey: Add the ground turkey directly to the pot with the sausage. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and several generous grinds of fresh black pepper. Continue to sauté, breaking up the turkey into small, crumbles as it cooks, until it is lightly browned. Once cooked, transfer the turkey and sausage mixture to a plate and set aside, leaving any rendered fat in the pot.
3. Build the Mirepoix Base: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the Instant Pot. Stir in the chopped onion and sauté for about 2 minutes until it begins to soften and become translucent. Next, add the diced carrots and continue cooking for another 2 minutes, allowing them to slightly tenderize. Finally, add the diced celery to the pot.
4. Infuse with Garlic: Continue cooking the mirepoix vegetables (onion, carrots, celery) until they are tender-crisp and just starting to caramelize, which should take another 2 to 3 minutes. This caramelization adds a wonderful sweetness. Then, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for just 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
5. Wilt the Cabbage: Add the thinly sliced cabbage to the pot. Due to its volume, you might need to add it in batches. Stir each addition gently, allowing it to wilt down slightly before incorporating more. The heat from the pot and other vegetables will help the cabbage reduce in size, making it easier to mix.
6. Combine and Deglaze: Return the reserved browned turkey and sausage mixture to the Instant Pot. Pour in the tomato sauce and the low-sodium chicken broth. Stir everything well, ensuring you scrape the bottom of the pot with your spoon to release any browned bits (this is called deglazing and adds immense flavor!). Cook for 1 minute longer to bring the mixture together, then taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
7. Pressure Cooker Setup: Press the “Cancel” button on your Instant Pot to turn off the sauté function. Secure the lid onto the pot, making sure it is properly sealed. Rotate the pressure release valve to the “Sealing” position.
8. Pressure Cook and Natural Release: Program the Instant Pot to cook on “High Pressure” for 25 minutes. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally (NPR). This means you do nothing and let the pressure come down on its own, which usually takes about 15 minutes. Natural release helps prevent foamy liquids from spewing out and further tenderizes the soup. Once the float valve drops, indicating all pressure has been released, carefully open the lid. Stir the soup one last time and serve hot!

Stovetop Adaptations: Enjoying Cabbage Soup Without a Pressure Cooker

Don’t have an Instant Pot? No problem! This delicious cabbage soup can be easily prepared on the stovetop with equally satisfying results. The key difference is a longer simmering time to allow the flavors to deepen and the cabbage to become perfectly tender.

To make this soup conventionally, you will use a large, heavy-bottomed soup pot or Dutch oven. Follow steps 1 through 6 of the Instant Pot instructions precisely, performing all the sautéing and combining in your large pot. After all the ingredients, including the turkey, sausage, mirepoix, cabbage, tomato sauce, and chicken broth, have been added and seasoned:

1. Bring the soup mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
2. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let the soup simmer.
3. Allow the soup to simmer for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. The longer simmering time allows the cabbage to become very tender and for all the flavors to fully meld and develop. Stir the soup occasionally to prevent any ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
4. After 1.5 hours, check the tenderness of the cabbage and taste the broth. If the cabbage is tender and the flavors are robust, your soup is ready. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary before serving.

This traditional method yields a soup with incredible depth, proving that you don’t need special equipment to enjoy this wholesome and flavorful meal.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

This Pressure Cooker Cabbage Soup is hearty enough to be a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a few simple accompaniments:

• Crusty Bread or Cornbread: Perfect for soaking up the rich, savory broth.
• Side Salad: A light, fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a lovely contrast.
• Garnish Galore: Elevate your bowl with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley, a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick, or a dusting of grated Parmesan cheese.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This cabbage soup is fantastic for meal prep! Its flavors tend to deepen and improve over time:

• Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: This soup freezes exceptionally well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little headspace. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup seems too thick after storage.

Variations & Customizations

Feel free to get creative with your Instant Pot Cabbage Soup! Here are a few ideas to customize it to your liking:

• Alternate Proteins: Swap ground turkey for ground beef, ground chicken, or even lentils for a vegetarian version (omitting the smoked sausage, of course).
• Extra Veggies: Boost the nutrient content by adding diced potatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, green beans, or even some spinach in the last few minutes of cooking.
• Spice It Up: For those who love a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper along with the garlic.
• Herbaceous Notes: Experiment with dried herbs like a bay leaf (remove before serving), thyme, or oregano to enhance the soup’s aroma. Fresh herbs like dill or cilantro make excellent garnishes.
• Creamy Finish: Stir in a small amount of heavy cream or a swirl of plain Greek yogurt just before serving for an added touch of richness.

Nutritional Information

As you can see from the nutritional breakdown, this Instant Pot Cabbage Soup offers a healthy balance of macronutrients. It’s an excellent source of protein from the ground turkey and fiber from the abundance of vegetables, making it a satiating choice. Its low carbohydrate count makes it ideal for various dietary plans, while being naturally gluten-free.

We hope you enjoy preparing and savoring this delightful Instant Pot Cabbage Soup. It’s a recipe that perfectly blends health with incredible flavor, offering a warm and hearty meal that’s simple to make and wonderful to eat. Don’t forget to share your experience and any creative twists you add in the comments below!