If you are craving a warm, comforting meal that feels like a big, cozy hug, this Hearty Ham and Cabbage Soup Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Loaded with tender cabbage, savory ham, and a medley of fresh vegetables, this soup delivers a perfect balance of flavors that’s both nourishing and deeply satisfying. It’s an easy, wholesome dish that comes together quickly but tastes like you’ve been simmering it all day — absolutely perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you want a homemade meal that warms you from the inside out.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is straightforward but essential, bringing its own unique texture, color, and depth of flavor that makes this Hearty Ham and Cabbage Soup Recipe truly shine. Here’s what you’ll gather to make this delicious bowl of comfort:
- 1 head cabbage, chopped: Provides the soup’s signature tender crunch and a lovely mild sweetness.
- 1 cup chopped onion: Adds savory depth and subtle sharpness to the broth.
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped: Infuses a touch of vibrant color and a hint of sweetness.
- 2 small carrots, chopped: For a pop of natural sweetness and tender bite; reduce for lower carbs.
- 2 cups diced lean ham: The star protein that brings smoky, salty goodness to every spoonful.
- 2 bay leaves (optional): Adds a gentle earthy note that complements the soup beautifully.
- 1 tsp Spike Seasoning: An all-purpose blend that layers in complex savory flavors, or swap with your favorite seasoning mix.
- 1 tsp granulated garlic: Brings warm, aromatic punch without overpowering.
- 1 tbsp dried parsley: Offers freshness and a burst of herbal brightness.
- 1 tsp Beau Monde Seasoning or seasoned salt: Adds a well-rounded, balanced seasoning perfect for soups.
- Coarse ground black pepper, to taste: A bold finishing touch that wakes up the flavors.
- 6 cups chicken stock: The flavorful foundation that ties everything together.
- 2 packets Goya Ham Flavor Concentrate (optional): Intensifies the ham essence for a richer broth.
How to Make Hearty Ham and Cabbage Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Veggies and Ham
Start with chopping the cabbage until you have about 5 to 6 cups, then finely chop the onion and red bell pepper. Dice the lean ham into bite-size pieces and slice the carrots into small rounds. This prep ensures that every element cooks evenly, giving your soup a wonderful texture.
Step 2: Layer Ingredients in Your Instant Pot
Place the cabbage, onion, and red bell pepper into the bottom of your Instant Pot first to create a flavorful base. Then add the ham, carrots, and bay leaves on top. Sprinkle the Spike Seasoning, granulated garlic, dried parsley, Beau Monde Seasoning, and a generous amount of black pepper over everything for that perfect seasoning balance.
Step 3: Add Stock and Ham Flavor Concentrate
Mix the chicken stock with the Goya Ham Flavor Concentrate (if using) to deepen the soup’s savory notes. Pour this rich liquid over the layered ingredients in the Instant Pot, ensuring everything is well submerged for even cooking.
Step 4: Cook Under Pressure
Seal the Instant Pot lid, set to MANUAL on HIGH PRESSURE, and let it cook for 15 minutes. This cooks the cabbage until tender and infuses the broth with all the delicious flavors.
Step 5: Natural Release and Serve
Allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 to 15 minutes before opening the lid manually. This gentle release keeps the soup perfectly tender and bursting with flavor. Serve your Hearty Ham and Cabbage Soup Recipe hot, optionally topped with freshly grated Parmesan for an extra savory kick.
How to Serve Hearty Ham and Cabbage Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your soup experience, try adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives. A handful of grated Parmesan or a dollop of sour cream can also bring a creamy, tangy contrast that complements the savory broth beautifully.
Side Dishes
This soup shines on its own, but pairing it with warm crusty bread or buttery dinner rolls turns it into a complete meal. A simple green salad or steamed vegetables can also add freshness and balance the comforting richness of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your soup in a rustic bowl to capture that homey vibe, or go fancy with small bowls garnished with microgreens for an elegant touch. For a family-style meal, ladle the soup into a large tureen and let everyone garnish their bowls as they like.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Hearty Ham and Cabbage Soup Recipe keeps incredibly well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to preserve freshness and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover soup easily, making it a perfect meal prep option. Just cool it completely and transfer into freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months for the best moisture and flavor retention.
Reheating
Warm your leftover soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first for even reheating and to maintain the texture of the cabbage and vegetables.
FAQs
Can I make this soup without an Instant Pot?
Absolutely! You can cook it on the stovetop in a large pot over medium heat. Simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and flavors meld beautifully.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
To make a vegetarian version, omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. For that smoky, rich flavor, consider adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke as a substitute.
Can I use leftover ham for this soup?
Yes! Leftover ham from previous meals works perfectly and adds great flavor, making this soup a wonderful way to reduce waste and enjoy a tasty meal.
What if I want a thicker soup?
To thicken the soup, try mashing some of the cooked cabbage or carrots directly in the pot or add a small amount of mashed potato flakes. You can also let the soup simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce the broth.
Are there any variations to the seasoning?
Feel free to swap Spike Seasoning and Beau Monde for your favorite spice blends, such as Italian herbs or Cajun seasoning, to give the soup a personalized twist without losing its heartiness.
Final Thoughts
There is just something incredibly satisfying about a good bowl of Hearty Ham and Cabbage Soup Recipe. It’s simple, comforting, and packed with flavor that hits all the right notes on a chilly day. I truly hope you give it a try and find yourself reaching for seconds as much as I do. Once you make this soup, it could easily become a much-loved staple in your kitchen rotation!
Print
Hearty Ham and Cabbage Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and flavorful ham and cabbage soup made in the Instant Pot, combining fresh vegetables and lean ham for a comforting and savory meal perfect for any day.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 head cabbage, chopped (about 5–6 cups cabbage after chopping)
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 small carrots, cut in small rounds or chopped (Use less carrots for lower carbs)
Meat
- 2 cups diced lean ham
Seasonings
- 2 bay leaves (optional but good)
- 1 tsp Spike Seasoning (or other all-purpose seasoning mix)
- 1 tsp granulated garlic
- 1 tbsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp Beau Monde Seasoning or seasoned salt (or any all-purpose soup seasoning)
- Coarse ground black pepper to taste (generous amount recommended)
Liquids
- 6 cups chicken stock
- 2 packets Goya Ham Flavor Concentrate or other ham flavor base (optional but recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables and meat. Chop the cabbage, onion, red bell pepper, ham, and carrots into bite-sized pieces.
- Layer ingredients in the Instant Pot. Place chopped cabbage, onion, and red bell pepper into the bottom of the Instant Pot. Add diced ham, carrots, and bay leaves on top. Sprinkle Spike Seasoning, granulated garlic, dried parsley, Beau Monde Seasoning, and coarse ground black pepper evenly over the ingredients.
- Mix and add the broth. Stir the Goya Ham Flavor Concentrate into the chicken stock until well combined, then pour the liquid mixture over the ingredients in the Instant Pot.
- Set and cook. Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the cooker to MANUAL mode on HIGH PRESSURE. Cook for 15 minutes.
- Natural pressure release and serve. Allow the pressure to naturally release for 10-15 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure. Carefully open the lid, then serve the soup hot. Optionally, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese at the table.
Notes
- Use less carrots if you wish to reduce the carbohydrate content.
- Bay leaves are optional but add depth to the flavor.
- Goya Ham Flavor Concentrate is optional but enhances the ham flavor dramatically.
- Freshly grated Parmesan adds a nice finishing touch at serving.
- This recipe can be adjusted for spiciness by altering the amount of black pepper to taste.
