Corned Beef and Cabbage Soup for Leftovers

Name: Instant Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage Soup
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 4 cups cooked corned beef; 3 carrots, (chopped); 2 russet potatoes, (peeled and cubed); 1/2 head cabbage, (chopped); 6 cups chicken stock; 1-2 tsp. black pepper ((according to preference)); 3 oz. tomato paste; 2 tsp. Salt, ((to taste)); 1 tbsp. bacon fat; 4 tbsp. cream ((optional))

If you’re staring at leftover corned beef and cabbage and thinking, “I can’t eat another plate of this” — don’t worry, I’ve got you. This Instant Pot Leftover Corned Beef and Cabbage Soup turns those leftovers into a cozy, comforting bowl of magic that somehow tastes even better than the original meal.

Now, let’s be honest for a second. Corned beef is a fatty cut of beef and it tends to be packed with sodium, so no — this isn’t exactly a “health food.” That said, in small quantities it’s not terrible for you… but really, who actually eats small quantities when corned beef is involved? This is comfort food, not a salad, and this easy corned beef soup fully leans into that.

Packed with tender potatoes, carrots, and cabbage simmered in a rich, savory broth, this corned beef and cabbage soup Instant Pot recipe is the perfect way to repurpose leftovers. And since we’re starting with already-cooked meat, this leftover corned beef soup recipe comes together in under 30 minutes — fast, cozy, and totally worth it.

No leftover corned beef? Don't fret, check out this easy Instant Pot Corned Beef Recipe or this sous vide corned beef to get yourself rolling.

Also, if you don't have an Instant Pot yet, read my complete Instant Pot Review to decide if it's for you.

bowl of soup with corned beef, carrots and cabbage

Why This Recipe Works

Using leftover corned beef enables this recipe to be made in under 30 minutes.
No long cooking times here — this leftover corned beef soup recipe is fast, easy, and weeknight-friendly.
Sautéing the cabbage in bacon fat adds an extra dimension of flavor.
That quick sauté step makes this Instant Pot corned beef soup rich, savory, and totally irresistible.
It’s great made ahead or served as leftovers.
Just like chili or stew, this soup gets even better the next day.
It’s so easy your boyfriend/husband/kids can do it.
If they can press a button, they can make this soup. Seriously.

Jump to:

Why This Recipe Works
What Is My Take on Instant Pot Leftover Corned Beef and Cabbage Soup?
Make It a Meal
Easy Side Dishes
Ingredients
Step By Step Instructions
Expert Tips
Common Questions
Storing Instructions
Recipe
💬 Comments

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What Is My Take on Instant Pot Leftover Corned Beef and Cabbage Soup?

This soup is comfort food at its finest. It’s cozy, filling, and tastes like something you’d get in a little pub on a chilly day. The flavors are classic, simple, and familiar — exactly what you want from an Irish corned beef cabbage soup, but with a modern Instant Pot shortcut.

I also love how flexible it is. Want it creamier? Add the cream. Want it lighter? Skip it. Either way, you’re getting a soul-warming bowl of goodness.

Make It a Meal

My all-time favorite way to serve this corned beef and cabbage soup Instant Pot style is with a fresh piece of crusty French bread and a thick layer of salted butter.

You could also serve it with tortillas or naan bread — or honestly, just grab a spoon and call it dinner. This easy corned beef soup totally stands on its own.

Easy Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with:

Simple green salad
Roasted vegetables
Garlic bread
Irish soda bread

Ingredients

The full list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

This recipe is very simple, using only salt and pepper. However, you can add 1 tsp. of yellow mustard seed if you want to add a little tang to the soup.

Step By Step Instructions

cabbage, carrots, potatoes and corned beef

Step1: Chop up all your ingredients and have them ready to go.

Step2: We start by turning our Instant Pot to saute, and heating the bacon fat. You can also use butter or cooking oil, I just LOVE the flavor that bacon fat adds.

Step3: Add the cabbage and saute for 2-4 minutes, until softened.

Step4: Add the tomato paste and stir.

Step5: Add the potatoes, carrots, leftover corned beef and seasoning and stir to combine. I add 2 tsp. of black pepper, but if you have a lower tolerance for pepper, add ½ to 1 tsp.

potatoes carrots and corned beef in a pot with liquid

Step6: Add the stock and the cream (optional). Turn the IP to pressure and cook on high for 15 minutes.

bowl of soup with carrots, potatoes and corned beef garnished with parsley

Step7: When done cooking, use the quick release to release the pressure. Season to taste with additional salt (if necessary). Serve in bowls with crusty buttered French bread. Seriously, the French bread is a MUST. Try this easy Crusty French Bread from Natasha's Kitchen.

Instant Pot Leftover Corned Beef and Cabbage Soup

Expert Tips

Bacon fat adds incredible flavor, but butter or another animal fat works if needed.
No leftovers? You can easily make corned beef using this Instant Pot Corned Beef recipe, then jump right into this soup.
The cream is optional, but it adds the perfect touch of richness to this Irish corned beef cabbage soup.

Common Questions

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! This Instant Pot corned beef soup is perfect for meal prep and tastes even better the next day.

Is this soup salty?

Corned beef can vary in saltiness. Start with less salt and adjust at the end.

What if I Don't Have Leftover Corned Beef?

Follow this recipe for Instant Pot Corned Beef to have it ready in under 2 hours.

2 bowls of carrot, potato and corned beef soup

Storing Instructions

I honestly think this soup is even better the second day — you know, like Chinese food.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove over medium heat until warmed through.

Freezing Instructions - place leftover corned beef soup recipe in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until hot.

Did you make this Corned Beef and Cabbage Soup? Rate the recipe and leave a comment to let me know how they turned out!