Borscht Soup

Name: Instant Pot Borscht Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil; 1/2 large white onion ((diced)); 2 cloves garlic ((minced)); 1.5 lbs top sirloin steak ((cut into bite sized pieces)); 2 medium red beets ((peeled and grated)); 3 cups diced Yukon gold potatoes; 2 large carrots ((peeled and diced)); 3 cups sliced and chopped cabbage ((red or green)); 4 cups beef or vegetable broth; 1/4 cup red wine vinegar; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp sea salt ((+ more to taste)); 2 bay leafs; 3 tbsp chopped fresh dill ((for serving)); 1/3 cup sour cream ((optional))

Instant Pot Borscht Soup is an Eastern European classic featuring tender beef, grated red beets, and root vegetables that cook together in minutes under pressure. It delivers authentic borscht flavor without the long stovetop time.

🌍European

Total

45 min

Servings

6

Difficulty

Medium

Est. Cost

$28–$46

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From Wholesomelicious

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
1/2 large white onion ((diced))
2 cloves garlic ((minced))

1.5 lbs top sirloin steak ((cut into bite sized pieces))

2 medium red beets ((peeled and grated))

3 cups diced Yukon gold potatoes

2 large carrots ((peeled and diced))

3 cups sliced and chopped cabbage ((red or green))

4 cups beef or vegetable broth

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

2 tbsp tomato paste

1 tsp sea salt ((+ more to taste))

2 bay leafs

3 tbsp chopped fresh dill ((for serving))

1/3 cup sour cream ((optional))optional

15 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Prep your vegetables if not already prepped. Select the saute function on the Instant Pot. Once hot, coat the with oil. Saute the onion and garlic for 2 minutes, then add in the beef sirloin. Continue to saute for another 3-5 minutes until browned. Select cancel.
2
Top the mixture with the remaining vegetables: beets, potatoes, carrots, and cabbage. Pour in the broth, vinegar, and tomato paste. Sprinkle in the salt and add the bay leaf. Secure the lid. Select manual (or high pressure), for 12 minutes.
3
Use a quick release. Once steam has released, open the lid.
4
Serve with a dallop of sour cream and fresh dill with sea salt to taste.
5
You can also serve cold during warmer months!

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Sauté the onion and garlic in the pot on sauté mode before adding other ingredients to build flavor depth—don't skip this step.
Cut the sirloin into uniform bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly under pressure in the 15-minute cook time.
Grate the beets just before adding to prevent oxidation and preserve color; wear gloves to avoid staining.
Use a natural pressure release for the first 10 minutes, then quick-release remaining pressure to preserve vegetable texture.

Substitutions

Top sirloin → chuck roast or beef stew meat (tougher cuts benefit from pressure cooking)
Red wine vinegar → white vinegar or apple cider vinegar (adjust to taste)
Beef broth → vegetable broth (omit meat for vegetarian version)
Yukon gold potatoes → russet or red potatoes (texture will vary slightly)

Storage & make-ahead

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat on stovetop or in the microwave. Freezes well for up to 3 months.

Equipment

Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker · Box grater or food processor (for beets)

Common Questions

Can you make borscht ahead of time?

Yes. Borscht actually tastes better the next day as flavors meld. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Do you have to use beef in borscht?

No. Vegetable or chicken broth with omitted meat works well, or substitute ground beef or pork for the sirloin.

Can you serve borscht cold?

Yes. Chill completely after cooking, then serve as a chilled soup. Cold borscht is traditional in summer Eastern European cuisine.

What is the purpose of red wine vinegar in borscht?

Red wine vinegar adds tanginess and balances the earthy sweetness of the beets, which is essential to authentic borscht flavor.

How do you peel and grate beets without staining your hands?

Wear disposable latex gloves while handling raw beets. Alternatively, buy pre-peeled beets or use a box grater over a cutting board.

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