When you think of cozy, nourishing meals that make you feel good from the inside out, Cabbage Soup definitely deserves a spot on the list. It’s hearty, wholesome, and budget-friendly — a big pot of comfort you can enjoy all week long.
This simple soup is made with fresh cabbage, vegetables, and flavorful broth, simmered slowly to perfection. It’s naturally low in calories but rich in nutrients and warmth. Whether you’re craving a light, healthy lunch or a comforting dinner, this cabbage soup checks all the boxes.
If you love cozy, veggie-packed recipes like Broccoli Cheddar Soup, this one’s going to become a staple in your kitchen.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Cabbage Soup
1. Healthy comfort food
This soup feels indulgent but is light and nourishing. Packed with fiber and vitamins, it’s perfect for healthy eating without sacrificing flavor.
2. Simple ingredients, big flavor
A handful of basic vegetables and pantry staples turn into something incredibly satisfying.
3. Budget-friendly
Cabbage is one of the most affordable vegetables, and this recipe makes a big batch that feeds the whole family.
4. Versatile
You can customize it with ground turkey, beans, or even sausage for a heartier twist.
5. Perfect for meal prep
It reheats beautifully, making it great for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium green cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for richness)
- Juice of ½ lemon (for brightness)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Ingredient Tips:
- Cabbage: Green cabbage works best, but you can mix in red for color.
- Broth: Vegetable broth for a vegetarian version; chicken broth for extra flavor.
- Add-ins: Ground beef, turkey, or beans make it heartier.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring until fragrant.
Step 2: Add the cabbage and seasonings
Add the chopped cabbage to the pot and toss it with the vegetables. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and the bay leaf. Stir to coat the cabbage in the seasoning.
Step 3: Add tomatoes and broth
Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juices) and the broth. Add tomato paste if using. Stir well, then bring to a boil.
Step 4: Simmer the soup
Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded together.
Step 5: Finish and serve
Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the lemon juice to brighten the flavor. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
How to Serve Cabbage Soup
Cabbage soup is delicious on its own, but a few sides can turn it into a complete meal.
Serving ideas:
- Crusty bread: Perfect for dipping and soaking up that flavorful broth.
- Grilled cheese sandwich: A classic comfort pairing.
- Rice or quinoa: Stir in a scoop for extra heartiness.
- Side salad: Add a crisp green salad for freshness and crunch.
For a creamy, restaurant-style soup night, pair this recipe with something indulgent like Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana. The contrast between rich and light soups makes a perfect variety dinner spread.
If you’re serving it for lunch, garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of Parmesan or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor and texture.
How to Store Cabbage Soup
Cabbage soup is one of those rare dishes that tastes even better the next day.
Refrigerator storage:
Cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezer storage:
Let soup cool, then pour into freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Lay flat to save space.
To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm on the stove over medium heat until hot. Add a splash of broth or water to thin it out if needed.
Meal prep tip:
Portion soup into single-serving containers for grab-and-go lunches. It reheats perfectly in the microwave.
For another comforting soup that stores beautifully, try Creamy Chicken Broccoli Soup — rich, hearty, and packed with protein.
Tips to Make Cabbage Soup
- Cut cabbage evenly:
Smaller pieces cook faster and give the soup a better texture. - Don’t skip the lemon juice:
It adds brightness and balances the savory flavors. - Season gradually:
Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper near the end. - Use quality broth:
A flavorful base makes all the difference. - Add protein:
For a more filling meal, stir in cooked ground beef, turkey, or beans. - Make it spicy:
Add crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce. - Add depth:
A teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce can enhance the umami flavor.
For another comforting bowl of creamy goodness, don’t miss this Creamy Cheeseburger Soup — it’s rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor.
Variations of Cabbage Soup
- Detox Cabbage Soup:
Skip the oil and use all vegetables for a light, cleansing version. - Beef Cabbage Soup:
Brown ½ pound of lean ground beef before adding the vegetables. - Cabbage and Sausage Soup:
Add sliced smoked sausage or kielbasa for a hearty, flavorful twist. - Cabbage Roll Soup:
Add rice and a touch of brown sugar for a comforting deconstructed version of cabbage rolls. - Spicy Southwest Cabbage Soup:
Stir in diced green chiles, corn, and black beans for a Tex-Mex feel.
FAQs
1. Can I use red cabbage instead of green?
Yes! Red cabbage works just as well, though it gives the soup a slightly different color.
2. Is cabbage soup good for weight loss?
It’s naturally low in calories and high in fiber, making it great for healthy meal plans.
3. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
4. How can I make it creamier?
Add a splash of cream or coconut milk at the end for a velvety texture.
5. What kind of cabbage works best?
Green cabbage is ideal, but Savoy or Napa cabbage also work beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Cabbage Soup is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly comforting and delicious. It’s wholesome, cozy, and packed with flavor — the kind of meal that warms you up from the inside out.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, it’s a dish that feels good and tastes even better.
If you love cozy bowls of homemade soup, be sure to check out my Broccoli Cheddar Soup — creamy, cheesy, and perfect for soup season.
Follow me on Facebook and Pinterest where I share cozy, easy-to-make baking recipes just like this one.
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Cabbage Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A hearty, healthy cabbage soup filled with vegetables and herbs in a savory broth. Perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium cabbage, chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 6 cups broth
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional)
- Juice of ½ lemon
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a pot and sauté onion, carrots, and celery.
2. Add cabbage, garlic, and spices.
3. Stir in tomatoes, tomato paste, and broth.
4. Simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes until cabbage is tender.
5. Stir in lemon juice, adjust seasoning, and serve.
Notes
Use green or Savoy cabbage for best texture.
Add beans or ground meat for a heartier version.
Freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg