Introduction

This simple and nourishing Cabbage Soup is the perfect comfort food for any season. It’s easy to prepare with humble ingredients and delivers a wonderfully satisfying bowl. If you enjoy cabbage in your meals, you might also like the Beef and Rice Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe or the Keto Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Stuffed Cabbage Recipe.

Ingredients

This simple, hearty cabbage soup fills your kitchen with a comforting aroma as it simmers, promising a warm and nourishing bowl that’s both light and satisfying.

• 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Timing

Context: This cabbage soup recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes, making it a great choice for a quick and healthy meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Vegetables

Roughly chop one medium head of green cabbage, two carrots, two celery stalks, and one large onion. For even cooking, aim for uniform 1-inch pieces.

Mince three cloves of garlic. Preparing all your vegetables beforehand makes the cooking process smooth and efficient.

Step 2 — Sauté the Aromatics

Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, cooking for 5-7 minutes until they begin to soften.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This foundational step builds the flavor base for your cabbage soup.

Step 3 — Cook the Cabbage

Add the chopped cabbage to the pot. Stir everything together and cook for about 8-10 minutes, until the cabbage has wilted significantly.

The cabbage will reduce in volume by nearly half. This pre-cooking step helps to mellow its flavor and integrate it with the other vegetables.

Step 4 — Add Liquids and Seasonings

Pour in 8 cups of vegetable or chicken broth and one 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Add one teaspoon of dried thyme, one bay leaf, and salt and pepper to taste.

Stir all the ingredients to combine. For a richer flavor, you can use a combination of broth and water.

Step 5 — Simmer the Soup

Bring the pot to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the pot with a lid, leaving it slightly ajar.

Let the cabbage soup simmer for 25-30 minutes. The soup is ready when the vegetables are tender but not mushy.

Step 6 — Final Seasoning and Serve

Turn off the heat and remove the bay leaf. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Ladle the hot cabbage soup into bowls. For a fresh finish, garnish with chopped parsley. This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

Nutritional Information

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Lean Ground Turkey — A lighter protein swap that maintains heartiness without excess fat.
• Cauliflower Rice — Lowers carbs while adding bulk and a mild, nutty texture.
• Coconut Milk — A rich, dairy-free alternative that adds creamy sweetness.
• Tamari or Coconut Aminos — Gluten-free, lower-sodium options for umami depth.
• Vegetable Broth — Reduces sodium compared to many meat-based broths.
• Lentils — Plant-based protein that thickens the soup and adds earthy flavor.
• Nutritional Yeast — Dairy-free cheesy flavor boost for a savory finish.
• Fresh Herbs (like dill or parsley) — Bright, salt-free flavor enhancers for your cabbage soup.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this cabbage soup with a thick slice of crusty bread for dipping and soaking up the flavorful broth.
• Serve it alongside a fresh, crisp salad to add a contrasting texture and brighten the meal.
• For a heartier meal, top your bowl with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
• This cabbage soup is perfect for a light lunch or a comforting, warming dinner on a chilly evening.
• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or dill just before serving to enhance its visual appeal and add a burst of fresh flavor.

This versatile cabbage soup can be easily adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs, making it a fantastic staple for any home cook.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Overcooking the cabbage until it turns mushy and loses texture. Fix: Add shredded cabbage during the last 10–15 minutes of simmering to keep it tender-crisp.
• Mistake: Using a weak broth base that lacks depth. Fix: Simmer bones, vegetables, and herbs for a homemade stock, or enhance store-bought broth with a splash of soy sauce or tomato paste.
• Mistake: Skipping the sauté step for aromatics like onions and garlic. Fix: Sauté them in oil until fragrant to build a flavorful foundation before adding liquids.
• Mistake: Salting the soup too early, which can toughen the cabbage. Fix: Season with salt and pepper after the cabbage has softened to better control the final taste.
• Mistake: Crowding the pot with too many starchy vegetables, making the soup heavy. Fix: Balance potatoes or carrots with lighter ingredients like celery and tomatoes for a well-rounded dish.
• Mistake: Not balancing acidity, leading to a flat-tasting cabbage soup. Fix: Stir in a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice at the end to brighten the flavors.
• Mistake: Using only water instead of broth, resulting in a bland soup. Fix: Always use vegetable, chicken, or beef broth as the liquid base for a richer taste.
• Mistake: Cutting cabbage into uneven pieces that cook at different rates. Fix: Shred or chop the cabbage uniformly to ensure even cooking and a consistent texture.
• Mistake: Boiling the soup vigorously, which can break down delicate ingredients. Fix: Maintain a gentle simmer once all ingredients are added to preserve texture and nutrients.
• Mistake: Forgetting to adjust seasoning after adding acidic components. Fix: Taste and adjust salt, herbs, and spices right before serving to account for flavor changes.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool your cabbage soup completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cabbage soup in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags for up to 3 months. Leave some space at the top for expansion.
• Reheat: Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), stirring occasionally.

Always allow your cabbage soup to cool to room temperature within two hours of cooking before storing to ensure food safety.

Conclusion

This comforting Cabbage Soup is a simple, healthy meal perfect for any season. If you enjoyed this recipe, try our Easy Minestrone Soup next. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share your thoughts in the comments!

Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef

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A hearty and flavorful cabbage soup featuring ground beef, tomatoes, and kidney beans, perfect for a nutritious and comforting meal.

• Author: Dorothy Miler
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x
• Method: Soup
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1/2 head green cabbage, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups beef broth or water

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and ground beef; cook until beef is browned and onion is translucent.
3. Add chopped carrots and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
4. Stir in kidney beans, tomato sauce, chopped cabbage, and ground cumin.
5. Pour in beef broth or water and bring the mixture to a boil.
6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes until cabbage is tender.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Notes

This soup can be made on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. Adding carrots enhances the flavor and nutrition. For a variation, adjust spices to mimic stuffed cabbage rolls.

Nutrition

• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 6
• Sodium: 600
• Fat: 12
• Saturated Fat: 4
• Unsaturated Fat: 8
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 20
• Fiber: 6
• Protein: 22
• Cholesterol: 55

FAQs

Can I freeze this cabbage soup?

Yes, this cabbage soup freezes very well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Reheat gently on the stove for the best texture.