admin1 Nothing beats a warm bowl of Homemade Cabbage Soup when you’re craving something nourishing, flavorful, and satisfying. This classic soup is packed with tender cabbage, colorful vegetables, and a rich tomato-infused broth that delivers comfort in every spoonful. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a cozy dinner, or a meal-prep-friendly recipe, cabbage soup is an excellent choice.
One of the reasons this soup has remained popular for generations is its simplicity. It uses affordable ingredients that are easy to find, yet the result is a deeply flavorful dish that tastes like it simmered all day. The cabbage becomes tender and slightly sweet as it cooks, blending beautifully with carrots, celery, onions, and herbs.
This recipe is naturally low in calories, rich in fiber, and loaded with vegetables. It can be customized with beans, ground beef, chicken, or additional vegetables depending on your preferences. Whether you’re serving it as a starter or a complete meal, this homemade cabbage soup is wholesome, comforting, and delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Soup
- Easy one-pot recipe
- Packed with vegetables and nutrients
- Budget-friendly ingredients
- Naturally low in calories
- Great for meal prep
- Freezer-friendly
- Customizable with proteins and vegetables
- Comforting and satisfying year-round
Prep Time, Cook Time & Servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Yield: About 10 cups soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small green cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 bay leaf
Optional Additions
- 1 cup green beans
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 can white beans, drained
- 1 pound cooked ground beef or turkey
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Red pepper flakes for heat
Equipment Needed
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Ladle
Temperature Guide
Sautéing Vegetables
Medium Heat: 325°F–350°F (160°C–175°C surface temperature)
Simmering Soup
185°F–200°F (85°C–93°C)
Serving Temperature
150°F–165°F (65°C–74°C)
How to Make Cabbage Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Wash and chop all vegetables before beginning.
Dice the onion, chop the celery, slice the carrots, mince the garlic, and roughly chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces.
Having everything prepared ahead of time makes cooking much easier.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
Add:
- Onion
- Celery
- Carrots
Cook for approximately:
5–7 minutes
Stir occasionally until the vegetables begin to soften.
Add garlic and cook for another:
30 seconds to 1 minute
until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Cabbage
Add chopped cabbage to the pot.
Cook for:
5 minutes
stirring frequently.
The cabbage will begin to wilt and reduce in volume.
This step helps develop flavor before the broth is added.
Step 4: Build the Soup Base
Add:
- Diced tomatoes
- Tomato paste
- Broth
- Salt
- Pepper
- Oregano
- Basil
- Bay leaf
Stir thoroughly to combine.
Step 5: Bring to a Boil
Increase heat and bring the soup to a boil.
Temperature: 212°F (100°C)
Once boiling, immediately reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
Step 6: Simmer
Cook uncovered for:
30–35 minutes
at approximately:
185°F–200°F (85°C–93°C)
The vegetables should become tender while maintaining some texture.
Stir occasionally during cooking.
Step 7: Adjust Seasoning
Remove the bay leaf.
Taste the soup and adjust:
- Salt
- Pepper
- Herbs
if needed.
For extra brightness, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
Step 8: Serve
Ladle the hot soup into bowls.
Garnish with:
- Fresh parsley
- Cracked black pepper
- Red pepper flakes
Serve immediately.
Tips for Perfect Cabbage Soup
Use Fresh Cabbage
Fresh cabbage provides the best flavor and texture.
Avoid cabbage that feels soft or has brown spots.
Don’t Overcook
Overcooked cabbage can become mushy and lose its pleasant texture.
Let It Simmer
The longer gentle simmer allows the flavors to blend beautifully.
Use Good Quality Broth
A flavorful broth significantly improves the final result.
Add Protein
For a heartier meal, add:
- Ground beef
- Turkey
- Chicken
- Beans
Flavor Variations
Beef Cabbage Soup
Brown 1 pound ground beef before sautéing vegetables.
Drain excess fat and continue with the recipe.
Chicken Cabbage Soup
Add 2 cups shredded cooked chicken during the last 15 minutes.
Spicy Cabbage Soup
Add:
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Vegetarian Bean Cabbage Soup
Add:
- Cannellini beans
- Kidney beans
- Chickpeas
for additional protein and fiber.
Italian Cabbage Soup
Add:
- Italian sausage
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil
for a rich Italian-inspired version.
Health Benefits of Cabbage Soup
Cabbage soup is packed with beneficial nutrients.
Cabbage Provides
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin K
- Fiber
- Antioxidants
Carrots Provide
- Beta-carotene
- Vitamin A
Tomatoes Provide
- Lycopene
- Vitamin C
Broth Supports Hydration
The broth helps maintain hydration while delivering minerals and flavor.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store cooled soup in an airtight container for:
4–5 days
The flavor often improves the next day.
Freezer
Freeze for up to:
3 months
Store in freezer-safe containers with room for expansion.
Reheating Instructions
Stovetop
Heat over medium heat for:
5–10 minutes
until hot.
Microwave
Heat individual portions in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval.
Nutrition Information
Per Serving (Approximate)
- Calories: 110
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Vitamin A: 70% DV
- Vitamin C: 60% DV
Nutritional values will vary depending on ingredients and optional additions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make cabbage soup ahead of time?
Yes. In fact, the flavor improves after a day in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze cabbage soup?
Absolutely. It freezes very well for up to three months.
Can I use red cabbage?
Yes, but it will change the color of the broth and provide a slightly different flavor.
How do I make it more filling?
Add beans, potatoes, rice, pasta, chicken, or ground beef.
Is cabbage soup healthy?
Yes. It’s loaded with vegetables, fiber, vitamins, and minerals while remaining relatively low in calories.
Serving Suggestions
This cabbage soup pairs wonderfully with:
- Crusty homemade bread
- Garlic toast
- Cornbread
- Side salad
- Grilled cheese sandwich
- Baked potatoes
It can be served as a starter or enjoyed as a complete meal.
