Cabbage soup is a simple, comforting meal made with tender cabbage, fresh vegetables, tomatoes, broth, and savory seasonings. It is an easy one-pot recipe that works well for a cozy family dinner, a light lunch, or meal prep.
The beauty of a good cabbage soup is its simplicity. You do not need expensive ingredients or complicated cooking techniques. With a few basic vegetables and a flavorful broth, you can make a warm and satisfying soup in one pot.
This easy cabbage soup recipe is packed with vegetables and can be customized with ground beef, chicken, beans, or potatoes. Whether you prefer a classic vegetable cabbage soup or a heartier version with meat, this recipe is easy to adapt.
Table of Contents
- 1. Ingredients for Cabbage Soup
- 2. How to Make Cabbage Soup
- 3. How to Make Cabbage Soup With Ground Beef
- 4. Cabbage Soup With Potatoes
- 5. Vegetarian Cabbage Soup
- 6. Tips for the Best Cabbage Soup
- 7. What to Serve With Cabbage Soup
- 8. How to Store Cabbage Soup
- 9. Frequently Asked Questions About Cabbage Soup
- 10. Final Thoughts
1. Ingredients for Cabbage Soup
To make a flavorful pot of cabbage soup, you will need:
- 1 medium head green cabbage, chopped
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 6 to 8 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 to 2 bay leaves
- Salt and black pepper to taste
You can also add potatoes, green beans, white beans, or cooked meat depending on the type of cabbage soup you want to make.
For a richer soup, chicken broth works well. If you want a vegetarian cabbage soup, choose a good-quality vegetable broth.
2. How to Make Cabbage Soup
Prepare the Vegetables
Start by washing the cabbage and removing any damaged outer leaves. Cut the cabbage into quarters, remove the tough core, and chop it into bite-sized pieces.
Prepare the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic.
Cutting the vegetables into similar-sized pieces helps them cook more evenly.
Sauté the Onion, Carrots, and Celery
Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
This simple step creates a flavorful base for the soup. Cooking the vegetables before adding the broth helps develop a deeper, more savory flavor.
Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings
Stir in the diced tomatoes, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the seasonings to blend with the vegetables and tomatoes.
If you like a slightly spicy cabbage soup, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Add the Cabbage and Broth
Add the chopped cabbage to the pot.
It may look like there is too much cabbage at first, but don’t worry. Cabbage shrinks considerably as it cooks.
Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and add the bay leaves.
Stir everything together and bring the soup to a gentle boil.
Simmer the Cabbage Soup
Once the soup begins to boil, reduce the heat to low.
Cover the pot partially and let the cabbage soup simmer for about 25 to 35 minutes.
The soup is ready when the cabbage and carrots are tender but not completely mushy.
Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if needed.
Remove the bay leaves before serving.
3. How to Make Cabbage Soup With Ground Beef
If you prefer a heartier meal, ground beef is an excellent addition to cabbage soup.
Brown about 1 pound of ground beef in the soup pot before adding the vegetables. Break the meat apart as it cooks, then drain excess grease if necessary.
Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic, and continue following the recipe.
The beef adds a rich, savory flavor and makes the soup more filling. Ground turkey or ground chicken can also be used as lighter alternatives.
Another option is to add sliced sausage for a more robust and savory cabbage soup.
4. Cabbage Soup With Potatoes
Potatoes are one of the easiest ways to make cabbage soup more substantial.
Peel and cut 2 to 3 medium potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Add them to the pot along with the cabbage and broth.
The potatoes will absorb some of the flavorful broth as they cook, creating a comforting and filling soup.
For the best texture, avoid cutting the potatoes too small. Medium-sized pieces are less likely to become overly soft during cooking.
5. Vegetarian Cabbage Soup
A vegetarian cabbage soup is easy to prepare by using vegetable broth and skipping the meat.
To make it more filling, add white beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, or lentils.
You can also add extra vegetables such as:
- Zucchini
- Green beans
- Bell peppers
- Corn
- Spinach
- Mushrooms
If adding delicate vegetables such as spinach or zucchini, add them toward the end of cooking so they do not become overly soft.
6. Tips for the Best Cabbage Soup
The quality of the final soup depends on a few simple details.
Use fresh cabbage. Choose a firm head with crisp leaves. Fresh cabbage provides better flavor and texture.
Build the flavor gradually. Sautéing the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic before adding the broth creates a more flavorful base.
Do not overcook the cabbage. Simmer the soup until the cabbage is tender but still has some texture.
Season gradually. Broth and canned tomatoes can contain different amounts of salt, so taste the soup before adding more.
Add acidity if needed. If the soup tastes flat, a small splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar can brighten the flavor.
Let the soup rest. Allowing the soup to sit for 5 to 10 minutes before serving gives the flavors time to settle.
7. What to Serve With Cabbage Soup
Cabbage soup is filling enough to serve as a complete meal, but it also pairs well with simple side dishes.
Crusty bread is one of the best choices because it is perfect for dipping into the warm broth.
You can also serve cabbage soup with:
- Garlic bread
- Dinner rolls
- Grilled cheese
- A simple green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Baked potatoes
For a hearty dinner, cabbage soup with ground beef and crusty bread makes a satisfying combination.
For a lighter meal, serve vegetable cabbage soup with a fresh salad.
8. How to Store Cabbage Soup
Cabbage soup is an excellent make-ahead meal.
Allow the soup to cool, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. Properly stored cabbage soup can be enjoyed for several days.
When reheating, warm it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a little water or broth if the soup has thickened in the refrigerator.
Cabbage soup can also be frozen. Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top because the liquid expands as it freezes.
Thaw frozen cabbage soup in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat it thoroughly before serving.
9. Frequently Asked Questions About Cabbage Soup
What Is Cabbage Soup Made Of?
Cabbage soup is typically made with cabbage, onions, carrots, tomatoes, broth, and seasonings. Many versions also include celery, potatoes, beans, ground beef, chicken, or sausage.
Can I Make Cabbage Soup Without Meat?
Yes. Vegetable cabbage soup is easy to make without meat. Use vegetable broth and add beans, potatoes, or lentils for extra substance.
How Long Does Cabbage Soup Take to Cook?
Most cabbage soup recipes take about 40 to 50 minutes from start to finish. The vegetables are first sautéed, then the soup simmers until the cabbage and carrots become tender.
Can I Freeze Cabbage Soup?
Yes. Cabbage soup freezes well when stored in airtight, freezer-safe containers. Thaw it in the refrigerator and reheat it gently on the stovetop.
How Can I Make Cabbage Soup More Flavorful?
Start by sautéing the vegetables before adding the broth. Use a flavorful stock, season the soup gradually, and add herbs such as parsley, thyme, or Italian seasoning. A small amount of lemon juice or vinegar can also enhance the final flavor.
Can I Add Meat to Cabbage Soup?
Absolutely. Ground beef, ground turkey, chicken, and sausage all work well. Brown ground meat before adding the vegetables, or add cooked chicken toward the end of cooking.
10. Final Thoughts
Cabbage soup is one of those easy recipes that proves simple ingredients can create a delicious meal. Tender cabbage, sweet carrots, onions, tomatoes, and flavorful broth come together in one pot for a warm and satisfying dish.
The recipe is also easy to customize. Make a classic vegetable cabbage soup, add ground beef for extra richness, or include potatoes and beans for a heartier meal.
With simple preparation, flexible ingredients, and plenty of comforting flavor, this easy cabbage soup recipe is a practical dish to keep in your regular dinner rotation.
