If you’re looking for a cozy, nourishing meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, the Crockpot Cabbage Soup Recipe is your new best friend. This recipe blends tender cabbage with vibrant vegetables and herbs, slow-cooked to develop rich, comforting flavors that make every spoonful satisfying. Whether you want an easy weeknight dinner or something to simmer while you tackle your day, this soup is a nourishing powerhouse that’s light, healthy, and full of hearty goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the key to this recipe’s success. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the crisp texture of fresh cabbage to the aromatic herbs that bring delightful depth to the soup.
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped: The star of the dish, offering a tender crunch and mild sweetness that soaks up the broth beautifully.
- 1 large onion, diced: Provides a savory base with a natural hint of sweetness when cooked down.
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced: Add subtle earthiness and a splash of vibrant color.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped: Lends a fresh, aromatic crunch that balances the softer vegetables.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the soup with a warm, inviting fragrance and a touch of bold flavor.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices: Brings acidity and depth, brightening up the broth and adding lovely texture.
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth): The liquid harmony that ties all flavors together, rich with savory notes.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds an earthy, slightly minty flavor that complements the vegetables.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Introduces an herbal warmth that enhances the overall taste.
- 1 bay leaf: A subtle yet essential layer of flavor complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper: Offers a mild heat that wakes up the palate.
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste): Balances and brings out the full flavors.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for sautéing): Boosts flavor by gently caramelizing the vegetables before slow cooking.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a hint of spice for those who like a little kick.
- Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish): Delivers a fresh, colorful finishing touch that makes each bowl feel special.
How to Make Crockpot Cabbage Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by chopping the cabbage into bite-sized pieces, dicing the onion, slicing the peeled carrots, chopping the celery, and mincing the garlic. This prep work sets the foundation for a soup full of texture and flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics (Optional)
If you have a little extra time, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the diced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic for about 3 to 4 minutes until they soften and release their fragrance. This step deepens the flavor profile, making the final soup even more delicious, but you can skip it if you’re in a rush.
Step 3: Combine in the Crockpot
Into your crockpot, add the chopped cabbage and either the sautéed vegetables or raw onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Then, pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, broth, thyme, oregano, bay leaf, black pepper, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. This is where the magic begins as all the ingredients come together to slowly meld flavors.
Step 4: Cook the Soup
Cover your crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The long, gentle cooking time transforms the cabbage and vegetables into tender, flavor-packed pieces while blending the herbs and spices into the broth perfectly.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust
Before you serve the soup, give it a good taste test. Adjust the seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or any herbs you feel need a boost. This is your chance to tailor the soup perfectly to your preferences.
Step 6: Serve the Crockpot Cabbage Soup Recipe
Remove the bay leaf and discard it. Ladle the soup into warm bowls, then garnish with fresh parsley or basil if you like. Serving the soup hot maximizes comfort and flavor, making it an ideal dish for chilly days or whenever you crave something soothing.
How to Serve Crockpot Cabbage Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or torn basil leaves on top instantly brightens the soup’s appearance and adds a fresh herbal pop that complements its rich, slow-cooked flavors. A dollop of sour cream or a grating of parmesan can also work beautifully if you want a creamy or cheesy touch.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with simple, crusty bread for dipping, or a light green salad to add some crispness to the meal. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are perfect for rounding out the plate and soaking up every last bit of broth.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bowls for a homestyle feel, or impress guests by ladling it into hollowed-out bread bowls. For a fun twist, top with crumbled bacon or shredded cheese for extra indulgence. Offering a small dish of hot sauce on the side will also let everyone customize the heat to their liking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crockpot Cabbage Soup Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors actually improve as they sit, so it’s perfect for meal prepping or reheating the next day for an easy lunch or dinner.
Freezing
Freeze any extra soup in portions using freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags for up to three months. Make sure to leave a little space at the top of the container because the soup will expand as it freezes.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the soup overnight in the fridge if frozen, then gently warm it over medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave—just cover and heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
FAQs
Can I use green cabbage instead of the medium head of cabbage?
Absolutely! Green cabbage works just as well and may even give a slightly sweeter flavor. You can use whichever variety you prefer or have on hand.
Is it necessary to sauté the vegetables before adding them to the crockpot?
Sautéing is optional but recommended if you have the time because it enhances the soup’s depth of flavor. If you’re short on time, adding the raw vegetables straight to the crockpot still results in a delicious, hearty soup.
Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Use vegetable broth to keep the recipe vegetarian or vegan. If using chicken broth, it’s not vegetarian but still a great option for extra richness.
How spicy is this soup with the crushed red pepper flakes?
The crushed red pepper flakes add just a gentle background heat that can be adjusted or omitted depending on your spice preference.
What is the best way to thicken this soup if I want it heartier?
To thicken the soup, you can mash some of the cooked cabbage and vegetables against the side of the pot before serving, or stir in a small amount of cooked rice or beans for more body.
Final Thoughts
The Crockpot Cabbage Soup Recipe is a kitchen lifesaver that delivers warmth, nutrition, and incredible flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a family or just treating yourself, this soup earns a spot in your regular rotation. Give it a try, and you might just find your new favorite comfort food to savor all year round.
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Crockpot Cabbage Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This comforting Crockpot Cabbage Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for any day of the week. Combining fresh cabbage, garden vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this slow-cooked recipe melds the flavors beautifully for a warming and healthy meal. Easy to prepare with minimal effort, it’s ideal for a nourishing lunch or dinner that serves 6 to 8 people.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Canned Goods
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
Herbs & Spices
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Others
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for sautéing)
- Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Chop the cabbage, dice the onion, peel and slice the carrots, and chop the celery. Mince the garlic to get all your fresh ingredients ready for cooking.
- Sauté the Aromatics (Optional): Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they are softened and fragrant. This step enhances flavor but can be skipped to save time.
- Combine in the Crockpot: Transfer the chopped cabbage, sautéed vegetables (if using), diced tomatoes with their juices, and vegetable broth to the crockpot. Add dried thyme, oregano, bay leaf, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Cook the Soup: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until all vegetables are tender and the flavors have blended nicely.
- Taste and Adjust: Before serving, sample the soup and adjust seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or spices as preferred to enhance the taste.
- Serve: Remove and discard the bay leaf. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or basil if using. Serve hot and enjoy your hearty cabbage soup!
Notes
- You can substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth for a non-vegetarian option.
- Sautéing the vegetables before adding to the crockpot is optional but adds depth of flavor.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
- This soup freezes well and can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- For thicker soup, cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes or mash some of the cabbage inside.
