If there’s one meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, it’s Crockpot Cabbage Soup. This nourishing classic is packed with wholesome veggies, aromatic herbs, and a savory tomato broth that simmers all day, filling your home with the most inviting aroma. Whether you’re craving a healthy weeknight dinner or need something comforting on a chilly day, this soup is the answer—hearty, flavorful, and incredibly simple to make.

Crockpot Cabbage Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Crockpot Cabbage Soup comes from its everyday ingredients—each one playing a vital role in delivering robust flavor and satisfying texture. Simple yet essential, these ingredients come together to create a soup that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

Cabbage: The star of the show; it adds bulk, sweetness, and a tender bite once cooked.
Onion: Brings depth and savory notes that form the backbone of the soup’s flavor.
Carrots: Provide subtle sweetness and a pop of vibrant color.
Celery: Adds freshness and a classic aromatic base.
Garlic: Gives a punchy, fragrant kick that elevates every slurp.
Diced Tomatoes (with juices): Infuse the broth with tangy richness and beautiful color.
Vegetable Broth (or Chicken Broth): Forms the savory liquid base—choose your favorite!
Dried Thyme: Lends earthy, herby undertones that pair perfectly with veggies.
Dried Oregano: Adds a Mediterranean twist and a touch of complexity.
Bay Leaf: Provides subtle aromatic depth—just remember to remove it before serving.
Ground Black Pepper: Gives gentle heat and enhances all the flavors.
Salt: Essential for bringing out all the natural flavors; adjust to taste.
Olive Oil (optional): For sautéing aromatics—adds another layer of richness if you have the time.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): A dash for those who like a little heat.
Fresh Parsley or Basil (optional): Toss on top before serving for a burst of color and freshness.

How to Make Crockpot Cabbage Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by chopping the cabbage into bite-sized pieces, dicing the onion, peeling and slicing the carrots, and chopping the celery. Don’t forget to mince the garlic. Taking a few extra minutes to prep everything before you begin ensures your Crockpot Cabbage Soup comes together smoothly and evenly.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics (Optional)

If you have a bit of extra time, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic, and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until everything’s softened and fragrant. This step isn’t required, but it develops an extra layer of flavor that truly shines through in the finished soup.

Step 3: Combine in the Crockpot

Add the chopped cabbage, any sautéed vegetables, diced tomatoes with their juices, broth, thyme, oregano, bay leaf, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using) directly to your crockpot. Give everything a good stir to combine. This is where the magic begins—your kitchen will smell amazing in no time.

Step 4: Cook the Soup

Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The long, slow simmer allows all the flavors to meld together, and the vegetables become perfectly tender. You’ll know it’s ready when the cabbage is soft and the broth is rich and aromatic.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

Before serving, taste your Crockpot Cabbage Soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Sometimes a little extra salt, pepper, or a pinch more herbs can make all the difference. Don’t rush this step—it’s the secret to getting the flavor just right for your taste buds.

Step 6: Serve

Remove the bay leaf and ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top with fresh parsley or basil if you like, and serve it up while it’s steaming hot. There’s nothing quite like that first spoonful of homemade Crockpot Cabbage Soup!

How to Serve Crockpot Cabbage Soup

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a bright, herbal note and a pop of green that looks as inviting as it tastes. For a little extra richness, a spoonful of grated Parmesan or a dollop of sour cream can be delightful atop each bowl of Crockpot Cabbage Soup.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or warm rolls—perfect for dunking and soaking up the flavorful broth. If you want to keep things light, serve it alongside a crisp green salad or a simple grain like brown rice or quinoa on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Crockpot Cabbage Soup in rustic bread bowls for a fun twist, or ladle it into individual mugs for a cozy, casual meal. You can even top each bowl with homemade croutons or roasted chickpeas for some added crunch and flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Crockpot Cabbage Soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it an ideal meal prep option for busy weeks.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully! Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags (leaving a little room for expansion), and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot. If you’re in a hurry, pop a bowl in the microwave for a couple of minutes. A splash of extra broth can help revive the soup if it’s thickened up in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I add meat to Crockpot Cabbage Soup?

Absolutely! If you’d like to add protein, cooked shredded chicken, browned ground turkey, or sliced smoked sausage all work wonderfully. Just add them in with the other ingredients before cooking.

Is this soup gluten free?

Yes, as written, Crockpot Cabbage Soup is naturally gluten free. Just double-check your broth and any garnishes if you need to be strictly gluten conscious.

What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to toss in potatoes, bell peppers, green beans, or even spinach at the end of cooking for extra color and nutrients. This recipe is very flexible—use what you have on hand!

How can I make the soup spicier?

Increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes, or stir in a dash of hot sauce before serving. You can also add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper for more heat.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Definitely! In fact, Crockpot Cabbage Soup often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Prepare it in advance and store in the fridge or freezer until ready to enjoy.

Final Thoughts

Give Crockpot Cabbage Soup a try and let it become a staple in your kitchen too. It’s a recipe that brings comfort, flavor, and a whole lot of heart to your table—perfect for sharing with family, friends, or just savoring on your own.

Crockpot Cabbage Soup Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 29 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes on low
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This hearty Crockpot Cabbage Soup is a nutritious, low-calorie meal perfect for cozy days. Loaded with fresh vegetables and infused with aromatic herbs, this recipe is simple to prepare and ideal for a comforting lunch or dinner. The slow cooker enhances the flavors as the cabbage, carrots, celery, and tomatoes meld together into a deliciously satisfying soup.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
1 large onion, diced
2 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced

Canned Goods

1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices

Liquids & Oils

4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for sautéing)

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)

Garnish

Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables: Chop the cabbage, dice the onion, peel and slice the carrots, and chop the celery. Mince the garlic carefully to release their full aroma and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics (Optional): In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. This step helps deepen the flavor base of the soup but can be skipped for a quicker prep.
Combine in the Crockpot: Add the chopped cabbage, sautéed vegetables (if using), diced tomatoes with juices, vegetable broth, dried thyme, oregano, bay leaf, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using) to your crockpot. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
Cook the Soup: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The soup is ready when all the vegetables are tender and the flavors have fully melded together.
Taste and Adjust: Before serving, remove the bay leaf and taste the soup. Adjust seasoning as needed by adding more salt, pepper, or spices to suit your preference.
Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired. Serve immediately for a warm, comforting meal.

Notes

For a richer flavor, consider sautéing the vegetables before adding them to the crockpot.
You can substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth if not vegetarian.
Add other vegetables like potatoes or green beans for variation.
The soup tastes even better the next day as flavors develop fully.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Adjust the salt according to the sodium content of your broth.
Use fresh herbs instead of dried if available, adjusting quantities accordingly (use about 3x the fresh amount).

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
Category: Soup
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American