This hearty Cabbage Soup tastes like Cabbage Rolls but it’s easier and so comforting. It’s loaded with ground beef, veggies, and cabbage in a hearty tomato broth.

Cabbage is one of those staple fall and winter vegetables that are inexpensive and so versatile. We use it in some of our favorite recipes like Cabbage Casserole, or Coleslaw, and of course this Cabbage Soup.

A white Dutch oven with cabbage soup with a ladle topped with fresh greens.

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Cabbage Roll Soup Ingredients

This recipe calls for basic ingredients you may already have on hand and it comes together quickly. It’s an easy, one-pot, stovetop cabbage soup recipe.

  • Cabbage -use green cabbage. We like to cube the cabbage but you can shred the cabbage.
  • Broth – Though we used beef broth, you can substitute for vegetable or chicken broth.
  • Tomatoes – canned diced tomatoes and tomato sauce produce a richly flavored base.
  • Ground beef – We prefer lean 80/20 ground beef.
  • Celery, onion, and carrot – aromatics that add amazing flavor.
  • Garlic – for the best taste, use freshly minched garlic
  • Seasoning – We use salt and pepper but you can change it up and use your favorite seasonings.
  • Bay leaves – Whole bay leaves add another layer of flavor
  • Brown sugar – balances out the acidity of tomatoes
  • Herbs – You can use fresh parsley, cilantro, dill, or combine all 3.
All the ingredients for cabbage soup in bowls.

How to Make Cabbage Soup

  1. Saute beef – In a dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, saute the ground beef, breaking it up as it browns.
  2. Add onion and garlic – Add the chopped onion to the ground beef and saute until tender then add the minced garlic and cook 30 seconds or until fragrant.
  3. Add veggies and simmer – Add the carrots, celery, cabbage, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, bay leaves, salt, pepper, brown sugar, and broth, and stir. Tip: for extra veggies, try adding green beans to the soup. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
  4. Add herbs – Remove the bay leaves, add in the fresh herbs, and season to taste.

Pro Tip: If you prefer a spicy soup, add jalapeno or red pepper flakes to the soup. You can also add it with the sour cream when serving.

Step by step collage of how to make cabbage roll soup.

Common Questions

Can I make cabbage roll soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, brown the ground beef and onions and then add all the ingredients to the soup into the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours and or high for 4-5 hours. Add herbs and allow the soup to cook for another 5 minutes.

Can I substitute the ground beef?

You can substitute ground beef for ground turkey, ground pork, or Italian sausage.

Can I add rice to my soup?

Add rice when adding the veggies and cook for 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

This cabbage soup can easily be made vegetarian, just omit the ground beef, use vegetable broth and adjust seasoning to taste.

Cabbage roll soup in a white Dutch oven topped with fresh chopped greens.

Make-Ahead

  • Refrigerating – Once the soup has cooled to room temperature, cover leftover soup and store in the fridge for 3-4 days.
  • Freezing – Add the cooled soup to an airtight container and freeze for about 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight then reheat the next day.
  • To Reheat – add the desired portion to a saucepan over medium heat until warm or microwave portions in a microwave safe container, heating to your desired temperature.

Serve with

A white bowl of cabbage roll soup with a spoon and topped with fresh greens.

Cabbage Soup is a warming and soothing soup that is hearty and so satisfying. This recipe also reheats well so you’ll love having leftovers.

More Soup Recipes You’ll Love

Easy Cabbage Soup Recipe

4.99 from 194 votes
Cabbage Soup recipe
An easy recipe for stuffed cabbage soup. Sauteed beef loaded with vegetables and cabbage in a rich tomato broth. This Cabbage soup is perfect for fall cooking.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 6 servings
  • 1 lb ground beef, 80% or 85%
  • 2 Tbsp oil, divided
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 cups green cabbage, chopped, from ½ large head
  • 1 large carrot, sliced
  • 1 celery rib, thinly sliced
  • 28 oz canned diced tomatoes, with their juice
  • 15 oz tomato sauce
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 Tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp salt, or to taste
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper, or to taste
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 Tbsp chopped fresh herbs, such as dill, parsley, or cilantro

Instructions

  • In a dutch oven, heat 1 Tbsp oil over med/high heat. Once hot, saute the ground beef for about 4-5 minutes or until cooked through, breaking it apart with a spatula as it's cooked. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper, or to taste.
  • Once the meat is browned, add 1 Tbsp oil and chopped onion, and saute for about 2-3 minutes or until onions are tender. Add in the minced garlic and saute for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add in the chopped cabbage, carrot, celery, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, 1 tsp salt, pepper, and bay leaves. Stir to combine and bring to a boil then reduce heat to a simmer, cover and cook for 30 minutes.
  • Remove the bay leaves and add in the fresh herbs. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve with a dollop of sour cream.

Nutrition Per Serving

6g Serving324kcal Calories19g Carbs19g Protein20g Fat7g Saturated Fat1g Polyunsaturated Fat10g Monounsaturated Fat1g Trans Fat54mg Cholesterol1310mg Sodium1163mg Potassium4g Fiber13g Sugar2223IU Vitamin A37mg Vitamin C98mg Calcium4mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Easy Cabbage Soup Recipe
Serving Size
 
6 g
Amount per Serving
Calories
324
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
20
g
31
%
Saturated Fat
 
7
g
44
%
Trans Fat
 
1
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
10
g
Cholesterol
 
54
mg
18
%
Sodium
 
1310
mg
57
%
Potassium
 
1163
mg
33
%
Carbohydrates
 
19
g
6
%
Fiber
 
4
g
17
%
Sugar
 
13
g
14
%
Protein
 
19
g
38
%
Vitamin A
 
2223
IU
44
%
Vitamin C
 
37
mg
45
%
Calcium
 
98
mg
10
%
Iron
 
4
mg
22
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cabbage roll soup, cabbage soup
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $$
Calories: 324
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook
4.99 from 194 votes (153 ratings without comment)

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Ric Rusca
    February 5, 2025

    OMG Natasha! This soup is next level. So delicious and probably the best soup we’ve ever tasted.
    I used 90/10 ground beef and 21 salute seasoning from Trader Joe’s since I didn’t have any Dash.
    The perfect meal on a crazy cold night here in N Idaho.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 5, 2025

      That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review!

      Reply

  • Bahar
    January 26, 2025

    Loved it! I doubled the amount of cabbage and skipped the celery, yet it turned out better than I imagined! <3

    Reply

  • Bahar
    January 26, 2025

    I absolutely loved it! I doubled the amount of cabbage and skipped the celery, and it turned out even better than I had imagined! <3

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      January 27, 2025

      That’s great to hear, Bahar! Thank you for the feedback.

      Reply

  • Renee
    December 13, 2024

    Hi there! Merry Christmas! Happy advent! I just made this soup this afternoon, and I believe this may be my second review on it- but it’s so worth to post another. This recipe is absolutely delicious. It is 9 degrees here in Michigan and this absolutely hits all the right spots. Don’t hesitate to make it! Sending love and blessings to you and your family

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      December 13, 2024

      Hi Renee! I’m so glad to hear that you are loving this recipe. Thank you so much for the feedback. Merry Christmas to you and your family. Stay warm this holiday season!

      Reply

  • Kathleen
    December 7, 2024

    Thank you Natasha. You come to my rescue every time I have an abundance of veggies from our CSA weekly box. Tonight it was carrots, cabbage, celery, garlic and onions. I always keep ground beef and canned tomato products on hand. This went together very quickly and was delicious. The best part is the leftovers are in the freezer for more delicious meals to come.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 7, 2024

      You’re welcome, Kathleen! This is the perfect recipe to use up all those veggies!

      Reply

  • Joe
    December 3, 2024

    Don’t you drain the meat after browning?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 4, 2024

      You can drain the meat if there’s a lot of fat in it.

      Reply

  • Michele
    November 20, 2024

    I made this tonight for my elderly parents, to share as a day-early birthday dinner for me, and we all LOVED it!!! Is super good, and easy, as the recipe promises. All the ingredients and quantities are spot-on (though I probably used a little more carrot, celery and cabbage due to my personal preference). I added a half-teaspoon less salt than called for (due to my dad’s need to restrict salt intake) which was not noticed, and altogether the soup was fantastic and so satisfying. Rather speedy to make. The sour cream and fresh herb (I used dill) to finish are really excellent and take this outstanding soup an even higher level. Soup was served with a toasted baguette with butter, a fresh salad, olives, and beer. I’m thrilled and very thankful for the recipe, Natasha and Valentina! My 86 year old mom and 91 year old dad thank you as well! 💖💖

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      November 20, 2024

      Thank you so much for the review! I have a smile on my face reading this. It makes me
      very happy to know that the recipe was a hit!

      Reply

  • April Heinbecker
    November 19, 2024

    My fave soup. I double the recipe and freeze it in individual servings so I can take it to work 🙂

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 19, 2024

      That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, April!

      Reply

  • Bonnie
    October 19, 2024

    I am a Ukrainian girl and made this soup now that fall is here. My husband is not a fan of cabbage “anything” except for cabbage rolls. But after his first bowl, he asked when I will be making this again. So satisfyingly delights. Thank you

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 19, 2024

      That’s great, Bonnie. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply

  • Debbie Romano
    October 5, 2024

    I LOVE Cabbage Soup! I switch out some of the beef broth and tomato sauce with V8 juice for a bit of spice. While the cabbage is cooking in some beef broth and V8, I cut the celery a bit bigger and roast whole tomatoes, carrots and the celery in the oven with dill and cilantro till they are nice and soft and roasted. Because the veggies are already cooked, the amount of time to simmer is shortened and we can get that soup in our tummies sooner! Served with garlic bread and it’s heaven on earth 🙂

    Reply

  • non
    September 29, 2024

    at what stage did you add the broth? its not in the directions

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 29, 2024

      Hi there! It’s in step 3- Add veggies and simmer.

      Reply

  • Christine Goyette
    September 19, 2024

    We absolutely Love this easy & delicious soup, and it’s on repeat at my house, I have substitued with ground pork or hot sausages as well, yum!

    Reply

  • Susan
    August 23, 2024

    I LOVVVVEEEE this soup! I love it so much I actually can it!

    Reply

  • Natalia
    August 16, 2024

    I may have already left a review for this recipe but I just keep coming back to it. It’s one of my most favorite recipes ever. So delicious and healthy

    Reply

  • Laurie Nelson
    April 5, 2024

    Our family is freezing here in Cupertino, CA (45 degrees and windy) It’s April…so, I found this recipe and I’m going to make it this afternoon (I have all the ingrediants) so we can cozy up and watch the Warriors basketball game. Thank you!!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 5, 2024

      This is perfect for a cozy afternoon at home. I hope you love it.

      Reply

  • Christine Goyette
    March 5, 2024

    I make this soup at least once a month, delish!
    I substitte the ground beef for hot italian sausage meat and garnish with sour cream, it’s a big hit at my house!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 5, 2024

      That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Christine!

      Reply

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