This hearty Cabbage Soup recipe is perfect for chilly nights when you want something comforting to warm you up. It’s so easy to make and a favorite for the whole family, since it’s loaded with ground beef, veggies, and cabbage in a yummy tomato broth.

Cabbage soup in a white bowl with a spoon and white tablecloth

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Helpful Reader Review

“We love this soup! It’s pure comfort food but it just happens to be healthy.. so many veggies in there.. filling and delish! Gotta give it a try!” – Cindy ★★★★★

Easy Cabbage Soup

Inspired by my favorite Cabbage Rolls, or Lazy Cabbage Rolls, this soup recipe features all the same savory ingredients with much less hassle — just throw everything into the pot.

This cabbage soup recipe makes dinner so easy! It takes just one pot on the stovetop and pantry staples. I love doubling the recipe to freeze some for later — two meals in one! Don’t let the word “cabbage” in the name scare you–this is a savory, beefy soup with great depth of flavor.

I love serving satisfying soups, like this Cabbage Soup, Loaded Potato Soup, or Zuppa Toscana, as temperatures start to fall in Idaho, because they are easy, warming, and filling. Doesn’t everyone just seem hungrier in the winter?

Large pot of red cabbage soup with parsley garnish and crusty bread

Cabbage Roll Soup Ingredients

This recipe calls for basic ingredients you may already have on hand, and it comes together quickly.

  • Cabbage -Use green cabbage. We like to cube the cabbage, but you can shred the cabbage.
  • Broth – we used beef broth; you can substitute with vegetable (vegetarian) or chicken broth.
  • Tomatoes – canned diced tomatoes and tomato sauce produce a richly flavored base.
  • Ground beef – We prefer lean 80/20 ground beef for flavor. Feel free to swap with ground turkey, ground pork, Italian sausage, or a combination of ground meat. You can use tofu crumbles or omit meat for a vegetarian option.
  • Veggies/Aromatics – Celery, onion, carrot, and minced garlic.
  • Herbs – Bay leaf, parsley, cilantro, dill, or a combination
  • Brown sugar – balances out the acidity of tomatoes
Ingredients for Fall stew using ground beef, oil, onion, garlic, carrot, celery, greens, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, bay leaves and chopped herbs

Pro Tip:

If you prefer a spicy soup, add jalapeno or red pepper flakes to the soup with the veggies in step 3.

How to Make Cabbage Soup

It’s so easy to make this cabbage soup recipe, making it perfect for a weeknight meal or easy family dinner with minimal dishes.

  1. Sauté 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 for 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. For extra veggies, try adding green beans to the soup. Bring to a boil, and 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.
How to make vegetable and beef stew in a dutch oven

Pro Tip:

Add rice – for a more filling soup, you can add rice, barley, or quinoa when adding the vegetables. Be sure not to simmer the soup for too long, since the rice can turn mushy.

Can I Make Cabbage Soup in the Slow Cooker?

This recipe is easy to transition to the slow cooker. 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.

Serve Cabbage Soup With

Serve Cabbage Soup warm, topped with sour cream, fresh herbs, or Jalapeno slices. We love the hearty soup on its own, or with crusty bread and fresh salad to complement, so try some of these recipes:

Dutch Oven with Cabbage soup and a ladle

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. Add this to your menu for a quick and filling one-pot meal in minutes!

Cabbage Soup

4.99 from 199 votes
Cabbage soup recipe in a bowl with parsley garnish and a large metal spoon
Warm up with this easy recipe for stuffed Cabbage Soup. It tastes just like my favorite Cabbage Rolls without any hassle. My whole family loves the soup with sauteed beef loaded with vegetables and cabbage in a rich tomato broth. This Cabbage soup is perfect for fall cooking and meal prep, since it's make-ahead and freezer-friendly.
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

  • Sauté – In a Dutch oven, heat 1 Tbsp oil over medium/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.
  • Add onion and garlic – 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 veggies and simmer – 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 the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 30 minutes.
  • Add herbs – Remove the bay leaves and add in the fresh herbs. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve with a dollop of sour cream.

Notes

Make Ahead – Make the soup, cool completely (or refrigerate within 2 hours), and then store in the fridge or freezer.
Storage
  • Refrigerate – Once the soup has cooled to room temperature (no more than 2 hours), cover the leftover soup and store it in the fridge for 3-4 days.
  • Freezing – Add the cooled soup to an airtight container with enough room for expansion, and freeze for about 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
  • To Reheat – add the desired portion to a saucepan over medium heat until 165°F, or microwave portions in a microwave-safe container.

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
Cabbage Soup
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, cabbage soup recipe
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $$
Calories: 324
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

More Cabbage Recipes

Cabbage is one of those staple fall and winter vegetables that is inexpensive and so versatile. We use it in this cabbage soup recipe as well as these other family favorites:

4.99 from 199 votes (153 ratings without comment)

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




Comments

  • R
    September 27, 2022

    6 gram serving? Is that correct? I was just curious what the correct measurement is.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      September 27, 2022

      Hi! I did not measure the weight of each serving exactly. This recipe makes a total of 6 servings. You can weigh the recipe total when it’s done if you’d like and then divide that by 6 for individual serving portion sizes. The nutrition facts listed are for each serving.

      Reply

  • Judy Balliett Henderson
    August 29, 2022

    I’ve used sausage instead of hamburger. I think that’s gives it a more authentic taste of cabbage rolls.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      August 29, 2022

      Thanks for sharing, Judy. 🙂

      Reply

  • Pat Jackson
    August 12, 2022

    Love the recipe.

    How much rice should I add?

    Could orzo be a substitute for rice?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      August 13, 2022

      You can add rice when adding the veggies and cook for 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender. I think Orzo would be fine as well. I have not tested the amount to add. You can add it to your preference.

      Reply

  • RUTH ANN ARADO
    July 10, 2022

    Just prepared this soup and is busy cooking and my kitchen has an ultimate aroma, can’t wait to try. Hope to try more of your recipes.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      July 11, 2022

      I hope you love it as much as we do! 🙂

      Reply

  • Debra Anderson
    March 15, 2022

    This sounds so good.
    Can I substitute beef sirloin or ribeye for the ground beef?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 15, 2022

      Hi Debra, I think that will work. Please let us know how that goes if you try that.

      Reply

  • Nancy
    February 28, 2022

    Thinking of trying this soup as it sounds delicious. Could I make with the bagged cabbage? Would you suggest 1 or 2 bags?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      March 1, 2022

      I have not tried this with bagged cabbage, but it should work. You need about 4cups. I am not sure how much each bag would yield. The texture will be different because bagged cabbage is generally sliced a lot thinner whereas for this recipe we chop it up in larger chuncks.

      Reply

  • Yolanda
    February 26, 2022

    I’ve never commented on one of these but for this one I had to. I made this soup last night and my husband, who happens to be my biggest food critic, said it was his favorite soup I have EVER made. I am a soup fan and I have to agree. If you love stuffed cabbage, without all of the work, this soup is amazing. I added a few red pepper flakes for a little kick. 10 star. Glad I found it

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 26, 2022

      It sounds like you have a new family favorite, Yolanda! That’s so great!

      Reply

    • Joy Gardner Brill
      September 27, 2022

      This is one of our favorite soups! We add 1/2 cup long grain white rice at the time we add the vegies. So good!

      Reply

      • NatashasKitchen.com
        September 27, 2022

        Thank you for sharing, Joy! I’m glad you love this soup!

        Reply

  • Karyl Hart
    February 26, 2022

    I just finished making the soup at 4 am( I couldn’t sleep) .the smell woke my husband out of a sound sleep.Delious !

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 26, 2022

      I hope you both loved it!

      Reply

  • Linda D. Alexander
    February 20, 2022

    Love your simple recipes that look so family-friendly. And glad you are a Christian. We can cook for banquets in heaven some day!!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 20, 2022

      Thank you for your appreciation, Linda. Enjoy and I hope you’ll love all the recipes that you will try!

      Reply

  • Julie Hewett
    January 30, 2022

    Making this today can I use a bag of frozen vegetables instead of carrots and celery? I’m making in my crock pot

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 30, 2022

      Hi Julie, I think that should be fine. If you try that, please share with us how it goes.

      Reply

  • Debbie Cohen
    January 29, 2022

    Making it now and threw in some portabella mushrooms I had . Smells delish.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 29, 2022

      That’s a great idea! Thank you for the wonderful review, Debbie!

      Reply

  • Jan
    January 29, 2022

    I had a cabbage soup in my freezer (just cabbage, onions, carrot, broth), and I used your recipe to enhance it. I added the tomatoes and I used two Impossible burgers (vegetarian) instead of the ground beef. It was delicious! I’ll definitely make this again. Спасибо!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 29, 2022

      Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Jan! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply

  • cynthia
    January 24, 2022

    Just wondering how much this makes? I see that it serves six at 6 oz servings? So this would make about 6 cups? Is this correct?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 25, 2022

      Hi Cynthia, Ther 8 oz in a cup, so slightly less.

      Reply

  • Dave
    January 20, 2022

    Delicious! So simple and easy to make. I didn’t have the fresh herbs so I added a tablespoon of a dried “bavarian” herb and spice blend. Thanks!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 20, 2022

      You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it!

      Reply

  • Linda L Svoboda
    January 18, 2022

    I used spicy sausage and a cubed potato, and it was great! Served with homemade bread.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 18, 2022

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Linda! Thank you so much for sharing that with me.

      Reply

  • Rana
    January 13, 2022

    I would love to make this soup. My husband is diabetic. Is there something that can be used in place of the brown sugar or can it be left out? And is the higher carb count from the brown sugar or also from the cabbage? Thank you!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 14, 2022

      Hi Rana, it should be from the sugar. I think you can omit it from the recipe, it should still be fine. Please share with us how it goes if you try it.

      Reply

      • Kim Morrisom
        November 27, 2024

        Awesome! I forgot the sugar but it tasted great, I d rather have without sugar anyways.

        Reply

  • Diane
    January 11, 2022

    This soup is sooo good! So glad I ran across your video. It’s a keeper for sure.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 11, 2022

      Thank you so much for sharing that with me.

      Reply

  • Bonnie
    January 8, 2022

    So, SO delicious! Topped with cilantro and parsley. Plain Greek yogurt and shaved Parmesan.
    Super easy and quick. Will definitely be making this soup again.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 10, 2022

      I’m glad that you found a new favorite!

      Reply

  • JoAnn
    January 6, 2022

    This cabbage soup recipe is delicious! The only change I made was I added some home-made hot sausage, along with the ground beef, which added some zing! ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS! Thank you Natasha! LOVE your video’s and recipes.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 6, 2022

      I am so glad you loved this recipe, JoAnn! Thanks a lot for sharing that with us.

      Reply

  • Natashas Kitchen
    January 4, 2022

    Hi Marybeth, I bet both could work!

    Reply

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