If you’re craving a comforting, hearty, and wonderfully flavorful dish that requires minimal effort, this Crockpot Cabbage Soup Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s a delightful blend of fresh cabbage, tender veggies, and fragrant herbs all simmered together to create a nourishing meal that warms you up from the inside out. Perfect for busy days or when you want a meal waiting for you at the end of the day, this soup is not only easy on your schedule but also a delicious way to enjoy wholesome ingredients in every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Crockpot Cabbage Soup Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient contributes something special, from the sweetness of the carrots to the rich herbaceous notes of thyme and oregano. Together, they create a balanced texture and flavor profile that’s both vibrant and comforting.
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped: The star of the dish, adding bulk, crunch, and a mild sweetness as it cooks down.
- 1 large onion, diced: Adds a foundational savory flavor that deepens the soup’s aroma.
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced: Their natural sweetness brightens the soup and adds a lovely color contrast.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped: Offers a subtle crunch and a fresh, earthy undertone.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a punch of warm, aromatic flavor that enhances all the veggies.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices: Infuses the soup with tangy juiciness and vibrant red hues.
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth): The flavorful liquid base that melds all the ingredients together beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds a subtle, slightly minty herbaceous note.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Provides an earthy, slightly peppery flavor.
- 1 bay leaf: Essential for adding depth and complexity while simmering.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper: Gives a gentle heat that wakes up the palate.
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste): Enhances all the natural flavors of the vegetables and herbs.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for sautéing): Elevates the flavor by softening and sweetening the aromatic veggies.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat): Adds a nice subtle kick if you like your soup with some warmth.
- Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish): Brings a fresh, vibrant finish right before serving.
How to Make Crockpot Cabbage Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by chopping the cabbage into bite-sized pieces, dicing the onion, peeling and slicing the carrots, chopping the celery, and mincing the garlic. Prepping these fresh veggies carefully will ensure your soup has a wonderful mix of textures and flavors.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics (Optional)
If you want to bump up the flavor even more, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic for about 3 to 4 minutes until they soften and release their fragrant aromas. This step is a delicious bonus but totally optional if you’re short on time.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot
Transfer the chopped cabbage, sautéed veggies (if you did the optional step), diced tomatoes with their juices, and vegetable broth into your crockpot. Add the dried thyme, oregano, bay leaf, black pepper, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re using them. These herbs and spices are what bring this soup to life.
Step 4: Cook the Soup
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking allows the cabbage to become perfectly tender and for all the flavors to blend into a harmonious, comforting bowl.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust
Once the cooking time is up, give the soup a taste and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or spices as you prefer. This final step lets you make the soup just right for your palate.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Before serving, remove and discard the bay leaf. Ladle the rich cabbage soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley or basil if you like, and serve it hot. The warmth of this bowl will feel like a big cozy hug on any day.
How to Serve Crockpot Cabbage Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or torn basil leaves on top of your soup adds a pop of color and a burst of herbal freshness that elevates the experience. A drizzle of good olive oil or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan can also be lovely finishing touches.
Side Dishes
This cabbage soup pairs beautifully with a crusty baguette or warm, buttered dinner rolls to soak up every last drop. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside a simple green salad or roasted potatoes seasoned with your favorite herbs.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, you can serve the soup in small bread bowls for a rustic feel that’s sure to impress guests. Adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top brings a creamy contrast that’s delightful, especially if you opted to include red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Crockpot Cabbage Soup Recipe stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Its flavors even deepen after resting, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Freezing
You can freeze extra portions of this soup for up to 3 months. Make sure to cool it completely before transferring into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. When you want to enjoy it again, just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup is too thick after refrigeration, add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cabbage instead of fresh?
While fresh cabbage is ideal for the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen cabbage in a pinch. Just remember frozen cabbage will release more water, so you might want to reduce the broth slightly.
Is it possible to make this soup vegan?
Absolutely! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and you’ll have a completely vegan-friendly Crockpot Cabbage Soup Recipe that’s just as delicious.
Can I add meat to this soup?
Yes, you can add diced cooked sausage, bacon, or ground beef for a heartier meal. Add the meat during the last hour of cooking to keep it tender.
How spicy is the soup with red pepper flakes?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth rather than intense heat. You can adjust the amount or omit it entirely based on your spice preference.
Can I cook this soup on the stovetop instead of a crockpot?
Definitely! Simmer all the ingredients together in a large pot over low heat for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Cabbage Soup Recipe is truly one of those gems that feels like a home-cooked hug in a bowl. It’s easy to prepare, nourishing, and endlessly customizable to suit your tastes. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, I can’t recommend it enough. Give it a try, and I’m sure it’ll become one of your favorite go-to comfort foods too!
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Crockpot Cabbage Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Hearty and comforting Crockpot Cabbage Soup packed with nutritious vegetables and flavorful herbs, perfect for an easy make-ahead meal that warms you up during chilly days.
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
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
Seasonings
- 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)
Extras
- 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 prepare for cooking.
- Sauté the Aromatics (Optional): Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften and release their aroma. This step enriches the flavor but can be skipped if short on time.
- Combine in the Crockpot: Transfer the chopped cabbage, sautéed vegetables if used, diced tomatoes with juices, and vegetable broth into the crockpot. Add dried thyme, oregano, bay leaf, black pepper, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
- Cook the Soup: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until all vegetables are tender and flavors meld together beautifully.
- Taste and Adjust: Remove the lid and taste the soup. Add extra salt, pepper, or spices according to your preference to balance the flavors perfectly.
- Serve: Discard the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired. Enjoy your wholesome crockpot cabbage soup!
Notes
- Sautéing the vegetables before slow cooking adds depth of flavor but is not mandatory.
- You can substitute chicken broth for vegetable broth if not vegetarian.
- Adjust the cooking time based on your crockpot’s heat settings and vegetable size.
- For a spicier soup, increase the red pepper flakes.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
