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Hearty & Healthy Classic Cabbage Soup

A close-up of vibrant cabbage soup featuring large pieces of green cabbage and bright orange carrot slices in a clear broth.

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Make this easy cabbage soup recipe for a comforting, wholesome meal perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. This simple soup is budget-friendly and adaptable for a low calorie diet.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 head green cabbage (about 6 cups), chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups low sodium vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a heartier flavor)
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
  • Optional: 1 pound lean ground beef or turkey, browned and drained (for Cabbage Roll Soup style)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the chopped cabbage. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring until the cabbage begins to wilt slightly.
  4. If using ground meat, add the pre-cooked and drained ground beef or turkey now.
  5. Pour in the vegetable broth and the can of diced tomatoes (with their juice).
  6. Add the basil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together well.
  7. Add the bay leaf. Bring the soup to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the cabbage and other vegetables are tender.
  8. Remove and discard the bay leaf before serving. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Notes

  • For a true Cabbage Soup Diet Recipe, omit the ground meat and reduce the salt slightly. This version acts as a great fat burning soup base.
  • If you prefer a thicker soup, mash about 1 cup of the cooked vegetables against the side of the pot, or add 1/2 cup of cooked brown rice near the end.
  • This recipe freezes well, making it excellent for meal prep soups. Cool completely before storing in airtight containers.

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