Cabbage soup is the ultimate comfort food that’s hearty, nourishing, and shockingly simple. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something cozy to meal prep, this veggie-packed soup brings satisfying warmth to your table with minimal fuss. Made in one pot with fresh cabbage, classic vegetables, and aromatic herbs, it’s budget-friendly and endlessly customizable. And yes — it tastes even better the next day!
If you’ve never made cabbage soup from scratch, prepare to be amazed by how much flavor you can coax from humble ingredients. This recipe leans on pantry staples and fresh produce — think cabbage, onions, carrots, celery, and tomatoes — simmered in a savory broth with herbs that give it depth and balance. Whether you’re eating lighter, going vegetarian, or just love good soup, this one deserves a spot in your regular rotation.
Table of Contents
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pot meal: Fewer dishes, faster cleanup.
- Done in 30 minutes: Perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Budget-friendly: Made with accessible, inexpensive ingredients.
- Naturally low-carb and gluten-free.
- Endlessly adaptable: Add meat, beans, rice, or extra veggies!
🧾 Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ head green cabbage, chopped
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 4–6 cups vegetable broth
- 1–2 tablespoons lemon juice (optional)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Cracked black pepper, to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
- Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened.
- Add garlic and herbs: Stir in garlic, oregano, basil, and salt. Sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook the cabbage: Add the chopped cabbage and stir well. Cook for about 5 minutes until the cabbage starts to soften.
- Simmer the soup: Pour in diced tomatoes and 4 to 6 cups of broth, depending on your desired thickness. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
- Finish and serve: Stir in lemon juice and chopped parsley. Season with cracked black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot!
⏱ Recipe Details

- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 6
🍽 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 145
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 9g
- Vitamin C: 61mg
- Iron: 2mg
- Sodium: 469mg
Note: Values are estimates and may vary based on exact ingredients.
🔄 Tips & Variations
- Make it meaty: Stir in cooked ground beef, chicken, or sausage.
- Vegan protein: Add white beans, lentils, or chickpeas.
- More veggies: Try bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, or kale.
- Make it heartier: Add cooked rice, quinoa, or diced potatoes.
- Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne goes a long way.
- Thicker broth: Stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste for a richer texture.
❓ FAQs
Can I freeze cabbage soup?
Absolutely! Let it cool completely, then freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.
How long does it last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, it stays fresh for 4–5 days.
What kind of cabbage should I use?
Green cabbage works best, but Napa or Savoy also work for a softer texture.
Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes! Sauté the veggies first, then add everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours.

Cabbage Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat oil in a large pot. Sauté onion, carrot, and celery for 5 minutes.
- Add garlic, oregano, basil, and salt. Stir for 1 minute.
- Stir in cabbage. Cook 5 minutes, stirring often.
- Add tomatoes and broth. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Turn off heat. Stir in lemon juice, parsley, and pepper. Serve hot.
Notes
– Store leftovers in the fridge up to 5 days or freeze for 3 months.
🥕 Conclusion
Cabbage soup proves that simple ingredients can create unforgettable comfort. It’s warm, nourishing, and exactly what your weeknight dinners or winter meal prep needs. Keep a batch in the fridge (or freezer!) and enjoy the cozy benefits of this feel-good classic.











