The Crockpot Cabbage Soup Recipe is one of those comforting, soul-warming meals that feels like a big, cozy hug in a bowl. Packed full of tender cabbage, sweet carrots, and savory garlic, this soup is not only vibrant in flavor but also incredibly nourishing and easy to make. Whether you’re new to cooking with a crockpot or looking for a hearty vegetable-packed dish, this recipe brings together simple pantry staples and transforms them into a satisfying, slow-cooked delight that’s perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because it relies on straightforward, wholesome ingredients that each add their own special touch, from the earthy aroma of garlic to the sweet crunch of carrots. Every item plays a key role in building the rich texture and the fresh, balanced flavors that make this soup so irresistible.
- Small head of cabbage: The star ingredient, chopped to create the perfect tender bite after slow cooking.
- Carrots, diced: Adds subtle sweetness and a lovely pop of vibrant color.
- Onion, chopped: Brings depth and a savory base flavor.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the soup with its unmistakable, aromatic warmth.
- Vegetable broth: The flavorful liquid foundation that ties everything together beautifully.
- Can of diced tomatoes (14.5 oz): Adds acidity and a touch of natural tanginess that lifts the soup.
- Dried thyme: A subtle herb that enhances the overall earthiness without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors into perfect harmony.
How to Make Crockpot Cabbage Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by chopping the cabbage into bite-sized pieces and dicing the carrots. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves. Freshly prepared vegetables ensure your soup has the best texture and flavor once slow-cooked.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Crockpot
Place all your prepped veggies into the crockpot along with the vegetable broth and canned diced tomatoes. Sprinkle in the dried thyme. This layering of fresh ingredients sets the stage for a soup bursting with wholesome goodness.
Step 3: Stir to Combine
Give everything a gentle stir to distribute the vegetables evenly throughout the broth. This step helps every spoonful to have a nice blend of flavors and textures.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours, or if you’re short on time, set it to high for 3 to 4 hours. The slow cooking softens the cabbage wonderfully and melds the flavors into a harmonious bowl of comfort.
Step 5: Season Before Serving
Once the cooking time is up, taste the soup and season with salt and freshly ground pepper to your liking. This final touch ensures every spoonful is perfectly seasoned and ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Crockpot Cabbage Soup Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to elevate your Crockpot Cabbage Soup Recipe, consider adding fresh herbs like chopped parsley or dill on top. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds creaminess, while a sprinkle of grated Parmesan can lend a lovely savory contrast.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with hearty whole-grain bread or crusty baguette to soak up every bit of its rich broth. A simple side salad or some roasted potatoes can round out the meal and make it feel even more satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this soup inside a hollowed-out bread bowl or ladle it over cooked quinoa or rice for a filling, stew-like experience. You can even add cooked beans or lentils into the crockpot before cooking to boost protein and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crockpot Cabbage Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors tend to deepen and get even better after a day or two, making it an ideal make-ahead meal.
Freezing
This soup freezes wonderfully, so feel free to portion it out into freezer-safe containers. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve that fresh homemade taste.
Reheating
Reheat your Crockpot Cabbage Soup Recipe gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. This will warm it through evenly without losing any of the soup’s velvety texture. You might need to add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cabbage instead of fresh?
While fresh cabbage is ideal for texture and flavor, you can use frozen cabbage in a pinch. Keep in mind that frozen cabbage will release more water as it cooks, which could slightly thin your soup.
Is this soup suitable for a vegetarian or vegan diet?
Absolutely! This Crockpot Cabbage Soup Recipe uses vegetable broth and no animal products, making it perfect for vegetarian and vegan diets.
Can I add meat to this soup?
Yes! Adding cooked sausage or shredded chicken can make it heartier. Just brown your meat separately and add it to the crockpot during the last couple of hours of cooking.
How spicy is this soup?
This recipe is naturally mild and soothing, but you can easily spice it up by adding chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce when seasoning at the end.
What if I don’t have a crockpot?
You can make this soup on the stovetop by simmering all ingredients in a pot for about 45 minutes to an hour, until the vegetables are tender. It won’t have exactly the same slow-cooked depth, but it’ll still be delicious.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a warm, wholesome meal that’s easy to prepare and brimming with flavor, the Crockpot Cabbage Soup Recipe is a winner every time. It’s versatile, nourishing, and perfect for cozy nights when you want something simple but satisfying. Give it a try and enjoy the magic of slow-cooked goodness!
Print
Crockpot Cabbage Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This comforting Crockpot Cabbage Soup is a hearty, healthy, and easy-to-make meal perfect for chilly days. Loaded with fresh cabbage, carrots, onion, and garlic simmered slowly in vegetable broth and diced tomatoes, this soup develops rich flavors with minimal effort. It’s ideal for a simple lunch or light dinner, offering a delicious way to enjoy nutritious vegetables in a cozy, slow-cooked broth.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 small head of cabbage, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
Liquids
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: Chop the cabbage, carrots, and onion into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic cloves finely to release their flavor fully in the soup.
- Combine Ingredients: Place the chopped cabbage, carrots, onion, minced garlic, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (with juices), and dried thyme into the crockpot.
- Mix Thoroughly: Stir all the ingredients together well to ensure the seasonings and broth evenly coat the vegetables.
- Cook Soup: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours until the vegetables are tender and flavors are fully melded.
- Season and Serve: Before serving, season the soup with salt and pepper to your taste, stir gently, and enjoy warm.
Notes
- For extra protein, you can add cooked beans or lentils during the last hour of cooking.
- Adjust seasoning at the end, as slow cooking can sometimes reduce the intensity of herbs and spices.
- This recipe is naturally gluten free and vegan.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- You can add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar before serving for a bright contrast.
