If you’re craving a cozy, wholesome meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, you absolutely have to try this Crockpot Cabbage Soup Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of tender cabbage, vibrant carrots, and savory herbs all simmered to perfection in a slow cooker, making it an effortless comfort dish that fills your home with an irresistible aroma. Whether you’re new to cooking cabbage soup or just looking for a foolproof, hands-off recipe, this dish will quickly become a staple in your kitchen rotation. It’s nutritious, satisfying, and incredibly simple to put together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Crockpot Cabbage Soup Recipe is simple, yet essential to creating a flavorful and hearty soup. Each vegetable adds a unique texture and vibrant color, while the herbs and broth meld everything together into a harmonious, comforting taste.
- 1 small head of cabbage: The star of the show, providing wonderful bulk and a mild sweetness that softens beautifully as it cooks.
- 2 carrots, diced: Add a touch of natural sweetness and a pop of bright orange that makes the soup visually inviting.
- 1 onion, chopped: Brings a subtle sharpness and depth that balances the cabbage’s mild flavor.
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced: Infuse the soup with a warm, aromatic punch that cozy soups demand.
- 4 cups vegetable broth: The flavorful liquid base that ties everything together, adding richness without heaviness.
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz): Offer acidity and a rich tomato flavor that brightens the dish and adds texture.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: A classic herb that melds with the vegetables, creating a timeless soup profile.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors into perfect harmony.
How to Make Crockpot Cabbage Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Vegetables
Start by chopping the cabbage into bite-sized pieces, dicing the carrots, chopping the onion, and mincing the garlic. These fresh veggies are what make this soup so vibrant, so don’t be afraid to chop them with care and enjoy the prep process—it’s the beginning of something delicious.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot
Place all the chopped vegetables, minced garlic, vegetable broth, canned diced tomatoes with their juice, and dried thyme directly into your crockpot. This no-fuss step lets the slow cooker do the heavy lifting while flavors mingle and mellow.
Step 3: Stir and Set Cooking Time
Give everything a good stir to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, depending on your schedule. The slow, gentle heat will soften each vegetable and develop that comforting soup consistency everyone loves.
Step 4: Season and Serve
Once cooking is complete, taste your soup and season with salt and pepper to bring out the flavors fully. This final touch personalizes the dish perfectly for you and your guests.
How to Serve Crockpot Cabbage Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Top your bowl of Crockpot Cabbage Soup Recipe with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a little grated Parmesan for a burst of freshness and a hint of richness. If you love a bit of heat, a dash of red pepper flakes adds an exciting kick.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or warm garlic rolls to soak up every last drop. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside a mixed green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to balance the warmth of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For cozy dinners, serve the soup in rustic bowls or hollowed-out sourdough bread bowls for an Instagram-worthy presentation. You can also layer it over steamed rice or noodles for a child-friendly twist that stretches the meal effortlessly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Anything left over can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen with time, so leftovers might taste even better the next day.
Freezing
This Crockpot Cabbage Soup Recipe freezes wonderfully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If it’s too thick, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen it up to your preferred consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of broth?
Absolutely! While vegetable broth keeps it light, you can substitute chicken or beef broth depending on your preference—just remember it will adjust the overall flavor accordingly.
Is it possible to add meat to this soup?
Yes, cooked sausage, ground beef, or diced chicken can be mixed in either before or after the slow cooking process, making it heartier if you want a protein boost.
How can I make this soup spicier?
Add cayenne pepper, chili powder, or chopped jalapeños early on to let the heat infuse, or sprinkle red pepper flakes on top when serving for controlled heat.
Can I prepare this soup without a crockpot?
If you don’t have a crockpot, you can simmer the ingredients on the stovetop over low heat for about 45 minutes to an hour until the vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally.
Is this soup suitable for a low-carb diet?
Cabbage and most vegetables used here are low in carbs, making this soup a great option for many low-carb eating plans—just be mindful of the canned tomatoes and adjust seasonings if needed.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Crockpot Cabbage Soup Recipe that makes it feel like a hug from the inside out. It’s simple, flavorful, and so easy to throw together that it quickly becomes your go-to cozy meal, especially on busy days or chilly nights. So take a little time to prep, set your crockpot, and let the magic happen—you’ll be so glad you did!
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: Vegetarian
Description
This hearty Crockpot Cabbage Soup is a comforting, easy-to-make recipe perfect for busy days. Using fresh cabbage, carrots, onion, and garlic simmered slowly in vegetable broth with diced tomatoes and thyme, it yields a flavorful, warming soup with minimal prep. Ideal for a nutritious, low-calorie meal, this slow cooker recipe requires little active cooking time and delivers tender vegetables infused with fragrant herbs.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 small head of cabbage, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
Liquids and Canned Goods
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
Herbs and Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Chop the vegetables: Wash and chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces. Peel and dice the carrots and onion. Mince the garlic cloves finely to release their flavor.
- Add ingredients to crockpot: Place the chopped cabbage, diced carrots, chopped onion, minced garlic, diced tomatoes with their juice, dried thyme, and vegetable broth into the crockpot.
- Combine: Stir all the ingredients well to ensure the broth and seasonings are evenly distributed among the vegetables.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, allowing the vegetables to soften and flavors to meld.
- Season and serve: Before serving, taste the soup and season with salt and pepper according to your preference. Stir well and ladle into bowls.
Notes
- You can add other vegetables like celery or potatoes for variation.
- For a protein boost, consider adding cooked beans or lentils.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, blend a portion and stir it back in.
- Adjust seasoning after cooking; some broth brands are saltier than others.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months.
