Name: Crockpot Cabbage Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb hamburger meat; 1 head cabbage, chopped; 1 large onion, chopped; 1 can diced tomatoes (Rotel); 1 large can tomato sauce; 1 tbsp minced garlic; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tbsp cumin; 1 packet Fiesta Ranch powder; 2 cups beef broth

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Looking for a cozy, comforting meal that practically cooks itself? Crockpot Cabbage Soup is the answer! This hearty soup is packed with tender cabbage, savory broth, and plenty of vegetables, making it the perfect dish for those chilly evenings. Plus, the beauty of this soup is that it’s made in the crockpot—set it and forget it while the slow cooker does all the hard work for you. A bowl of this nourishing soup will warm you up from the inside out and leave you feeling completely satisfied.

Why You’ll Love Crockpot Cabbage Soup

Here’s why this soup will become a staple in your recipe rotation:

Comforting & Hearty: The cabbage gives this soup a great texture, and the mix of vegetables and seasonings creates a rich, savory flavor that’s both comforting and filling.
Hands-Off Cooking: With the crockpot doing all the work, this is a super low-maintenance recipe. Set it in the morning, and you’ll have a hot, delicious meal waiting for you by dinner time.
Healthy & Nutritious: Loaded with vegetables, this soup is naturally low in calories and packed with vitamins. It’s a great option for anyone looking for a light yet satisfying meal.
Budget-Friendly: With simple ingredients like cabbage, carrots, and onions, this soup is both affordable and delicious. It’s perfect for when you need something nutritious without breaking the bank.
Freezer-Friendly: This soup freezes beautifully, so you can make a big batch and have leftovers ready for a rainy day.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Crockpot Cabbage Soup:

For the Soup:

Cabbage: The star of the show! You’ll want to use green cabbage, which breaks down beautifully in the crockpot, giving the soup its hearty texture.
Carrots: Sweet, earthy carrots add color and a slight natural sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
Onion: Adds a depth of flavor and fragrance to the soup base.
Celery: A classic soup ingredient, providing that wonderful crunch and freshness.
Garlic: A must-have for that aromatic base that makes everything taste better.
Diced Tomatoes: Adds a tangy, slightly sweet depth to the broth.
Vegetable Broth (or Chicken Broth): The foundation of the soup, giving it that rich, savory flavor. You can also use low-sodium broth to keep it on the lighter side.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, dried thyme, and bay leaves will give the soup that perfect balance of flavors.

(Note: Measurements for the ingredients are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Let’s dive right into making this simple and satisfying Crockpot Cabbage Soup!

Prepare the Ingredients:

Start by chopping all the vegetables. Slice the cabbage into thin strips, chop the carrots, onion, celery, and garlic. The more evenly sized your ingredients are, the better they’ll cook in the crockpot!

Add Ingredients to Crockpot:

Place all the chopped vegetables, diced tomatoes, and seasonings (salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaves) into the crockpot. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, making sure everything is covered with liquid.

Slow Cook:

Set your crockpot on low and let it cook for about 6-8 hours. The slow cooking will allow the flavors to meld together, and the cabbage will become incredibly tender.

Final Touches:

Once the cooking time is up, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. You may want to add a little extra salt or pepper to suit your tastes.

Serve & Enjoy:

Ladle the soup into bowls, and enjoy it hot. If you want to add a little extra richness, top the soup with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: Approximately 150-200 (depending on portion size and specific ingredients used)

(Note: Nutritional content can vary based on the brands of ingredients used and portion sizes.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours
Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes

How to Serve Crockpot Cabbage Soup

This soup is wonderfully versatile, and here are some ways to elevate your meal:

With Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of warm, crusty bread for dipping. A baguette or sourdough would be perfect for soaking up that flavorful broth.
Topped with Cheese: Sprinkle some shredded cheese, like Parmesan or mozzarella, on top for an extra touch of creaminess.
With a Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can be a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory soup.
With a Protein: Add some cooked chicken, sausage, or ground turkey to the soup for a little more substance and protein.

Additional Tips

Use Other Vegetables: Feel free to customize the soup by adding other vegetables you love, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or potatoes. They’ll all add more flavor and texture to the soup.
Make It Spicy: If you love a little heat, try adding some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup.
Freezing Tips: Crockpot Cabbage Soup freezes beautifully! Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.
Add a Protein: For a more filling meal, add some cooked shredded chicken or turkey to the soup. This will turn it into a full meal and add extra protein.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen cabbage for this recipe?
A1: Fresh cabbage is ideal for this recipe because it holds up well during slow cooking. However, you can use frozen cabbage if that’s what you have on hand, though the texture may be a little softer.

Q2: Can I make this soup without broth?
A2: If you don’t have broth, you can substitute with water, though the soup will have a milder flavor. If you have bouillon cubes or paste, you can dissolve them in water to create a makeshift broth.

Q3: Can I add meat to this soup?
A3: Yes! Feel free to add cooked chicken, turkey, sausage, or even bacon for added flavor. Just make sure to add it in the last hour of cooking to avoid overcooking the meat.

Q4: Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of in the crockpot?
A4: Yes! You can make this soup on the stovetop by simmering the ingredients in a large pot for about 45 minutes to an hour, until the vegetables are tender.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Q6: Can I freeze this soup?
A6: Yes! This soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Q7: Can I add beans to the soup?
A7: Yes, you can add beans like kidney beans or white beans to this soup for extra protein and fiber. Add them during the last hour of cooking.

Q8: Can I use a different type of cabbage?
A8: While green cabbage works best for this soup, you can experiment with other types, like red cabbage, though the flavor and texture may differ slightly.

Q9: How spicy is this soup?
A9: This soup is not spicy unless you add ingredients like crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce. It’s mild and comforting, perfect for everyone to enjoy.

Q10: Can I make this soup in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot?
A10: Yes! Use the sauté function to cook the garlic and vegetables, then add the remaining ingredients. Set the pressure cooker to cook for about 10 minutes on high pressure, followed by a quick release.

Conclusion

Crockpot Cabbage Soup is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make, full of nutrients, and packed with flavor. It’s a perfect choice for busy days when you need a nourishing meal without a lot of fuss. Whether you serve it on its own or pair it with your favorite sides, this soup will keep you warm and satisfied all season long. So grab your crockpot and get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort!