Cabbage Soup

This cabbage soup recipe is deeply flavorful, thanks to aromatic veggies and fire-roasted tomatoes. Pair it with good bread for a simple, nourishing meal.

Cabbage soup

This cabbage soup recipe does the impossible: it uses an entire head of cabbage in one go! Nearly every time I buy a cabbage, I whittle away at it for weeks, adding some to a slaw, some to a bowl, more to a taco, and so on. So the first time I made this cabbage soup recipe, I was shocked. I started by adding half of my cabbage. As it wilted down, it melted into the soup with the aromatic veggies and herbs. I didn’t want it to disappear – I was making cabbage soup, after all – so I added more. Before I knew it, every last ounce of my cabbage was in the pot!

If you’re on the fence about cabbage, don’t despair. All that cabbage doesn’t overwhelm the soup at all. Instead, it adds a slight sweetness, which balances perfectly with a touch of tangy white wine vinegar. As a whole, the soup is deeply flavorful and comforting. It’s healthy, nourishing, and soup-er (sorry!) simple to make. I think you’re going to love it.

Cabbage soup recipe ingredients

Cabbage Soup Recipe Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy cabbage soup:

  • Cabbage, of course! You’ll need one small green cabbage for this recipe, about 1 pound.
  • Onion, carrots, and celery – This classic trio fills the soup with aromatic flavor.
  • Garlic and dried thyme – They add even more depth to the soup.
  • Potatoes – They make the soup nice and hearty.
  • White beans – For plant-based protein! I often use little navy beans in this recipe, but other white beans, such as cannellini beans, would work here too. Chickpeas would also be great.
  • Diced fire-roasted tomatoes – Along with vegetable broth, they create the soup’s brothy, flavorful base.
  • White wine vinegar – For tang.
  • Extra-virgin olive oil – It adds richness.
  • And salt and pepper – To make all the flavors pop!

Find the complete recipe with measurements below.

Pot of soup with potatoes and vegetables in tomato broth

Cabbage Soup Serving Suggestions

When you’re ready to eat, ladle the cabbage soup into bowls, and garnish each one with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Enjoy the soup on its own, with good crusty bread for sopping up the flavorful broth, or pair it with a sandwich or salad for a larger meal. I love it with a classic grilled cheese or this sweet potato salad.

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It’s easy to reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Can you freeze cabbage soup?

Yes! Cabbage soup also freezes well. Allow it to cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to freezer-safe containers and store it in the freezer.

Frozen cabbage soup will keep for up to 3 months. Allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.

Cabbage soup recipe

More Favorite Soup Recipes

If you love this soup, try one of these delicious soup recipes next:

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Cabbage Soup

rate this recipe:
4.99 from 336 votes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Serves 6
This easy cabbage soup recipe is healthy, comforting, and deeply flavorful. Serve it with crusty bread for a simple, delicious meal.

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the carrots, onion, celery, salt, and several grinds of fresh pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 minutes.
  • Add the vinegar, stir, and then add the tomatoes, broth, beans, garlic, potatoes, cabbage and thyme. Cover and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the potatoes and cabbage are tender.
  • Season to taste, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve.

254 comments

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Rate this recipe (after making it)




  1. Carrie
    03.15.2024

    5 stars
    Great recipe, super versatile! I added ground turkey (when sautéing the onions, etc.), I used pre-cooked white beans (not canned) and I added some ‘chili miso sesame oil condiment’ for heat (I like spicy!) but otherwise followed the recipe and I love it! 🥰

    • Phoebe Moore (L&L Recipe Developer)
      03.15.2024

      Hi Carrie, I’m so glad you love the soup!

  2. Margaret
    03.12.2024

    I want to make this recipe, what do you mean by 1 can “cooked” white beans? can canned beans be used? What type of beans, i.e.,can cannelini or white kidney beans be used? Thank you

    • Phoebe Moore (L&L Recipe Developer)
      03.15.2024

      Hi Margaret, You can use any canned white beans here! Cannellini beans, Great Northern beans, and navy beans are all good options.

  3. renee
    03.10.2024

    just curious on a calorie count. Please and thank you. Best cabbage soup I have ever ate. Made my second batch just the other day

  4. Nancy
    03.09.2024

    5 stars
    made it & it’s terrific! easy, filling and so warming & satisfying for a cold, raw day.

    wanted to print it as a keeper in my recipe file but your print ‘button’ doesn’t work as it prints blanks – can you check your website?? thx!!

  5. Susan
    03.09.2024

    5 stars
    Great soup! I also added spinach and topped with cheese. May add a splash of hot sauce to my next bowl full. So many ways with this fabulous soup

  6. Cathie
    03.08.2024

    5 stars
    My husband and I are trying to eat healthier foods, and this will definitely be on the repeat list for us to help. We both love this soup!!

    • Phoebe Moore (L&L Recipe Developer)
      03.08.2024

      Hi Cathie, I’m so glad you loved the recipe!

  7. Sue
    03.07.2024

    5 stars
    Thanks for another great recipe – we ate 1/2 the pot as written and then added a small amount of sauerkraut (per a reviewer’s suggestion) and it was a fun, tangy addition – both ways were delicious , healthy and satisfying for this vegetarian!

    • Phoebe Moore (L&L Recipe Developer)
      03.08.2024

      Hi Sue, love the sauerkraut idea! I’m so glad the soup was a hit.

  8. Dawn
    03.04.2024

    Hello! This soup sounds really nice! I’d love to try it with ground beef, and beef broth, any suggestions? Would you recommend adding anything, omitting anything, or adding extra of anything?

    • PJF
      03.06.2024

      5 stars
      I added 1 lb ground beef and 1/2 c tomato juice. I just used the vegetable soup recipe as the starter. I didn’t put the wite beans in it. If you want to add ant other vegetables to it, in my opinion it’s just what you like. I’m putting green beans in mine and maybe a can of corn too. This makes it vegetable beef soup.

  9. Carol Kresge
    03.04.2024

    5 stars
    I have made this recipe several times and freeze some to have it readily available. I do not add the potatoes because I don’t eat them. It is a delicious soup packed with nutrients. Thank you!

    • Phoebe Moore (L&L Recipe Developer)
      03.08.2024

      Hi Carol, I’m so glad you love the recipe!

  10. Bette
    03.03.2024

    This looks delicious! I’m wondering if you could just throw in a few chopped beets and call it borscht? The ingredients are very, very similar. YUM!

    • Phoebe Moore (L&L Recipe Developer)
      03.08.2024

      We’ve never thought to try that, Bette. Great suggestion!

  11. Summer
    02.29.2024

    5 stars
    Great soup! I used what I had: a little diced fennel instead of celery, puréed some whole canned cherry tomatoes rather than chopped canned tomatoes, red potatoes rather than Yukon gold, and kept the white beans at one can rather than half a can (I halved the soup, which I won’t do next time! I’ll freeze the remaining soup since it’s so tasty)

    • Phoebe Moore (L&L Recipe Developer)
      03.01.2024

      Hi Summer, I’m so glad you loved it!

  12. Mel
    02.24.2024

    Would love to know the nutrition facts for this soup. Have it simmering right now.

    • Phoebe Moore (L&L Recipe Developer)
      03.01.2024

      Hi Mel, unfortunately, we don’t calculate nutrition facts for our recipes, but you could use an online nutrition calculator like MyFitnessPal to get an estimate.

  13. Anita Barnes
    02.24.2024

    Hello! Can you tell me what the serving size is for this recipe (1 cup, etc)? I see that it serves 6 but o don’t see how big the serving size is. I plan to make a large batch and freeze in silicone trays and want to make a very large amount as I will be eating it daily for quite, for an indefinite amount of time! I am hoping you will email me the answer! Thank you! I love your recipes❤️

    • Phoebe Moore (L&L Recipe Developer)
      03.01.2024

      Hi Anita, we don’t have an exact cup yield for this recipe, but I’d estimate that one serving would be 1 1/2 to 2 cups. I hope this helps! So glad you love the recipes.

  14. Nancy Schofield
    02.18.2024

    5 stars
    The soup was almost perfect as is! I felt it needed just a little something, and somewhere (maybe in the comments even?) I read to add sauerkraut to cabbage soup for a depth of flavor. I added a small can of sauerkraut, and the soup is absolutely perfect!

  15. Cindy Mease
    02.11.2024

    5 stars
    I’ve made it twice now- I add in some cumin and coriander and about 1/2 a jalapeño. It jazzes up nicely! Honestly, it’s one of those soups I can’t get quite enough of- truly love it!!

    • Jeanine Donofrio
      02.13.2024

      I’m so glad you loved it!

  16. MJ Carter
    02.05.2024

    5 stars
    I love making this. I only add 1/2 russet potato. I add caraway seeds, brown sugar, vinegar, paprika, San Marzano tomatoes mashed, 1/2 c uncooked rice and a little extra water or stock. I slice the onions to match the cabbage. Added cooked chopped beef and sausage. I put everything in this soup! Comes out great every time! Tried it with fresh dill and sour cream, beets!

    • Phoebe Moore (L&L Recipe Developer)
      02.09.2024

      Hi MJ, I’m so glad you love the recipe!

  17. Sonia
    01.28.2024

    5 stars
    Second time in 2 weeks making it! Added cauliflower left out beans. Still so yummy. Looking for nutritional value?

  18. Brooke
    01.24.2024

    5 stars
    I made this minus the potatoes and sea salt. I also used the fire roasted salsa style diced tomatoes – Kroger brand and bone broth. This soup is so flavorful! Delicious!!!

  19. Mandy
    01.23.2024

    Making this now, with a few variations. I didn’t see the nutritional information, is that available?
    Mandy

  20. magda
    01.22.2024

    Oh, also, do you think red cabbage could work here? Thanks again 🙂

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Photograph of Jeanine Donofrio and Jack Mathews in their kitchen

Hello, we're Jeanine and Jack.

We love to eat, travel, cook, and eat some more! We create & photograph vegetarian recipes from our home in Chicago, while our shiba pups eat the kale stems that fall on the kitchen floor.