Nothing beats a warm bowl of homemade cabbage soup when you’re craving something comforting, nourishing, and easy to prepare. This classic vegetable-packed soup is filled with tender cabbage, sweet onions, carrots, celery, and a flavorful broth that simmers into a delicious and satisfying meal. It’s budget-friendly, naturally low in calories, and perfect for meal prep, making it a favorite for busy weeknights and cozy weekends alike.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
35 minutes
Total Time
50 minutes
Servings
6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 medium green cabbage, chopped
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups carrots, sliced
- 2 cups celery, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions become translucent.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Seasonings
Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and bay leaf if using. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 3: Build the Soup
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the vegetable broth. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
Step 4: Add the Cabbage
Add the chopped cabbage to the pot. It may seem like a lot at first, but it will quickly wilt as it cooks. Stir well to combine.
Step 5: Simmer
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender and the flavors have blended beautifully.
Step 6: Taste and Serve
Remove the bay leaf and taste the broth. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Tips
For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving. You can also stir in cooked beans, shredded chicken, or brown rice to make the soup heartier.
This wholesome cabbage soup is simple, healthy, and packed with comforting flavor in every spoonful. Perfect for chilly evenings, meal prep, or whenever you need a nourishing homemade meal. 
