Warm and Cozy Cabbage Soup Recipe You’ll Love

Cabbage Soup is the kind of dinner I reach for when the weather gets rude and my energy is on low. It’s cozy, budget friendly, and so satisfying. This version is the one I make on repeat because it’s easy, full of veggies, and the leftovers taste even better the next day. If you’re craving something warm and feel-good, this bowl will absolutely deliver. Grab a pot, throw in the basics, and you’ll have a pot of comfort simmering before you know it. Oh, and yes, it’s my Warm and Cozy Cabbage Soup Recipe You’ll Love for good reason.

How To Make Cabbage Soup

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small head green cabbage, cored and thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 6 cups low sodium vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional add ins: 1 cup cooked white beans or chickpeas, 1 cup diced potatoes, a squeeze of lemon, chopped parsley

Step by step

1. Warm the oil in a large pot on medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until the veggies soften and smell sweet, about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
2. Add cabbage and bell pepper. Toss to coat in the aromatics and oil. Let it wilt a bit, about 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes with their juices, broth, thyme, smoked paprika, and the bay leaf. Bring to a gentle boil.
4. Reduce heat to a light simmer. Cook 20 to 25 minutes, until the cabbage is tender but not mushy. Taste and season with salt and pepper. If using beans or potatoes, add during the last 10 minutes to warm through and soften.
5. Finish with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of parsley if you like brightness. Ladle into bowls and enjoy the comfort.

I always think of this as the Warm and Cozy Cabbage Soup Recipe You’ll Love because it tastes like a hug in a bowl and it’s so flexible. You can easily adjust the spice, add a protein, or keep it super simple.

Recipe Tips

If your soup ever tastes flat, it likely needs acid or salt. A squeeze of lemon or a few drops of apple cider vinegar wakes it right up. Start small and taste as you go.

Let the soup simmer gently, not at a rolling boil. Low and slow encourages the flavors to mingle and keeps the vegetables tender. Do not overcook the cabbage or it can turn limp and lose its lovely bite.

Want a touch of richness? Drop in a knob of butter at the end or swirl in a spoonful of sour cream. Prefer it lighter? Skip the extras and stick with herbs and lemon. I sometimes add a handful of chopped dill or parsley for freshness. A pinch of red pepper flakes will add a cozy little kick.

For a heartier pot, add 1 cup diced potatoes or white beans. If you want extra protein, browned sausage or shredded rotisserie chicken works well. Keep the seasoning the same and let the broth tie it together.

Make ahead friendly: this soup tastes even better on day two as the flavors settle. You can cook it, cool it, and reheat later with great results.

“Made this for meal prep and my kids asked for seconds. It’s so comforting without feeling heavy. Adding lemon at the end made a big difference.” — Tara M.

I love calling this my Warm and Cozy Cabbage Soup Recipe You’ll Love because it’s the one I turn to when I need a simple win in the kitchen.

What To Serve With Cabbage Soup

Pairing ideas

• Crusty bread or garlic toast for dunking
• Grilled cheese or a melty quesadilla for a nostalgic, cozy combo
• Simple green salad with a lemony vinaigrette
• Roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes on the side
• For a bigger spread, add a second pot of something like comforting chicken and rice soup

For toppings, try a dollop of Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of Parmesan, or extra herbs. If you like heat, a few dashes of hot sauce are amazing. A drizzle of good olive oil on top makes it feel extra cozy and restaurant level.

The beauty of this dish is how flexible it is. If you’re eating light, keep it simple. If you want more comfort, add bread and something cheesy. Either way, this remains the Warm and Cozy Cabbage Soup Recipe You’ll Love for busy nights and lazy Sundays alike.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

These are estimates for one serving, based on six servings total and using vegetable broth without optional add ins. If you add beans, potatoes, or meat, the numbers will shift a bit.

Calories: about 160
Protein: about 5 grams
Carbohydrates: about 22 grams
Fiber: about 6 grams
Fat: about 6 grams
Sodium: varies depending on broth and salt added

It’s a veggie forward bowl that’s filling without being heavy. If you want more protein, add beans or lean chicken. If you want to keep it very light, stick to the base vegetables and herbs.

How to Store and Reheat

Freezing tips

Cool the soup completely, then store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully on the stove over medium heat. If it thickens a bit, add a splash of water or broth to loosen.

For the freezer, portion soup into freezer safe containers, leave a bit of headspace for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge, then warm gently on the stove. If you want more details, here’s a great guide on how to freeze soup the easy way that covers portioning and thawing.

Pro tip: If you plan to freeze a batch, cook potatoes separately and add them when reheating. Potatoes can change texture in the freezer. Beans hold up better, so they’re a nice freezer friendly add in.

This is another reason I think of it as the Warm and Cozy Cabbage Soup Recipe You’ll Love. It’s a perfect make once, eat twice situation that saves your weeknight sanity.

Common Questions

Can I make it in a slow cooker?

Yes. Sauté the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic first for best flavor. Add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or high for 3 to 4, until the cabbage is tender.

How do I keep the cabbage from getting mushy?

Simmer gently and stop cooking when the cabbage is just tender. It will soften more as it sits, so leave a little bite.

What if I only have red cabbage?

You can use it. The flavor is similar, though the color will tint the soup. It’s still delicious.

Can I add meat?

Yes. Brown sausage or ground turkey first, then continue with the recipe. Shredded rotisserie chicken also works well.

How do I make it spicy?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the spices or stir in hot sauce at the end.

A Cozy Bowl You’ll Make Again

This pot is simple, flexible, and exactly what I crave when I want comfort without fuss. If you want to browse other ideas or compare styles, the folks at Cabbage Soup Recipe – Love and Lemons share a bright, veggie heavy spin, and this classic Healing Cabbage Soup Recipe leans soothing and straightforward. Give this a try, adjust the seasoning to your taste, and make it yours. I’m confident you’ll call it the Warm and Cozy Cabbage Soup Recipe You’ll Love after the first steamy spoonful. Now go grab that pot and get cozy.