There’s something deeply comforting about a bowl of warm Cabbage Soup Crockpot, especially on a chilly evening when you just want dinner to cook itself. As a Texas mom of three, I know all too well how precious time is — between after-school chaos and endless laundry, dinner needs to be simple, hearty, and nourishing. That’s why this slow cooker cabbage soup has become one of my go-to recipes. You toss everything in, go about your day, and come back to a house that smells like comfort itself.
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Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Soup Crockpot Recipe
If you’re craving something healthy but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this recipe is your new best friend. It’s:
- Simple and hands-free – Your slow cooker does all the work.
- Healthy and filling – Loaded with fiber-rich veggies and natural goodness.
- Budget-friendly – A wholesome meal without breaking the bank.
- Perfect for meal prep – Tastes even better the next day!
It reminds me of the soups my grandmother used to make when I was little — hearty, humble, and made with love.
What Does Cabbage Soup Crockpot Taste Like?
Think of it as a cozy blanket in a bowl. The cabbage becomes tender and slightly sweet as it cooks, the carrots add a soft earthy note, and the Italian seasoning ties everything together with that herby aroma that fills your kitchen like a warm hug. It’s rustic, light, yet so satisfying that even the pickiest eaters in my house (yes, I’m looking at you, my youngest) happily ask for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Cabbage Soup Crockpo
When it comes to making a cozy, nourishing bowl of Cabbage Soup Crockpot, the magic truly lies in simple, wholesome ingredients. You don’t need anything fancy — just fresh veggies, pantry staples, and a little time for your slow cooker to work its charm. Here’s what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters:
1 Head Green Cabbage (About 2 lbs)
The heart and soul of your Cabbage Soup Crockpot. Green cabbage becomes tender and slightly sweet after hours in the slow cooker. Chop it into medium-sized chunks — not too thin, not too thick.
If you love cabbage-based soups, try my Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup next — it’s just as comforting and veggie-packed!
2 Medium Carrots, Diced
Carrots bring natural sweetness and vibrant color to your soup. Slice them evenly so they cook through without turning mushy. I always say, if your soup looks cheerful, it tastes cheerful too.
1 Large Onion, Chopped
A classic flavor-builder. The onion gives your Cabbage Soup Crockpot that warm, savory aroma we all crave. If you want deeper flavor, you can sauté it lightly in olive oil before adding it to the slow cooker — just like I do in my Crockpot Vegetable Beef Soup for extra richness.
3 Cloves Garlic, Minced
Fresh garlic is essential — it adds depth and brings the vegetables to life. If you’re a garlic lover (like me), feel free to sneak in an extra clove. The slow cooking process mellows it into sweet, buttery perfection.
2 Medium Potatoes, Diced
Potatoes make this Cabbage Soup Crockpot feel hearty and satisfying. They soak up all those herby, tomato-rich flavors while adding creaminess to the broth.
Want a twist? Swap them for sweet potatoes or even cauliflower florets for a lighter version.
1 Can Diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz, with Juice)
Diced tomatoes are the secret to a balanced broth — their tanginess cuts through the cabbage’s mild flavor and gives your soup a bright, refreshing lift. Use the juice too! It adds body and color to the soup base.
If you adore tomato-forward soups, you might also love my Cheesy Vegetable Chowder — it’s creamy, colorful, and veggie-packed.
4 Cups Vegetable Broth
This is your soup’s foundation — the flavorful liquid that ties everything together. I recommend low-sodium broth so you can control the salt level. For an extra-rich version, try half vegetable broth and half chicken broth.
(If you prefer creamy soups, check out my Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup — it uses a similar base with a velvety twist!)
2 Teaspoons Italian Seasoning
A blend of herbs like oregano, thyme, and basil gives your Cabbage Soup Crockpot that homey, aromatic flavor. If you don’t have a premade mix, use equal parts of these herbs from your pantry.
1 Teaspoon Salt
Start with a teaspoon, then taste near the end of cooking and adjust as needed. Remember, the flavors deepen as the soup simmers, so it’s better to season lightly at first and build up later.
½ Teaspoon Black Pepper
Adds gentle warmth and a hint of spice. Freshly cracked pepper makes all the difference — it gives the soup a lovely kick without overpowering the delicate cabbage flavor.
1 Bay Leaf
A small but mighty ingredient. The bay leaf infuses your Cabbage Soup Crockpot with subtle earthy notes that round out the entire flavor profile. Just don’t forget to fish it out before serving!
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil (Optional)
For those days when you want your soup to feel a touch more indulgent, drizzle in a tablespoon of olive oil. It gives the broth a soft sheen and a silky mouthfeel. Totally optional, but totally worth it.
Fresh Parsley (For Garnish, Optional)
A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds brightness and a fresh pop of green to your bowl. It’s like giving your slow-cooked masterpiece a final touch of love before serving.
How to Make Cabbage Soup Crockpot (Step-by-Step)
Making this Cabbage Soup Crockpot is as easy as it is rewarding. The beauty of slow cooking is that it turns simple, humble ingredients into something truly comforting — with minimal effort and a whole lot of flavor. So grab your chopping board, plug in your slow cooker, and let’s do this together.
Step 1: Prep Your Vegetables with Care
Start by preparing your fresh vegetables — the real stars of this Cabbage Soup Crockpot.
- Cabbage: Remove the outer leaves and cut the cabbage into bite-sized chunks. I like to slice mine thinly so it softens beautifully as it cooks, but feel free to keep it a bit chunkier for a heartier texture.
- Carrots: Peel and dice them into small, even pieces. This helps them cook evenly and adds a touch of natural sweetness to your soup.
- Onion and Garlic: Chop the onion and mince the garlic. These two bring out a rich, savory base flavor — trust me, your kitchen will start to smell amazing already.
- Potatoes: Dice the potatoes into small cubes. They give the soup body and make it filling enough to stand alone as a meal.
If you’ve ever made my Crockpot Vegetable Beef Soup, you know how much love I have for prepping fresh veggies. The key is simple: even cuts make for even cooking.
Step 2: Load Everything into the Crockpot
Now for the easiest part — piling everything into your slow cooker.
Add your chopped cabbage, carrots, onion, garlic, and potatoes into the crockpot. There’s no need for fancy layering or sautéing (though you can if you want a deeper flavor). This recipe is meant to be fuss-free — just honest ingredients working together.
Next, pour in your can of diced tomatoes (with juice) and vegetable broth. The tomatoes bring tang and brightness, while the broth gives the soup that rich, comforting base we all love.
Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Finally, tuck in a bay leaf — it adds a subtle, earthy aroma that makes the soup taste like it’s been simmering for hours (which, well, it has!).
If you want to add a little extra richness, drizzle in olive oil. I sometimes skip it when I’m craving something light, but on cold days, it gives the soup a lovely, velvety texture.
Step 3: Gently Stir and Set the Temperature
Give everything a gentle stir to combine — just enough to mix the seasonings through without breaking up your veggies. Then, cover the crockpot with the lid and set it to cook on LOW for 6 hours.
This is where the magic happens. While you go about your day — working, running errands, or maybe even sneaking in a yoga session — your Cabbage Soup Crockpot quietly transforms into a fragrant, hearty masterpiece.
If you’re in a hurry, you can set it to HIGH for about 3 hours instead. It’ll still come out wonderfully tender, but the low-and-slow version brings out a slightly deeper flavor that’s hard to beat.
Step 4: The Final Touch (And the Best Part!)
When the cooking time is up, lift the lid and give your Cabbage Soup Crockpot a gentle stir. The cabbage should be perfectly tender, the potatoes soft but not mushy, and the broth fragrant with herbs and sweetness from the vegetables.
Before serving, remove the bay leaf — no one wants to accidentally bite into that surprise!
Ladle the soup into warm bowls, and if you’d like, sprinkle on a bit of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes I’ll also squeeze a tiny bit of lemon juice on top to brighten up the flavors — just like I do in my Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken Rice Soup.
Step 5: Enjoy and Savor Every Spoonful
Now comes the best part — enjoying your cozy bowl of Cabbage Soup Crockpot. Serve it with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad if you like, but honestly, it’s so hearty that it shines all on its own.
If your home smells like comfort and your slow cooker did all the hard work — congratulations, you’ve just mastered one of the simplest and most satisfying soups you’ll ever make.
And if your family loves this one as much as mine does, try branching out next time with my Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup or the Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup — both are cozy slow cooker favorites that never disappoint.
Bonus Tip: Customize It Your Way
Once you’ve got the basics down, you can tweak your Cabbage Soup Crockpot to fit your mood or pantry:
- Add lentils or white beans for extra protein.
- Use sweet potatoes instead of regular for a hint of sweetness.
- Throw in a handful of spinach or kale near the end for a nutrient boost.
- Want it spicier? A dash of crushed red pepper flakes does the trick beautifully.
The possibilities are endless — and that’s the beauty of slow cooking.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Cabbage Soup Crockpot
- Add protein: Stir in cooked beans or lentils for an extra boost.
- For a richer flavor: Sauté the onions and garlic in olive oil before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Want more spice? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika.
- Storage magic: This soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days — or freeze it for a quick future meal.
- Don’t overthink it: This recipe is forgiving — a little more carrot or an extra potato won’t hurt anyone.
This soup became a family staple after a long week when I was too tired to cook but wanted something wholesome. It’s that kind of dish that quietly saves the day — no fuss, no stress, just goodness.
Storing Your Cabbage Soup Crockpot
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. When reheating, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm on the stove. The flavors deepen beautifully the next day, so it’s even better as leftovers!
FAQs
Can I use red cabbage instead?
Yes! Red cabbage adds a fun pop of color and a slightly different sweetness.
Can I make this on high heat?
Absolutely. Cook it on high for 3 hours if you’re short on time.
What goes well with cabbage soup?
A crusty loaf of bread or a side salad makes it a complete meal.
Can I add meat?
You sure can! Ground turkey or shredded chicken work great — just brown them before adding to the crockpot.
Conclusion
When life gets busy (and let’s be honest, it always does), this Cabbage Soup Crockpot is the kind of meal that makes you feel grounded again — wholesome, hearty, and stress-free. Whether you’re chasing kids, juggling work, or just craving something nourishing, this soup brings that “home-cooked comfort” without the work.
If you love slow cooker recipes, try my Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken Rice Soup or Crockpot Vegetable Beef Soup next. They’re cozy favorites in our home, too.
Now go grab your slow cooker — dinner’s about to make itself.
Follow us on Pinterest for weekly slow cooker inspiration, or join the conversation over on our Facebook page where fellow food lovers share their favorite comfort meal.
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Cabbage Soup Crockpot: A Cozy, Healthy Meal You’ll Keep Coming Back To
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Total Time: 375 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This hearty Cabbage Soup Crockpot recipe is a wholesome and easy-to-make meal loaded with vegetables, perfect for a comforting and healthy dinner. Let your slow cooker do all the work!
Ingredients
- 1 head green cabbage (approx. 2 lbs)
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz, with juice)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for added richness)
- Fresh parsley (to taste, for garnish, optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare all vegetables by chopping cabbage into bite-sized pieces, and dicing carrots, onions, and potatoes. Mince the garlic.
2. Add cabbage, carrots, onions, garlic, and potatoes to the crockpot.
3. Pour in diced tomatoes with juice and vegetable broth.
4. Add Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and bay leaf. Drizzle with olive oil if using.
5. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
6. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours.
7. Remove and discard the bay leaf.
8. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
9. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
For added protein, stir in cooked beans or lentils.
Adjust seasonings to taste for more depth of flavor.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
This soup is naturally vegan and gluten-free.
