This easy and healthy cabbage soup is hearty, flavorful, and packed with vegetables. I make this soup all the time, especially when I want something warm and nourishing that doesn’t require a lot of effort. I think there’s something so comforting about a pot of soup simmering on the stove, filling the kitchen with the smell of garlic, herbs, and vegetables. The soup comes together in one large pot using simple ingredients like fresh cabbage, potatoes, carrots, and vegetable broth, it’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out.

Low in calories, high in nutrients, and delicious. If you meal prep, this cabbage soup recipe is perfect for meal planning, weeknight dinners, or anytime you want something cozy, quick, and full of flavor. It’s ready in under an hour on the stovetop, and it tastes even better the next day, which means leftovers are going to hit! Whether I’m batch-cooking for the week or just craving a cozy bowl of soup, this recipe never disappoints.

Ingredients You’ll Need

(for the full easy cabbage soup recipe, scroll to the card below)

Olive oil – Helps sauté the vegetables and adds richness without overpowering the soup’s natural flavors.

Onions, celery, garlic, and carrots– Creates a savory, aromatic base that adds depth and sweetness as it cooks down.

Creole seasoning (or smoked paprika if you prefer) Italian seasoning, and salt & pepper – Adds warmth and herbal notes, and a touch of spice that elevates the entire dish.

Potatoes, peeled and cubed – Makes the soup hearty and filling while adding a creamy texture as they cook.

Vegetable broth (or low-sodium chicken broth) – The flavorful base that ties everything together; use vegetable broth to keep it plant-based.

Diced tomatoes (fire-roasted tomatoes add even more flavor) – Adds acidity, sweetness, and richness to balance the earthiness of the cabbage.

1 medium head of cabbage, chopped (about 6-8 cups) – The star ingredient that makes this soup filling, nutritious, and incredibly satisfying.

Optional add-ins:

• 1 can of white beans or chickpeas – For extra plant-based protein and fiber.
• 1 cup cooked rice – Makes it even heartier and more filling.
• Extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans.
• Cayenne pepper – For extra heat if you like your soup spicy.
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar – Brightens the flavors at the end.

Health Benefits of Cabbage Soup

This easy cabbage soup is not only delicious, but it’s also incredibly good for you. Cabbage is low in calories but high in fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants. Combined with nutrient-rich vegetables like carrots, celery, and potatoes, this soup delivers a bowl full of health benefits. It’s naturally plant-based (if you use vegetable broth), making it a great option for anyone looking for wholesome, clean eating. Plus, it’s filling and satisfying without being heavy, so you can enjoy a big bowl without feeling weighed down.

How to Make this Easy and Healthy Cabbage Soup at Home

Step 1: Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots, and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are slightly tender and the onions are translucent. This step builds the foundation of flavor for the entire soup.

Step 2: Stir in the garlic (or garlic paste) and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic; it should smell amazing, but not brown too much.

Step 3: Add the Creole seasoning, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the vegetables in the spices. Let the spices bloom for about 5 minutes over medium heat. This step is key—it allows the flavors to deepen and infuse into the vegetables.

Step 4: Add the cubed potatoes and stir well to combine with the seasoned vegetables. Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes (along with their juices). Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 5: Once the soup is boiling, add in the chopped fresh cabbage. It will seem like a lot at first, but it will cook down significantly. Lower the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and let it cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The soup is ready when the cabbage is tender and the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 6: Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings if needed. Add more salt, pepper, or a splash of white wine vinegar for brightness. Serve hot in a bowl and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Tips for Success

• Use a large pot. Cabbage takes up a lot of space before it cooks down, so make sure your pot is big enough to hold everything comfortably.
• Don’t skip the blooming step. Letting the spices cook for a few minutes in Step 3 makes a huge difference in flavor. It wakes up the spices and deepens their taste.
• Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces. You want it to be easy to eat with a spoon, so aim for 1-2 inch pieces rather than big wedges.
• Taste as you go. Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the salt, pepper, or seasonings. Sometimes it needs a little extra kick.
• Let it simmer. The longer the soup simmers (within reason), the more the flavors meld together. If you have time, let it sit on low heat for an extra 10-15 minutes.
• Make it your own. This recipe is endlessly customizable. Add white beans for protein, toss in extra veggies, or add a handful of cooked rice to make it heartier.

Storage and Reheating

Fridge: Store leftover cabbage soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

Freezer: This soup freezes beautifully. Let it cool to room temperature, then transfer to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheat: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened too much.

Easy and Healthy Cabbage Soup

5 from 2 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Servings 6 Servings

Course Main Course, Soup

Cuisine American

This easy and healthy cabbage soup is hearty, flavorful, and packed with fresh vegetables. Made in one large pot with simple ingredients like cabbage, potatoes, and vegetable broth, it’s low in calories but high in nutrients.

Equipment

• 1 Large pot

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp neutral oil
• 1 small yellow onion diced
• 2 large carrots sliced
• 2 celery ribs chopped
• 1 tsp garlic paste or 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 tsp Creole seasoning or you can use smoked paprika
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 yellow potatoes cut into small pieces
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes
• 1 medium cabbage chopped (about 6 cups)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

• Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and carrots. Cook for 5-7 minutes until slightly tender.
• Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Add the Creole seasoning, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let the spices bloom for 5 minutes.
• Add the potatoes and stir to combine. Pour in the broth and tomatoes. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
• Add the cabbage, lower the heat, and simmer covered for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and potatoes are fork-tender.
• Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days

Freezer-friendly for up to 3 months

Add white beans, chickpeas, or rice for extra heartiness

Use fire-roasted tomatoes for deeper flavor

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

If you like this easy and healthy cabbage soup, check out these other dishes:

• Best Zuppa Toscana Soup
• Easy Homemade Chili Recipe
• Spicy Black Bean Chicken & Shrimp Stew