Easy Crock Pot Cabbage Soup Recipe - Ready in 6 Hours

Here's a simple crock pot cabbage soup recipe: Combine 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 chopped green cabbage, 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, 1 chopped carrot, 1 chopped celery stalk, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp dried thyme, salt, and pepper in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add 1 cup cooked beans during the last hour. This hearty, low-calorie soup serves 6 and freezes well.

If you're looking for a hands-off approach to making delicious cabbage soup, your crock pot is the perfect solution. This slow cooker method develops deep flavors while requiring minimal effort, making it ideal for busy days or meal prep. Unlike stovetop versions that need constant monitoring, the crock pot allows the cabbage to soften gradually while absorbing all the savory broth flavors.

Why Crock Pot Cabbage Soup Works Best

The slow, gentle heat of a crock pot transforms cabbage from potentially tough to perfectly tender without becoming mushy. As the soup simmers for hours, the natural sugars in the cabbage caramelize slowly, creating a richer flavor profile than quick-cooked versions. The extended cooking time also allows flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a more complex taste than stove-top preparations.

One significant advantage of using a slow cooker for cabbage soup is the convenience factor. After the initial 10 minutes of prep work, you can literally set it and forget it. This makes crock pot cabbage soup an excellent choice for meal preppers, busy professionals, or anyone looking to come home to a ready-made, healthy meal.

Complete Ingredient List

Gather these simple ingredients for authentic crock pot cabbage soup:

• 1 large head green cabbage, chopped (about 8 cups)
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 cup cooked kidney beans or white beans
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional: 4 oz chopped bacon or 1 cup diced ham

Step-by-Step Crock Pot Preparation

Follow these straightforward instructions for perfect slow cooker cabbage soup every time:

1. Prepare all vegetables by washing, peeling (if necessary), and chopping to uniform sizes.
2. If using meat, cook bacon or ham in a skillet until browned, then transfer to the crock pot, leaving 1 tablespoon of fat in the skillet.
3. Sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery in the reserved fat for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
4. Add sautéed vegetables to the crock pot along with chopped cabbage, tomatoes, broth, and seasonings.
5. Stir well to combine all ingredients, ensuring the cabbage is submerged in liquid.
6. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
7. During the last hour of cooking, stir in cooked beans and adjust seasoning as needed.
8. Remove bay leaf before serving.

Cooking Time Guidelines

Heat Setting	Cooking Time	Texture Result	Best For
LOW	6-8 hours	Cabbage fully tender, broth rich and flavorful	Overnight cooking, meal prep, deeper flavor development
HIGH	3-4 hours	Cabbage tender but retains some texture	Same-day preparation, quicker meal solution
LOW with meat	8 hours	Meat falls apart, integrates with vegetables	Hearty meat-based versions, maximum flavor extraction

Popular Cabbage Soup Variations

Customize your slow cooker cabbage soup to match your dietary preferences or what's in your pantry:

Vegetarian Cabbage Soup Slow Cooker Recipe

Omit any meat and use vegetable broth. For added protein, include 1 cup each of white beans and lentils. Add 1 tablespoon tomato paste for depth of flavor. This healthy cabbage soup recipe slow cooker version stays vegetarian while remaining satisfying.

Weight Loss Friendly Version

For those following a cabbage soup diet crock pot variation, simply omit added fats and meats. Increase the vegetable content with additional carrots, celery, and bell peppers. This easy crock pot cabbage soup for weight loss provides a low-calorie, high-fiber meal that keeps you full.

Hearty Meat Lover's Version

Brown 1 pound of Italian sausage or ground turkey before adding to the crock pot. The meat adds richness while the slow cooking process allows flavors to permeate throughout the soup. This crock pot cabbage soup with sausage creates a more substantial meal perfect for colder months.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Cabbage soup freezes exceptionally well, making it perfect for meal prep. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Properly stored:

• Refrigerator: Keeps for 5-7 days
• Freezer: Maintains quality for 3-4 months
• Thawing: Transfer frozen containers to refrigerator 24 hours before reheating

When reheating, add a splash of broth or water as cabbage tends to absorb liquid during storage. For best results, reheat on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. The microwave works well too—heat in 2-minute intervals, stirring between each interval.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple recipes can go wrong if you miss key details. Avoid these common pitfalls with your crock pot cabbage soup:

• Overfilling the slow cooker - Never fill beyond ⅔ capacity to prevent spills and ensure proper cooking
• Adding cabbage too late - Cabbage needs the full cooking time to become tender without becoming mushy
• Skipping the sauté step - Taking 5 minutes to sauté aromatics creates significantly better flavor
• Over-seasoning early - Salt concentrates as liquid evaporates; season toward the end of cooking
• Using pre-shredded cabbage - Freshly chopped cabbage holds its texture better during slow cooking

Nutritional Benefits

This crock pot cabbage soup recipe delivers impressive nutritional value per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 120-150
• Fiber: 5g (20% of daily value)
• Vitamin C: 60mg (100% of daily value)
• Vitamin K: 80mcg (65% of daily value)
• Potassium: 500mg (15% of daily value)

The combination of cabbage, carrots, and celery provides a spectrum of vitamins and minerals while remaining low in calories. Cabbage itself contains antioxidants like choline and beta-carotene that support overall health. This makes your slow cooker cabbage soup not just delicious but genuinely nourishing.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your crock pot cabbage soup from simple to spectacular with these serving ideas:

• Top with fresh parsley or dill for brightness
• Add a dollop of plain Greek yogurt for creaminess
• Serve with crusty whole-grain bread for dipping
• Sprinkle with nutritional yeast for a cheesy, vegan finish
• Pair with a simple green salad for a complete meal

For meal prep purposes, portion the soup into individual containers with one side compartment for bread or crackers. This creates a complete, balanced lunch that reheats beautifully at work or school.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cabbage in my crock pot cabbage soup?

Yes, you can use frozen cabbage, but expect slightly different texture. Frozen cabbage releases more water during cooking, so reduce added broth by 1 cup. Thaw frozen cabbage first for best results, and add it during the last 4 hours of cooking on LOW setting to prevent mushiness.

How do I prevent my cabbage soup from becoming too watery?

To avoid watery crock pot cabbage soup, don't add extra liquid beyond what the recipe specifies. Cabbage naturally releases water as it cooks. If your soup seems too thin after cooking, remove the lid during the last 30-60 minutes to allow some evaporation. You can also mash some of the cooked vegetables against the side of the crock pot to naturally thicken the broth.

Can I make this cabbage soup recipe in an Instant Pot instead?

Absolutely. For an Instant Pot version of this crock pot cabbage soup recipe, use the sauté function to cook aromatics, then add all ingredients except beans. Seal and cook on HIGH pressure for 8 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural release. Stir in beans and let sit for 5 minutes before serving. The total time is about 30 minutes compared to 6+ hours in a slow cooker.

What's the best way to store leftovers of slow cooker cabbage soup?

Cool the soup completely before transferring to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for 3-4 months. When freezing, leave 1 inch of headspace as liquids expand. For meal prep, portion into single-serving containers. The soup often tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to meld.

Can I add potatoes to my crock pot cabbage soup recipe?

Yes, adding potatoes creates a heartier soup. Use 2 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes. Add them during the last 3 hours of cooking on LOW setting to prevent them from becoming too soft. Red potatoes work well too and don't require peeling. This variation makes the soup more substantial while maintaining the classic cabbage soup flavor profile.