This old-fashioned classic is hearty, healthy, and budget-friendly. It’s cozy enough for cold weather and light enough for everyday meals. You can make it vegetarian, with beef, or even spicy — I’ll show you the base version first (then note the variations).
🥣 Old-Fashioned Cabbage Soup
🧅 Ingredients
For 6–8 servings
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2 tbsp olive oil or butter
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1 onion, chopped
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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2 carrots, sliced
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2 celery stalks, chopped
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½ head green cabbage, chopped (about 4–5 cups)
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1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
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6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for extra richness)
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1 bay leaf
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1 tsp salt, or to taste
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½ tsp black pepper
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1 tsp paprika (optional, for color and depth)
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½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
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Optional add-ins:
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1–2 cups cooked ground beef, sausage, or shredded chicken
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1 cup green beans, zucchini, or potatoes for extra heartiness
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👩🍳 Instructions
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Sauté the aromatics:
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Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
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Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook 5 minutes until softened.
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Stir in garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
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Add the rest:
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Stir in cabbage, diced tomatoes, broth, bay leaf, and seasonings.
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Simmer:
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Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
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Simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until cabbage and veggies are tender.
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Taste and finish:
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Remove bay leaf.
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Adjust salt, pepper, and herbs as needed.
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Serve:
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Ladle into bowls and enjoy as-is or with a slice of crusty bread.
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Optional: top with a sprinkle of Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil.
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🥄 Variations
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Beefy Cabbage Soup: Brown 1 lb ground beef or sausage before adding the veggies.
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Spicy Version: Add a pinch of chili flakes, smoked paprika, or diced jalapeño.
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Low-carb Detox Style: Skip potatoes; add more leafy greens or zucchini.
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Hearty Version: Stir in cooked rice, barley, or lentils at the end.
💡 Tips
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Tastes even better the next day — the flavors deepen overnight.
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Freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
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If you use canned tomatoes, a splash of vinegar or lemon juice at the end brightens the flavor.
Would you like me to share a Hearty Beef & Cabbage Soup version — the kind that tastes like stuffed cabbage rolls in a bowl? It’s a reader favorite!
