The Cozy Crockpot Cabbage Soup Recipe for Comfort Lovers

Warm comfort arrives with this hearty crockpot cabbage soup that promises delicious simplicity.

Cabbage transforms into tender, savory bites when slow-cooked with rich vegetables and aromatic herbs.

Hearty ingredients meld together creating a nutritious meal perfect for chilly evenings.

Layers of flavor develop gradually, infusing each spoonful with incredible depth and warmth.

Minimal preparation means maximum satisfaction when you sit down to enjoy this classic dish.

Nutritious and filling, this soup will become a staple in your weekly meal rotation.

Let’s dive into a recipe that will keep you cozy and satisfied from the first bite.

Reasons to Love Crockpot Cabbage Soup Dish

  • Craft Comfort Quickly: This crockpot cabbage soup delivers maximum flavor with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for busy home cooks wanting a satisfying meal without complicated preparation.
  • Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with ground beef, vegetables, and robust seasonings, this soup appeals to all ages, making it an ideal dinner solution that keeps everyone happy and well-fed.
  • One-Pot Wonder: By using a crockpot, you eliminate multiple cooking steps and cleanup, transforming dinner preparation into a simple, stress-free experience that lets you enjoy more quality time with loved ones.
  • Nutritious and Filling: Loaded with protein from hamburger meat and vitamins from cabbage and tomatoes, this soup provides a balanced meal that keeps hunger at bay and supports healthy eating goals.

Ingredients Needed for Crockpot Cabbage Soup

For the Main Components:
  • Beef Broth: A savory liquid base that provides depth and richness to the soup.
  • Cabbage: A nutritious vegetable that adds texture and subtle sweetness to the dish.
  • Hamburger Meat: A protein-packed ingredient that makes the soup hearty and satisfying.
For the Aromatics:
  • Onion, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that build a robust flavor profile for the soup.
For the Seasoning and Additional Ingredients:
  • Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce: Ingredients that contribute acidity and a robust tomato flavor to the soup.
  • Cumin: A warm spice that adds earthy and slightly smoky notes.
  • Fiesta Ranch Powder: A zesty seasoning blend that brings a southwestern-style kick.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the soup.

Instructions to Prepare Crockpot Cabbage Soup

Step 1: Brown The Meat And Aromatics

Grab a skillet and cook the hamburger meat with these flavorful ingredients:
  • Chopped onion
  • Minced garlic

Sizzle everything over medium heat until the meat turns a beautiful golden brown. Carefully drain away any extra fat to keep your soup lean and delicious.

Step 2: Prepare The Crockpot Base

Pour beef broth into your crockpot and add freshly chopped cabbage. This creates a wonderful foundation for your hearty soup.

Step 3: Combine All The Ingredients

Toss these delectable ingredients into the crockpot:
  • Cooked meat mixture
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Tomato sauce
  • Cumin
  • Fiesta Ranch powder
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Stir everything together until perfectly blended, ensuring each spoonful will be packed with incredible flavor.

Step 4: Let The Magic Happen

Cover your crockpot and let it work its magic on low heat for 6 hours.

This slow cooking process allows all the ingredients to mingle and create a deeply satisfying meal.

Step 5: Serve And Enjoy

Ladle this warm, comforting soup into bowls and savor every delightful bite.

Perfect for a cozy dinner that’ll make everyone at the table smile!

Handy Tips for Crockpot Cabbage Soup Success

  • Remove all excess fat from browned hamburger to keep the soup lighter and prevent greasy texture.
  • Cut cabbage into uniform pieces to ensure consistent cooking and better texture throughout the soup.
  • Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or red wine vinegar for enhanced savory undertones that complement the beef and vegetables.
  • Taste and modify spice levels by gradually adding more cumin or Fiesta Ranch powder to suit personal preference.
  • Cool soup completely before refrigerating and reheat gently to maintain vegetable integrity and prevent overcooking.

Delicious Twists on Crockpot Cabbage Soup

  • Spicy Southwest Cabbage Soup: Replace Fiesta Ranch powder with diced green chilies and add jalapeños for extra heat. Include black beans and corn for a robust Tex-Mex flavor profile.
  • Mediterranean Herb Cabbage Soup: Swap hamburger for ground lamb, incorporate oregano and fresh mint. Add feta cheese crumbles and use olive oil instead of browning meat.
  • Italian-Inspired Cabbage Soup: Use ground Italian sausage, include basil and rosemary. Add a splash of red wine and garnish with fresh parmesan cheese for rich, authentic taste.
  • Low-Carb Protein Cabbage Soup: Use ground turkey instead of beef, increase protein content. Add cauliflower rice and reduce tomato sauce for fewer carbohydrates.

Best Foods to Serve with Crockpot Cabbage Soup

  • Crusty Bread Companions: Grab a slice of rustic sourdough or crusty French bread to soak up the rich, savory broth and add delightful texture to each spoonful.
  • Wine Wisdom Pairing: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Merlot to complement the hearty beef and tomato base, bringing out deeper flavor notes in the soup.
  • Fresh Salad Sidekick: Toss a crisp green salad with light vinaigrette to balance the soup's robust profile, adding a refreshing contrast and nutritional boost to the meal.

Storage Tips for Crockpot Cabbage Soup Leftovers

Transfer cooled soup to airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors.

Pour soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving slight space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Label with date for tracking.

Pour desired portion into microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until soup reaches steaming hot temperature. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Pour soup into saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent bottom scorching. Add splash of beef broth if soup seems too thick. Heat until thoroughly warm and bubbling gently.

FAQs

  • Can I use ground turkey instead of hamburger meat?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this cabbage soup recipe.

  • Is this soup good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This crockpot cabbage soup stays fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheats wonderfully for easy meal preparation.

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian?

You can substitute the beef broth with vegetable broth and replace hamburger meat with plant-based ground meat or extra beans for protein.

  • How spicy is this soup with Fiesta Ranch powder?

The Fiesta Ranch powder adds mild flavor and slight warmth, but it’s not overly spicy. If you prefer more heat, you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce.

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Crockpot Cabbage Soup Recipe


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4.6 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty crockpot cabbage soup delivers comfort and warmth with minimal effort, blending simple ingredients into a nourishing meal. Winter meals find their perfect companion in this easy, satisfying soup that warms souls and delights palates with each spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) hamburger meat

Vegetables:

  • 1 head cabbage, chopped
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic

Liquids and Seasonings:

  • 1 can diced tomatoes (Rotel)
  • 1 large can tomato sauce
  • 2 cups (473 milliliters) beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 1 packet Fiesta Ranch powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Empty beef broth into a slow cooker and layer chopped cabbage evenly across the bottom of the pot.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium temperature and sauté hamburger meat with diced onions and minced garlic until meat turns completely brown and develops a rich caramelized exterior.
  3. Carefully drain excess grease from the meat mixture to reduce unnecessary fat content.
  4. Transfer the seasoned meat mixture into the slow cooker, combining it thoroughly with the cabbage and broth.
  5. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, cumin, Fiesta Ranch powder, salt, and pepper directly into the slow cooker.
  6. Gently stir all ingredients to ensure comprehensive integration of flavors and even distribution of seasonings.
  7. Secure the slow cooker lid and set the temperature to low for 6 hours, allowing ingredients to simmer and develop a deep, harmonious taste profile.
  8. Once cooking time concludes, verify meat tenderness and vegetable softness.
  9. Ladle the soup into warm bowls, ensuring each serving contains a balanced mixture of meat, cabbage, and aromatic broth.
  10. Serve immediately while hot, offering a comforting and nutritious meal perfect for cool evenings.

Notes

  • Drain meat thoroughly to prevent excess grease pooling on soup surface and ensure a cleaner, lighter texture.
  • Customize spice levels by adjusting Fiesta Ranch powder and cumin according to personal heat preference.
  • Consider adding diced bell peppers or carrots for extra nutrition and color variation in the soup.
  • For gluten-free version, verify ranch powder ingredients and use certified gluten-free broth to maintain dietary requirements.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 189 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 680 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 11 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
Nate Harper

Nate Harper

Founder & Recipe Curator

Expertise

Single-Recipe Development, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Seasonal Menu Planning, Culinary Storytelling, Home Kitchen Innovation

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Central Oregon Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and seasonal recipe creation.

Nate studied under experienced chefs who emphasized local sourcing, minimal waste, and building recipes from fresh, simple ingredients.


Nate Harper is the founder and creative force behind Make, Take, Bake. Raised in the wild beauty of Oregon’s high desert, Nate grew up surrounded by family gardens, farmers’ markets, and home kitchens that celebrated the seasons.
His early love for simple, honest food evolved into a professional passion when he attended Cascade Culinary Institute, where he sharpened his skills in creating recipes that are sustainable, satisfying, and made for everyday life.
Nate’s goal is to make cooking feel accessible, free of fuss, and full of flavor. He believes a single, thoughtfully built dish can stand alone, and sometimes even steal the show.

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