Looking for a hearty cabbage soup recipe that’s easy to make and packed with bold flavor? This cabbage soup is loaded with beets, garlic, and tomato paste for a rich, comforting bowl that feels filling without being heavy. It’s one of those easy cabbage soup recipes that comes together fast but still tastes like it simmered all day.
I found myself staring at a bunch of extra beets, wondering what on earth to do with them. I didn’t want to let them go to waste, but I also didn’t feel like making another roasted beet salad for the hundredth time. That’s when the idea hit me: why not add them to a cabbage soup? I tossed the beets into a pot with cabbage, carrots, and a simple broth, letting everything simmer together.
Make This Recipe for Busy Nights
Cabbage soup is ideal for busy nights because it’s simple to reheat and stays flavorful, just like my vegetable broth soup. You can make a big batch and enjoy it over a few days without losing its taste. It’s also light on prep but still filling and satisfying.
Soup Dish for Beginner Cooks
This cabbage soup recipe is beginner-friendly since it doesn’t require advanced techniques. Just dice your vegetables, sauté them in oil in a large pot, and simmer with broth and seasonings. Even first-time cooks can create a tasty, hearty soup with minimal effort.
Beet to Use
For this cabbage soup, choose fresh, firm beets for the best flavor. Dice them into small pieces so they cook evenly with the other vegetables. Adding beets to your cabbage soup creates a hearty, colorful dish full of natural sweetness.
How To Make This Cabbage Soup Recipe
This cabbage soup recipe gives you a warm bowl full of tender vegetables and savory flavor. It’s simple to prepare, light yet satisfying, and perfect for a quick meal or meal prep.
Kitchen Gadgets:
- Cooking Pot: Holds the soup and lets it simmer evenly.
- Wooden Spatula: Used for stirring without scratching the pot.
- Mixing Bowl: Keeps chopped vegetables organized.
- Cooking Pan: Helps sauté vegetables before adding them to the soup.
- Knife: Used to cut all vegetables into even pieces.
- Chopping Board: Provides a safe surface for prep work.
Ingredients:
- Beef Broth: Forms the rich, savory base of the soup.
- Beets: Add color, sweetness, and depth to the broth.
- Potatoes: Make the soup more filling and hearty.
- Carrots: Bring mild sweetness and balance.
- Onion: Builds a strong flavor base.
- Garlic: Adds savory aroma and depth.
- Bay Leaf: Gives a gentle herbal flavor while simmering.
- Tomato Paste: Adds richness and a slight tang.
- Green Cabbage: Provides texture and bulk to the soup.
- White Vinegar: Brightens the flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Salt and Pepper: Season the soup to taste.
- Sour Cream & Dill (For Garnish): Add creaminess and fresh flavor at the end.
*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
FULL INSTRUCTIONS WITH STEPS FOR EASY CABBAGE SOUP
First Step: Organize and Prepare Ingredients
Set everything out before turning on the stove so you’re not rushing halfway through. Grate the beets and carrots, dice the onion, mince the garlic, and thinly slice the cabbage. Measure the broth, tomato paste, vinegar, and seasonings so each step moves fast and clean.
Second Step: Slice the Cabbage
Cut the cabbage into thin, even ribbons for consistent cooking. You want enough to give the soup structure without turning it dense or heavy. Set it aside until the final simmer so it keeps a bit of bite.
Third Step: Build the Beet Broth Base
Add the beef broth, grated beets, tomato paste, bay leaf, and salt to a large pot. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer steadily. This step develops the deep color and slightly sweet backbone of the soup.
Fourth Step: Cook the Aromatics
Heat oil in a skillet and add the carrots and onion, cooking slowly for about 7-10 minutes until soft and lightly golden. This slow sauté adds depth you won’t get from boiling alone. Stir in the garlic at the end and cook for another 20-30 seconds just until fragrant.
Fifth Step: Finish the Soup
Add the sautéed vegetables and sliced cabbage to the simmering pot. Let everything cook together for 15-20 minutes until the cabbage is tender but not limp. Finish with vinegar, adjust seasoning, and serve hot with sour cream and fresh dill.
TRICKS AND TIPS:
- Use Fresh Vegetables: Always choose fresh cabbage, carrots, and celery for the best flavor in your cabbage soup. Fresh vegetables give the soup a hearty texture and richer taste.
- Don’t Overcook Beets: Dice your beets evenly and add them at the right time so they stay tender but not mushy. This helps the soup keep a nice color and texture.
- Season Gradually: Add salt, black pepper, and vinegar in stages while simmering. Tasting as you go ensures the flavors stay balanced and bright.
- Store Properly: Let the cabbage soup cool before transferring to containers for storage. It reheats well and can even taste better the next day after the flavors have melded.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What to Serve With the Cabbage Soup?
Before having a bowl of soup, you can start the meal with some fresh salads like a simple kale salad, red onion salad, or salad with chicken to make your dinner time more filling. A slice of protein bread or a warm dinner roll. A dollop of plain yogurt or a sprinkle of grated cheese adds extra creaminess and flavor.
How Do I Store Cabbage Recipes?
Store cabbage soup in airtight containers once it has cooled completely. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days to maintain freshness. Make sure to reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Yes, you can freeze cabbage soup, but it’s best to do so without dairy or delicate garnishes. Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags and label them with the date. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stovetop for best results.
More Clean Eating Recipes
If you want to try more clean-eating recipes, these ideas are super simple. Learn how to make rose petal tea for a fragrant and soothing drink that’s easy to enjoy any time. Try colorful sweet and sour pickled radish to add a tangy crunch to your meals.
Make gluten-free dumplings at home using basic ingredients for a fun twist on a classic favorite. These recipes are easy to prepare, healthy, and perfect for anyone looking to eat clean.
Pin For Later
Need Support or have Questions? Join our Free Facebook Group.
Follow us on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Flipboard, or YouTube.
For weekly New Recipes and a FREE E-Book get into our NEWSLETTER.
Full Recipe With a Printable Version
I would be grateful if you could give us a 5-star rating.
Cabbage Soup Packed with Beets
Equipment
- 1 Knife
Ingredients
- 6 Cups Beef Broth
- 2 Pieces Beets medium, peeled and grated
- 3 Pieces Potatoes medium, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
- 2 Pieces Carrots medium, grated
- ½ Cup Onion diced
- 2 Cloves Garlic minced
- 1 Piece Bay Leaf
- 1 Tablespoon Tomato Paste
- ½ Piece Green Cabbage small, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon White Vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Pepper
- 1 Tablespoon Sour Cream to garnish
- 1 teaspoon Dill to garnish
Instructions
- Grate the beets and carrots, dice the onion, mince the garlic, and thinly slice the cabbage. Measure the broth, tomato paste, vinegar, and seasonings so everything is ready before cooking begins.
- Cut the cabbage into thin, even ribbons so it cooks evenly without becoming heavy. Set it aside to add later so it keeps some texture.
- Add beef broth, grated beets, tomato paste, bay leaf, and salt to a large pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a steady simmer to develop color and flavor.
- Heat oil in a skillet and slowly sauté the carrots and onion for 7–10 minutes until soft and lightly golden. Stir in the garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 20–30 seconds.
- Add the sautéed vegetables and cabbage to the simmering pot and cook 15–20 minutes until the cabbage is tender but not limp. Finish with vinegar, adjust seasoning, and serve hot with sour cream and fresh dill.
Notes
- Use Fresh Vegetables: Always choose fresh cabbage, carrots, and celery for the best flavor in your cabbage soup. Fresh vegetables give the soup a hearty texture and richer taste.
- Don’t Overcook Beets: Dice your beets evenly and add them at the right time so they stay tender but not mushy. This helps the soup keep a nice color and texture.
- Season Gradually: Add salt, black pepper, and vinegar in stages while simmering. Tasting as you go ensures the flavors stay balanced and bright.
- Store Properly: Let the cabbage soup cool before transferring to containers for storage. It reheats well and can even taste better the next day after the flavors have melded.
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.
seasonings for Soups
Try different seasoning options for your next soup dish to build a deeper, richer flavor. Simple herbs, spices, and aromatics can completely change the taste of a pot of soup.
