If you’re looking for a heartwarming, fuss-free meal that feels like a cozy hug in a bowl, this Crockpot Cabbage Soup Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Packed with tender little potatoes, hearty pork sausages, vibrant cabbage, and a symphony of spices, this soup simmers slowly to develop rich, comforting flavors that practically warm you from the inside out. Perfect for chilly days or when you want dinner waiting for you at the end of a busy day, it’s simple, nutritious, and absolutely delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe brings together straightforward, wholesome ingredients that each play a vital role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. From the softness of little potatoes to the savory punch of pork sausage, every element feels both familiar and special.
- 3/4 pound little potatoes: Halved to tender perfection, they add body and a gentle creaminess.
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth that melds beautifully with the spices.
- 1 small cabbage, sliced: Bright green and slightly crunchy, it softens as it cooks, lending freshness and bulk.
- 1 pound uncooked pork sausages: Provides robust, savory flavor that infuses the broth with a meaty richness.
- 1 (28 fluid ounce) can crushed tomatoes: Brings acidity and sweetness, balancing the spices and enriching the broth.
- 2.5 cups chicken broth: The flavorful base that ties all ingredients together.
- 2 cups water: Helps adjust consistency to keep the soup perfectly brothy.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that adds herbal notes to the soup.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives subtle warmth and savoriness without overpowering.
- 1 tablespoon chili powder: Introduces a gentle kick that enlivens the palate.
- 1 tablespoon paprika: Adds smoky depth and a beautiful reddish hue to the broth.
- 1 cup dried white navy beans, rinsed: Tender and creamy, they boost the soup’s heartiness and nutrition.
- Salt & pepper, to taste: Enhances all the natural flavors once cooking is complete to ensure perfect seasoning.
How to Make Crockpot Cabbage Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Combine Ingredients
Start by prepping your little potatoes, chopping the onion, slicing the cabbage, and cutting the pork sausages if needed. Once everything is ready, place all ingredients into your Crockpot. Because the pot is quite full, it’s helpful to stir gently as you add items to evenly distribute everything. Hold off on adding salt just yet since some ingredients already contain salt, and you want to adjust seasoning later according to taste.
Step 2: Slow Cook the Soup
Set your Crockpot to low and let this delicious mix simmer for 7 to 8 hours. This slow cooking is the secret to unlocking deep, layered flavors while allowing the cabbage and potatoes to become perfectly tender. The sausages release their juices, seasoning the broth naturally, and the beans become soft enough to melt in your mouth.
Step 3: Taste and Adjust Seasonings
Once the cooking time is complete, give the soup a good stir and taste it. Now is the time to season with salt and pepper according to your preference. This final touch ensures every spoonful bursts with balanced flavor. Serve it up piping hot and enjoy the comforting aroma filling your kitchen!
How to Serve Crockpot Cabbage Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes take this soup from simple to spectacular. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives not only adds a vibrant pop of color but also a fresh, herbaceous note that complements the hearty broth wonderfully. For a touch of richness, a dollop of sour cream or a handful of shredded cheese melts beautifully on top, making each bite even more indulgent.
Side Dishes
This Crockpot Cabbage Soup Recipe pairs fantastically with crusty bread, ideal for soaking up the flavorful broth. Consider a warm baguette or rustic sourdough toast to accompany your bowl. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to brighten the plate and balance the heartiness of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress your guests or just make your meal extra special? Serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls or individual ceramic crocks for cozy, charming presentation. For a bit of texture, sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds or crispy bacon bits on top. You can even add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the table for a surprising citrusy twist that enlivens the flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to mingle. Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When you reheat, the cabbage will remain tender and the broth invitingly rich, making for easy, wholesome lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep this comforting meal on hand, it freezes beautifully. Cool the soup completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty resealable bags. It will keep for up to 3 months without losing any of its signature flavor or texture. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your Crockpot Cabbage Soup Recipe gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You may need to add a splash of broth or water to loosen the soup as it warms. Avoid boiling vigorously; a gentle simmer preserves the tender ingredients and the depth of spices.
FAQs
Can I use different types of sausage?
Absolutely! While pork sausages add a rich flavor, feel free to experiment with chicken, turkey, or even vegetarian sausages to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Just keep in mind the seasoning and salt content may vary.
Do I need to soak the navy beans before cooking?
This recipe uses dried navy beans without soaking because the long slow cook in the Crockpot gives them enough time to soften. However, if you prefer, you can soak them overnight to shorten cooking time.
Can I make this soup in a regular pot on the stove?
Yes, you can! Simply combine all ingredients in a large pot, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 2 hours or until the beans and vegetables are tender. Just watch the liquid level and add water if needed.
Is this soup spicy?
The chili powder and paprika add a warm, mild kick but nothing overwhelming. You can adjust the amount of chili powder to make it milder or spicier according to your taste preferences.
Can I add other vegetables?
Of course! Feel free to sneak in carrots, celery, bell peppers, or even kale for extra flavor, color, and nutrition. Just consider the cooking times to keep everything tender and balanced.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Cabbage Soup Recipe is a delightful way to nourish yourself and your loved ones with minimal effort but maximum flavor. It’s the kind of meal that invites relaxed evenings, happy bellies, and warm smiles. I truly encourage you to give it a try; once it’s simmered away in your slow cooker, you’ll be hooked on this satisfying, colorful bowl of comfort.
Print
Crockpot Cabbage Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and comforting Crockpot Cabbage Soup recipe that combines tender pork sausages, potatoes, cabbage, and white navy beans simmered with flavorful spices and vegetables, perfect for an easy, slow-cooked meal that requires minimal effort.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 3/4 pound little potatoes, halved
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 1 small cabbage, sliced
Meat
- 1 pound uncooked pork sausages
Liquids
- 1 (28 fluid ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2.5 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Beans
- 1 cup dried white navy beans, rinsed
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Wash and halve the little potatoes, chop the onion, slice the cabbage, and prepare the pork sausages by removing them from their casings if desired. Ensure all ingredients are ready to be added to the crockpot.
- Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: Add the potatoes, chopped onion, sliced cabbage, pork sausages, rinsed white navy beans, crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, water, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, chili powder, and paprika into your Crockpot. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly. Note that the Crockpot will be quite full, so mixing as you add ingredients helps distribute flavors.
- Slow Cook: Set the Crockpot to low heat and cook the soup for 7-8 hours. This slow cooking process allows flavors to meld beautifully and ensures the beans and vegetables become tender and the sausages cook through completely.
- Season and Serve: Once cooking time is complete, taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed, remembering that some ingredients already contain salt. Stir and serve the soup immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Wait to add extra salt until after cooking since some ingredients like broth and sausages contain salt.
- You can remove sausage casings for a crumbled texture or keep them whole on the bone if preferred.
- Soaking the navy beans overnight can reduce cooking time and improve digestibility, but it’s not mandatory.
- This soup freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute sausages with plant-based sausage alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
