Healthy Cabbage Soup – {Comforting, packed with veggies, and ready in 40 minutes! }

When the weather is cold, this soup is what I drink most. It’s a hearty dish of turkey and cabbage that’s packed with veggies and has a classic “cabbage roll” vibe without any rolls or fillings. Plus, since it’s made with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice, it stays low-carb, Whole30, and Paleo-friendly while still feeling super satisfying.

I also love the elasticity of this soup. You can swap out the turkey for beef, add rice or quinoa if you want it a little heartier, or add in any extra veggies you have lying around in the fridge! The best part is that it works on the stovetop, Instant Pot, or Slow Cooker, so you can choose the method that works for your day!

before starting

Before you start cooking, there are a few things worth knowing so that everything goes smoothly.

• Choose your protein: This version uses 99% lean turkey to keep it light, but you can use lean beef, turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even leftover roast chicken for a different flavor.
• Decide on your “rice”: Cauliflower rice keeps this soup low-carb and vegetable-heavy. If you prefer regular rice, cook it separately, stirring at the end so the rice doesn’t turn to mushy texture.
• Chop the cabbage evenly: Cut green cabbage into bite-size pieces so it cooks evenly and is easy to eat with a spoon.
• Choose your soup: Chicken broth makes the flavor lighter, while beef broth gives it a richer flavor, more like traditional cabbage roll soup. Use what you like or what you have on hand.
• Changes with the seasons: The saltiness of tomatoes and broth may vary, so start with the salt and pepper listed and taste again at the end and adjust.

How to Make Healthy Cabbage Soup

Here’s a quick, step-by-step overview of how to make this comforting cabbage soup on the stovetop.

1. Brown the turkey and aromatics

Start by browning the ground turkey along with the onions, salt, and pepper in a large stock pot or Dutch oven. Break up the meat while it’s cooking, then add the carrots and celery and cook until the vegetables begin to soften. Add garlic and stir until fragrant.

2. Add cabbage and cauliflower rice

Add the chopped cabbage and cauliflower rice to the pot and stir to combine everything. Cabbage will start to wilt a little when exposed to heat.

3. Make soup

Pour in the diced tomatoes and their juice, add the stock and stuff in the bay leaves. Stir everything well and bring the soup to a gentle boil.

4. Cook until soft

Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded together. Taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving.

alternative cooking methods

If you prefer to use an Instant Pot or Slow Cooker, this recipe works great for both.

Instant Pot Method

Here’s how to make healthy cabbage soup in your Instant Pot.

1. Use the Saute function to cook the ground turkey, onions, salt and pepper until the turkey is browned.
2. Add the carrots, celery and garlic and cook for a few minutes until they start to soften.
3. Add cabbage, cauliflower rice, diced tomatoes, stock and bay leaf.
4. Seal the Instant Pot and cook on manual (high) for about 18 minutes.
5. Let the pressure release naturally, then open, stir, adjust seasonings and serve.

slow cooker method

Here’s how to make cabbage soup in a slow cooker.

1. Brown the ground turkey in a skillet on the stove with the onions, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the carrots, celery and garlic and cook until the vegetables begin to soften.
3. Transfer everything to the slow cooker and add the cabbage, cauliflower rice, diced tomatoes, broth and bay leaf.
4. Simmer over low heat for about 4 hours, or until cabbage is tender.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Here are the best tips and pro tips to help this cabbage soup come out perfect every time.

• Add additional vegetables: Fill with green beans, zucchini, spinach, kale, corn, broccoli or more cauliflower. If you add a lot of extra vegetables, plan to add more broth and seasonings.
• Make it heartier with grains: For a more traditional feel, stir in cooked white or brown rice, quinoa, barley or farro before serving so they retain a nice texture.
• A little taste: If you want some spice and depth, add red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, paprika, or cumin. Italian seasoning or barbecue seasoning are also great options for extra flavor without too much effort.
• Vegetarian: Swap the turkey for vegetarian crumbles, canned chickpeas or white beans, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth for a meatless version.
• Adjust texture: If you like a thicker soup, you can cook it longer without covering the pot. If it feels too thick, add additional broth or water until it’s to your liking.

Service concept

Here are some easy and delicious ways to serve this healthy cabbage soup.

• Serve with crusty bread: Serve with whole wheat bread, two-ingredient dough breadsticks, or toasted sourdough, soaked in broth.
• Soup and salad combo: Serve with a simple arugula slaw or chopped salad for extra crunch and freshness.
• Add something eggy: Add a slice of asparagus quiche, vegetable frittata, or quinoa egg muffins on the side for even more protein.
• Over the grain: If you want a fuller, stew-like bowl, ladle the soup over a small spoonful of cooked rice, quinoa, or barley.
• Top with fresh herbs: Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley, dill, or extra black pepper to brighten up each bowl.

Store and reheat

Here’s how to store, reheat, and enjoy leftovers.

• Store in the refrigerator: Let the soup cool, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for 4-5 days.
• Freeze for later use: Freeze in individual or family-sized containers for 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat gently: Heat on the stovetop over low to medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If the broth or water in the refrigerator thickens, add a little more broth or water.
• Use up leftovers: Turn leftovers into a salad for a quick lunch, pour over rice or cauliflower rice for a heartier bowl, or serve with grilled cheese, tortilla chips, or avocado toast.