There’s something about the smell of cabbage and tomatoes simmering together that just feels like home. I remember one evening when I tossed everything into the slow cooker, expecting a decent meal but not much more. Hours later, when I finally lifted the lid, the kitchen was filled with this cozy, inviting aroma that made me pause and breathe it all in. The cabbage had softened perfectly, mingling with the savory ground beef and the hint of herbs. I was halfway through stirring when the phone rang, and I got distracted enough to almost forget about dinner, but the soup waited patiently, just getting better with every minute.
It’s a bit like the soup itself — simple and unpretentious, yet deeply satisfying. This is the kind of dish that warms you up on a chilly night without requiring a ton of fuss. You don’t have to stand over the stove stirring or rolling cabbage leaves. Instead, you get to come back to a bowl full of comfort that’s all ready and waiting.
- The flavors develop slowly, so the soup tastes richer than you might expect from such straightforward ingredients.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps, just a slow cooker doing the work.
- Perfect for leftovers, though I usually find myself sneaking another spoonful before it makes it to the fridge.
- It’s flexible enough to add your favorite veggies, but the core combination nails that classic stuffed cabbage vibe.
If you’re worried about making soup in a slow cooker, don’t be. This one is pretty forgiving. You can adjust the seasonings at the end, and the veggies hold up nicely without turning to mush. It’s the kind of recipe I come back to when I want something cozy and straightforward but still full of flavor.
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Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Soup
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
A hearty and comforting slow cooker soup that captures all the flavors of stuffed cabbage without the hassle. Tender cabbage, ground beef, and vegetables simmer together in a savory tomato broth for an easy, delicious meal.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium head green cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
3 stalks celery, sliced
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
4 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.
Transfer the cooked beef, onion, and garlic mixture to the slow cooker.
Add chopped cabbage, sliced carrots, and sliced celery to the slow cooker.
Pour in diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, and beef broth.
Add Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried oregano, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt to the slow cooker.
Stir all ingredients together until well combined.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until vegetables are tender.
Stir the soup before serving and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
For equipment, just a slow cooker and a skillet to brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic. Nothing fancy needed. When serving, I like a crusty piece of bread or a simple green salad to balance the richness. Sometimes I toss in a few extra herbs or a dash of hot sauce if I’m feeling adventurous, but it’s just as good straight from the pot.
Variations? Well, I haven’t tested all of them, but adding some smoked sausage or switching up the herbs might be fun. You could even try a vegetarian twist with lentils instead of beef, though that’s a bit of a departure from the original flavor.
FAQ
Can I freeze this soup? Yes, it freezes well for up to three months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Is this soup spicy? Not unless you add something extra like hot sauce. The smoked paprika adds warmth but no real heat.
How thick is the soup? It’s brothy but hearty with plenty of vegetables and beef, perfect for a spoon and a bowl.
Give this slow cooker unstuffed cabbage soup a try when you want a meal that feels like a hug after a long day. Trust me, it’s worth the wait.