Healthy Cabbage Soup

When it is cold out, this is the soup I reach for the most. It is hearty from the ground turkey and cabbage, loaded with veggies, and has that classic “cabbage roll” vibe without any rolling or stuffing. Plus, since it is made with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice, it stays low-carb, Whole30, and Paleo-friendly while still feeling really satisfying.

I also love how flexible this soup is. You can swap the turkey for beef, add rice or quinoa if you want it a bit heartier, or throw in whatever extra veggies you have hanging out in the fridge! The best part is that it works on the stovetop, in the Instant Pot, or in the slow cooker, so you can choose whichever method fits your day!

Before You Get Started

Here are a few things worth knowing before you start cooking, so everything comes together smoothly.

• Choose your protein: This version uses 99% lean ground turkey to keep things light, but you can use lean ground beef, turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even leftover rotisserie chicken for a different flavor.
• Decide on your “rice”: Cauliflower rice keeps this soup low-carb and veggie-heavy. If you prefer regular rice, cook it separately and stir it in at the end so it does not get mushy.
• Cut the cabbage evenly: Chop the green cabbage into bite-sized pieces so it cooks evenly and is easy to eat in a spoonful.
• Pick your broth: Chicken broth keeps the flavor lighter, while beef broth makes it taste richer and more like traditional cabbage roll soup. Use what you like or what you have on hand.
• Season as you go: The tomatoes and broth can vary in saltiness, so start with the listed salt and pepper, then taste again at the end and adjust.

How to Make Healthy Cabbage Soup

Here is a quick overview of how to pull this cozy cabbage soup together step-by-step on the stovetop.

1. Brown the Turkey and Aromatics

Start by browning the ground turkey with the onion, salt, and pepper in a large soup pot or Dutch oven. Break the meat up as it cooks, then add the carrot and celery and cook until the vegetables start to soften. Stir in the garlic just until it smells fragrant.

2. Add the Cabbage and Cauliflower Rice

Add the chopped cabbage and cauliflower rice to the pot and stir so everything is combined. The cabbage will start to wilt a bit as it heats.

3. Build the Broth

Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, add the broth, and tuck in the bay leaves. Give everything a good stir and bring the soup up to a gentle simmer.

4. Simmer Until Tender

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

Alternative Cooking Methods

If you prefer to use the Instant Pot or slow cooker, this recipe works really well with both.

Instant Pot Method

Here is how to make Healthy Cabbage Soup in the Instant Pot.

1. Use the Sauté function to cook the ground turkey, onion, salt, and pepper until the turkey is browned.
2. Add the carrot, celery, and garlic, and cook for a couple of minutes until they begin to soften.
3. Stir in the cabbage, cauliflower rice, diced tomatoes, broth, and bay leaves.
4. Seal the Instant Pot and cook on Manual (High) for about 18 minutes.
5. Let the pressure release naturally, then open, stir, and adjust seasoning before serving.

Slow Cooker Method

Here is how to make this cabbage soup in the slow cooker.

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

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Here are the best tips and pro tricks to help this cabbage soup turn out perfectly every time.

• Add extra veggies: Bulk it up with green beans, zucchini, spinach, kale, corn, broccoli, or more cauliflower. If you add a lot of extra vegetables, plan to add a bit more broth and seasoning.
• Make it heartier with grains: For a more traditional feel, stir in cooked white or brown rice, quinoa, barley, or farro right before serving so they keep a nice texture.
• Kick up the flavor: Add red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, chili powder, or cumin if you want some spice and depth. Italian seasoning or grilling seasoning are also great options for extra flavor without much effort.
• Go 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 the texture: If you like a thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer. If it feels too thick, add extra broth or water until it is just how you like it.

Serving Ideas

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

• With crusty bread: Serve with whole grain bread, Two Ingredient Dough Breadsticks, or toasted sourdough for dunking into the broth.
• Soup and salad combo: Pair with an Easy Arugula Salad or chopped salad for extra crunch and freshness.
• With something eggy: Add a slice of Asparagus Quiche, Vegetable Frittata, or Quinoa Egg Muffins on the side for even more protein.
• Over grains: Spoon the soup over a small scoop of cooked rice, quinoa, or barley if you want a more filling, stew-like bowl.
• Topped with fresh herbs: Finish with chopped parsley, dill, or extra black pepper to brighten up each bowl.

Storage & Reheating

Here is how to store, reheat, and enjoy your leftovers.

• Store in the fridge: Let the soup cool, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for 4–5 days.
• Freeze for later: Freeze in individual or family-size containers for 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat gently: Warm on the stovetop over low to medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if it has thickened in the fridge.
• Use up leftovers: Turn leftovers into a quick lunch with a side salad, pour over rice or cauliflower rice for a heartier bowl, or serve with grilled cheese, quesadillas, or avocado toast.