When the air turns crisp and the day feels a bit too long, there’s something about a simmering pot of soup that just calls for slow, comforting moments. This slow cooker unstuffed cabbage soup has become my go-to for those evenings when I want warmth without the fuss. The aroma starts filling the kitchen somewhere between the first and second hour of cooking, that mix of tender cabbage and savory beef mingling with herbs and tomatoes. I usually get a little distracted—maybe by a phone notification or a stray thought about dinner plans—so it’s nice knowing the slow cooker is doing the heavy lifting.

The soup itself carries a familiar, cozy vibe that reminds me of those stuffed cabbage rolls my grandma used to make, minus the rolling and fuss. It’s a bit rustic, a little humble, but exactly what you want when you’re craving something hearty and satisfying. The cabbage softens just right, the beef breaks apart into tender morsels, and the broth ties everything together with a rich tomatoey embrace. It’s the kind of dish that makes you slow down and savor each spoonful, even if you’re only half paying attention.

Loads of comforting, familiar flavors without the rolling hassle.
Hands-off cooking means you can get on with your day while it simmers away.
It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No fancy tricks, just good, honest ingredients.
Feeds a crowd or keeps you cozy for several meals, though the leftovers might vanish faster than expected.

Even if you’re not a slow cooker pro, this recipe is forgiving enough to fit into your rhythm. The timing is relaxed, the ingredients straightforward, and the result always satisfying.

Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Soup

Print Recipe

A comforting and hearty slow cooker soup that captures all the flavors of stuffed cabbage without the hassle of rolling. This unstuffed cabbage soup is packed with ground beef, cabbage, tomatoes, and a blend of savory spices, perfect for an easy and satisfying meal.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium head green cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
4 cups beef broth
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
2 stalks celery, sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add ground beef and diced onion to the skillet. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes, breaking up the beef with a spoon as it cooks.
Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Transfer the cooked beef, onion, and garlic mixture to the slow cooker.
Add chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, beef broth, sliced carrots, and sliced celery to the slow cooker.
Stir in dried oregano, dried basil, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the vegetables are tender and flavors have melded.
Stir the soup before serving and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.
Serve hot and enjoy your hearty slow cooker unstuffed cabbage soup.

Don’t worry about special equipment — a basic slow cooker does the job perfectly here. When it comes to serving, I like to pair this soup with a crusty piece of bread or a simple green salad to balance out the rich flavors. Sometimes, I add a splash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cheese on top just to mix things up, though that’s not necessary. You could also toss in a few extra herbs or swap ground beef for turkey if you’re feeling adventurous, but I haven’t tested all variations thoroughly.

FAQ

Can I make this soup on the stovetop instead? Sure, it’s possible—you’ll just need to simmer it gently for about an hour until the cabbage softens.

How long does it keep? It stays good in the fridge for up to four days and freezes well for a few months.

Is it spicy? Not inherently, but you can easily add some pepper flakes or hot sauce if you want a kick.

Ready to slow down and savor something really comforting tonight? Give this unstuffed cabbage soup a try and enjoy every cozy bite.