Discover 8 easy German cabbage soup recipes perfect for busy weeknights. This roundup highlights quick, hearty, and flavorful dishes from trusted food blogs—ideal for cozy dinners, meal prep, or healthy comfort food all season long.
Craving something warm and nourishing after a long day? These 8 easy German cabbage soup recipes bring big flavor with minimal effort. Each one is handpicked from trusted food blogs, so you can count on simple steps and rich, authentic taste. Whether you like smoky sausage, creamy potatoes, or sweet-sour cabbage, there’s a bowl for every craving.
With easy prep and wholesome ingredients, these soups are perfect for weeknight dinners, cozy winter evenings, or make-ahead lunches. Let’s explore this comforting collection and find your new go-to German soup.
Contents
Why This Recipe?
German cabbage soup wins hearts for its ease and flavor. With simple vegetables, smoky meats, or vegetarian twists, it comes together fast—perfect for hectic weeknights. The soup is versatile, letting you add sausage, beans, or extra greens without fuss. Cabbage itself is a nutrient powerhouse, rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, making every bowl both comforting and wholesome.
Its hearty, balanced taste—mildly sweet with optional tang from vinegar or sauerkraut—satisfies cravings while staying light. Whether you cook it one-pot on the stove or in a slow cooker, this classic German staple offers affordable, family-friendly comfort any time of year.
8 Easy German Cabbage Soup Recipes for Busy Weeknights
1. Easy Cabbage Soup (Budget Bytes)
Flavor Summary: A veggie-rich soup that is light but deeply satisfying. Cabbage forms the base with carrots, bell pepper, green beans, tomato, herbs, and a touch of lemon to brighten the broth.
Quick 5-Step Summary:
- Chop garlic, onions, carrots, celery, bell pepper, and cabbage.
- Sauté aromatics (garlic, onion) in olive oil, then add the other veggies.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, herbs/spices (smoked paprika, thyme, oregano), and broth.
- Simmer with cabbage until tender (around 40 minutes).
- Season with salt and finish with a splash of lemon juice.
Time: ~1 hour 10 minutes (prep + cook)
Tags: Vegetarian, Gluten-free, Budget-friendly, Comfort Food
Recipe Credit: Budget Bytes (Beth Moncel)
💡 Tip: Use smoked paprika for a subtle smoky depth; swap in whatever greens you have for extra color.
👉 Check full recipe: Budget Bytes – Easy Cabbage Soup
2. Slow Cooker Cabbage and Sausage (Budget Bytes)
Flavor Summary: Smoky sausage infuses the cabbage and potatoes with flavor, making for a hands-off, hearty, and brothy meal that warms you from the inside.
Quick 5-Step Summary:
- Add baby potatoes and chopped onion to a slow cooker.
- Chop cabbage and add with spices.
- Slice smoked sausage, place in the cooker.
- Pour in chicken broth, cook on high for ~4 hours or low for ~8.
- Adjust seasonings, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Time: ~4 hours 15 minutes total (mostly hands-off)
Tags: Meat, Slow Cooker, Weeknight Friendly, Comfort Food
Recipe Credit: Budget Bytes (Beth Moncel)
💡 Tip: If short on time, cut potatoes and cabbage smaller so they cook faster.
👉 Check full recipe: Budget Bytes – Slow Cooker Cabbage and Sausage
3. Beef and Cabbage Soup (Budget Bytes)
Flavor Summary: Rich and satisfying beef-based soup where the tang of tomato and herbs balances hearty cabbage and ground beef. Comforting and filling without being overly heavy.
Quick 5-Step Summary:
- Sauté onion and garlic in oil.
- Brown ground beef; optionally drain fat.
- Add shredded cabbage, stewed tomatoes (with juices), herbs, and beef broth.
- Simmer until cabbage is very soft (~30 minutes).
- Finish with lemon juice and parsley; adjust seasoning.
Time: ~1 hour total
Tags: Meat, Hearty, Tomato-based, Comfort Food
Recipe Credit: Budget Bytes (Beth Moncel)
💡 Tip: Use canned tomatoes with herbs for richer flavor; a squeeze of lemon at the end lifts the taste.
👉 Check full recipe: Budget Bytes – Beef and Cabbage Soup
4. Bratwurst and Sauerkraut (Budget Bytes)
Flavor Summary: Juicy bratwurst simmered with tangy sauerkraut, sweet apples, and onions. Bold, robust flavor with classic German notes—somewhere between stew and soup.
Quick 5-Step Summary:
- Brown bratwurst in a skillet.
- Sauté onions, apples, and garlic.
- Add sauerkraut, spices (caraway, paprika), and broth.
- Nestle sausage into sauerkraut mixture and simmer until cooked through.
- Serve hot with bread or potatoes.
Time: ~45 minutes total
Tags: Meat, Traditional German Flavor, Hearty, One-Pot
Recipe Credit: Budget Bytes (Beth Moncel)
💡 Tip: Rinse sauerkraut lightly if you prefer less tang.
👉 Check full recipe: Budget Bytes – Bratwurst and Sauerkraut
5. Slow Cooker Cabbage & Sausage Brothy Style (Budget Bytes)
Flavor Summary: Smoky sausage meets tender cabbage and potatoes in a slow-cooked broth that’s more soup than stew; great for leftovers and reheating.
Quick 5-Step Summary:
- Place onions, potatoes, and cabbage in slow cooker.
- Add sliced sausage, seasoning, and broth.
- Cook on high ~4 hours or low ~8 hours.
- Stir to combine; check potato and cabbage tenderness.
- Season to taste and serve warm.
Time: ~4 hours 15 minutes
Tags: Meat, Slow Cooker, Brothy Soup Style, Family-friendly
Recipe Credit: Budget Bytes (Beth Moncel)
💡 Tip: Add extra stock if you like more broth or blend part of the soup for creamy texture.
👉 Check full recipe: Budget Bytes – Slow Cooker Cabbage and Sausage
6. Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet (Budget Bytes)
Flavor Summary: A fast skillet meal with smoky kielbasa, soft cabbage, and a sharp mustard vinaigrette. Bold, savory, and slightly tangy—ideal when you want flavor without long simmering.
Quick 5-Step Summary:
- Slice kielbasa and brown in a skillet.
- Dice onion; sauté with sausage until onion is soft.
- Chop cabbage and add to skillet; cook until tender.
- Whisk mustard vinaigrette (oil, vinegar, mustard, garlic).
- Drizzle over skillet, toss, and serve.
Time: ~40 minutes total
Tags: Meat, Quick, Tangy, One-Pan
Recipe Credit: Budget Bytes (Beth Moncel)
💡 Tip: Let the cabbage caramelize slightly for deeper flavor.
👉 Check full recipe: Budget Bytes – Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet
7. Classic Cabbage Soup (Vegetable-Forward, Budget Bytes)
Flavor Summary: Vegetables take center stage with cabbage, green beans, bell pepper, and carrots in a broth with herbs and tomato. Light, refreshing, and wholesome.
Quick 5-Step Summary:
- Prep garlic, onion, carrots, celery, and bell pepper.
- Sauté aromatics until soft.
- Add tomatoes, frozen beans, seasoning, and broth.
- Add cabbage; simmer until vegetables are tender.
- Finish with lemon juice and fresh herbs.
Time: ~1 hr 10 min total
Tags: Vegetarian, Light, Vegetable-Heavy, Healthy Comfort
Recipe Credit: Budget Bytes (Beth Moncel)
💡 Tip: Add a pinch of sugar if the broth tastes too acidic.
👉 Check full recipe: Budget Bytes – Easy Cabbage Soup
8. One-Pot Beef & Cabbage (Budget Bytes)
Flavor Summary: Ground beef enriches a tomato and cabbage base, delivering protein and deep flavor. Herbs and lemon brighten the hearty dish, making it a go-to weeknight soup.
Quick 5-Step Summary:
- Sauté onion and garlic.
- Brown ground beef thoroughly.
- Add shredded cabbage, tomatoes, broth, and herbs.
- Simmer until cabbage is soft and flavors meld.
- Stir in lemon juice and parsley; adjust seasoning.
Time: ~1 hour total
Tags: Meat, Hearty, Tomato-Based, One-Pot Cooking
Recipe Credit: Budget Bytes (Beth Moncel)
💡 Tip: Cover the pot while simmering to soften cabbage faster; add more broth if you like a thinner soup.
👉 Check full recipe: Budget Bytes – Beef and Cabbage Soup
More Recipe Details
Ingredients Common Across Recipes
Most of these German cabbage soup recipes share a simple shopping list: green or savoy cabbage, onions, carrots, potatoes, garlic, broth (chicken or vegetable), and a few pantry spices like bay leaf or caraway seed. Smoked sausage, ground beef, or bratwurst are popular add-ins for hearty flavor.
Cooking Time & Prep Time Comparison
Quick stovetop soups like Easy Cabbage Soup or Kielbasa & Cabbage Skillet cook in about 40–60 minutes. Slow cooker versions need 4–8 hours of mostly hands-off time. Choose based on your schedule: stovetop for quick dinners, slow cooker for set-and-forget.
Taste / Flavor Profiles
Expect a savory, mildly sweet base from cabbage and onions. Recipes with sauerkraut bring a gentle tang, while tomato-based versions add rich acidity. Smoked meats like sausage or kielbasa create a deep, cozy aroma perfect for winter nights.
Nutritional Notes & Variations
Cabbage is naturally low in calories, high in fiber and vitamin C. Most recipes are easy to adapt for vegetarian diets—just swap vegetable broth and skip the meat. For extra protein, add beans or lentils.
History or Origin of the Dish
Cabbage has long been a staple in German cooking, valued for its ability to stay fresh through cold winters. Classic dishes like Kohlsuppe (cabbage soup) and Sauerkrautsuppe (sauerkraut soup) date back centuries. They were originally simple peasant foods designed to stretch ingredients and provide hearty nourishment. Over time, regional variations emerged: some sweet-sour with vinegar and sugar, others creamy with potatoes or rich with smoked meats. Today, German cabbage soup remains beloved for its comforting flavor and budget-friendly nature.
Tools & Equipment Needed
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Sharp chef’s knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
- Slow cooker (optional, for set-and-forget meals)
- Ladle and soup bowls
- Airtight containers for leftovers or meal prep
FAQ Section
1. What makes German cabbage soup different?
It often includes caraway seeds, smoked meats, or a sweet-sour flavor balance—classic to German cooking.
2. Can I make it vegetarian or vegan?
Yes. Use vegetable broth and skip sausage or beef. Add beans or lentils for extra protein.
3. How long can I store it?
Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. The flavor deepens after a day or two.
4. What type of cabbage works best?
Green or savoy cabbage holds its texture well, while white cabbage gives a classic mild flavor.
5. Can I freeze German cabbage soup?
Yes. Cool completely, store in airtight containers, and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
6. How can I speed up cooking?
Shred cabbage finely, cut potatoes smaller, or use a pressure cooker to reduce simmering time.
7. What sides go well with it?
Rye bread, crusty rolls, or a simple green salad make perfect companions.
8. How do I keep it from tasting too sour?
If using sauerkraut or vinegar, taste as you go and add a pinch of sugar to balance acidity.
Conclusion
These 8 easy German cabbage soup recipes prove that healthy comfort food can fit any weeknight schedule. From classic vegetable-rich bowls to smoky sausage and tangy sauerkraut twists, each recipe offers hearty flavor with minimal effort. Whether you cook stovetop or slow cooker, you’ll have nourishing meals that warm the kitchen and the soul