Introduction
If you’ve been focusing on high-protein meals and trying to stay full while keeping calories and WW Points under control, this WW Cabbage Soup is a comforting option to add to your menu.
It’s packed with vegetables, lean protein, flavorful herbs, and plenty of broth. The combination creates a big, satisfying bowl without making the meal feel heavy. It’s especially useful when you’re craving something warm and comforting but still want to stay on track.
Say “Soup” for the recipe! 🥣❤️
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground turkey or chicken
- 1 medium head green cabbage, chopped
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 can diced tomatoes, preferably no-salt-added
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 6–8 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt, to taste
- 1–2 tablespoons fresh parsley, optional
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice, optional
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables.
Wash and chop the cabbage, onion, carrots, celery, zucchini, and garlic. - Brown the protein.
Heat a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the lean ground turkey or chicken and cook until browned and completely cooked through. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. - Add the aromatics.
Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften. - Build the soup.
Add the chopped cabbage, zucchini, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. - Season generously.
Stir in the Italian seasoning, paprika, oregano, and black pepper. Add salt according to your taste and the sodium content of your broth. - Simmer.
Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat. Cover and simmer for approximately 25–35 minutes, or until the cabbage and vegetables are tender. - Finish and taste.
Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings. Add fresh parsley or a small squeeze of lemon juice for extra freshness. - Serve hot.
Ladle into large bowls and enjoy!
Cooking Method
Stovetop:
This is the easiest traditional method. Brown the meat first, sauté the vegetables, add the remaining ingredients, and simmer until tender.
Slow cooker:
Brown the meat separately, then transfer it to a slow cooker with all remaining ingredients. Cook on LOW for about 6–7 hours or HIGH for about 3–4 hours, until the vegetables are tender.
The History of Cabbage Soup
Cabbage soup has a long history because cabbage is inexpensive, nutritious, filling, and easy to grow in many climates. Variations of cabbage-based soups appear in cuisines throughout Europe and beyond.
The modern idea of “diet cabbage soup” became especially popular through various short-term diet plans during the late 20th century. While those restrictive diets weren’t designed to provide complete long-term nutrition, the basic idea of a vegetable-rich cabbage soup remains useful as part of a balanced eating pattern.
Today’s version improves on the concept by including lean protein and a wide variety of vegetables, making it much more satisfying than a broth-and-cabbage-only soup.
Benefits
🥬 Lots of vegetables: Cabbage, carrots, celery, tomatoes, and zucchini provide fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
🍗 Protein-rich: Adding lean ground turkey or chicken makes the soup more satisfying and helps you build a more balanced meal.
🥣 High-volume meal: The large amount of broth and vegetables gives you a generous portion without requiring large amounts of calorie-dense ingredients.
❤️ Comforting and filling: A warm bowl of soup can be especially satisfying when you’re craving a hearty meal.
🍅 Easy to customize: You can change the vegetables, herbs, and protein based on what you have available.
💰 Budget-friendly: Cabbage, carrots, celery, tomatoes, and broth are generally affordable ingredients that can stretch a meal across several servings.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition will vary depending on the exact ingredients, portion size, type of meat, and broth used.
For a more accurate estimate, calculate the recipe using the specific brands and quantities you use.
To keep the soup lighter, choose:
- Extra-lean ground turkey or chicken
- Low-sodium broth
- No-salt-added canned tomatoes
- Plenty of non-starchy vegetables
- Minimal added oil
WW Points can also vary depending on the specific ingredients and your individual WW plan, so check your current WW app/calculator for the most accurate Points value.
Meal Prep Method
This soup is excellent for meal preparation.
Prepare a large pot at the beginning of the week, allow it to cool, and divide it into individual containers. Store portions in the refrigerator for convenient lunches or dinners.
You can also freeze portions in freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top because the soup expands as it freezes.
Serving Ideas
For an even more satisfying meal, serve your cabbage soup with:
- A small side salad
- Greek yogurt as a creamy topping
- Fresh herbs
- A squeeze of lemon
- A small portion of whole-grain bread
- Additional lean protein if needed
For the Soup Lovers ❤️
If you’re a soup lover, this is the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation.
It’s warm, flavorful, colorful, filling, and easy to prepare. Best of all, you can make a big batch and have a nourishing meal ready whenever hunger strikes.
And if you’re working toward healthier eating habits, remember that one soup doesn’t need to do all the work. The best results usually come from an overall eating pattern that includes adequate protein, vegetables, fiber, enjoyable foods, and enough calories to support your individual needs.
Conclusion
This WW Cabbage Soup is a simple way to combine lean protein and plenty of vegetables into one comforting bowl. It’s easy to customize, great for meal prep, and perfect for those days when you want something hearty without a heavy meal.
Save this recipe, share it with a fellow soup lover, and say “Soup” if you want the recipe! 🥣