Mediterranean Cabbage Soup

An easy twist on a hearty and comforting Mediterranean cabbage stew!

This rich and flavorful Mediterranean cabbage soup is a perfect comfort dish, packed with vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a hearty base of rice and beef. With tender cabbage, sweet carrots, and a medley of spices, it’s a wholesome and satisfying meal. Enjoy it with a side of feta, olives, and crusty bread for a truly Mediterranean experience.

I’m addicted to my lemony cabbage soup, but this is my version of traditional Mediterranean cabbage soup. I like adding beef because the soup then tastes like stuffed cabbage rolls. However, you can make this vegetarian and vegan by omitting it. It’s a good way to pack a lot of nutrition into your dinner because it’s loaded with vegetables, and you can serve it for lent if you’re fasting or a light meal during the week.

Why is this so hearty?

Juicy, meaty beef

Tender veggies

Soft, leafy cabbage

Plump, flavorful rice

Bright, herby, garlicky

Spicy tomato broth

What are the ingredients for cabbage soup?

Olive oil -your favorite oil for sauteing. I tend to use a good quality, flavorful one.

Celery stalk -diced into small, bite-sized pieces so you can have a bite with everything in it.

Onion -finely chopped to distribute throughout the soup evenly.

Carrots -peeled and diced to about the same size as the celery.

Ground beef -this adds so much rich, meaty flavor, but if you want to keep it vegetarian, try using mushrooms.

Garlic cloves -grated or minced to almost melt into the soup and flavor every bite.

Bell pepper -diced the same size as the other veggies to keep the texture of the soup balanced.

Cabbage -shredded thinly so it wilts into the broth nicely. I cut the shreds about a half-inch thick.

Can tomato sauce -just a small can will work or a can of crushed tomatoes.

Rice -I like to use arborio rice for this soup, but you could use Carolina rice or orzo if you like.

Chicken stock -I love to make this at home and store it in the freezer for recipes like this, but your favorite from the grocery store is fine. Vegetable broth works perfectly if you’d like to keep this soup vegetarian.

Parsley -adding fresh parsley at the end gives the soup a fresh herb finish and adds color.

What spices do I need?

Bay leaf -these leaves add a sneaky, subtle herby flavor and a hint of floral.

Dried crushed oregano -adds a ton of earthy herbiness.

Crushed red pepper flakes -for just a bit of heat to round out all the soup flavors, but you can use more or less to your taste.

Dried mint -the cool sweetness pairs perfectly with mint to freshen the whole soup.

Salt & freshly ground black pepper -the duo that magnifies all the soup flavors.

Dried dill -brightens the richness of the soup with a hint of citrus.

Do I start with the beef?

Heat a Dutch oven or a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef and season lightly with salt and black pepper. Cook until browned, and then transfer the beef to a plate.

How long do I sauté the veggies?

Add the olive oil, bell pepper, onion, celery, and carrots and cook over medium heat for 7-10 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook until warmed through and fragrant.

When do I cook the cabbage?

Add the cabbage, beef, tomato sauce, rice, and the spices. Pour the stock into the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 20 minutes until the cabbage wilts and the rice is fully cooked.

How do I serve Mediterranean Cabbage Soup?

Adjust the seasoning if needed, garnish with parsley, and serve with crusty homemade bread or an easy-to-make baguette.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Substitute the ground beef with plant-based protein or beans like chickpeas or lentils. You can also add extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers for more depth of flavor.

Can I use orzo pasta?

If you prefer, you can substitute the rice with orzo pasta for a different texture and a quicker cooking time. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as orzo cooks faster than rice.

Do you have more cabbage recipes?

Greek Lemony Chicken & Cabbage Soup

Lahanodolmades: Greek Cabbage Rolls with Egg Lemon Sauce

Greek Lamb & Cabbage Stew

Greek Deconstructed Cabbage Roll Pilaf: Lahanodolmades Pilafi

One-Pan Chicken with Cabbage & Rice

Greek Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Vegetarian)

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