Italian Style Soup Made IN The Crockpot
ITALIAN STYLE SOUP MADE IN THE CROCKPOT is a medium Italian recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Farm Cooking with Nan on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 3 hrs 32 min | Total: 4 hrs 17 min
Cost: $19.74 total, $4.93 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 tsp Olive Oil (for browning the meat)
- 1 lb Ground Beef (lean, farm‑raised (Highland Cattle))
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
- 2 tbsp Italian Seasoning
- 0.5 tsp Dried Oregano
- 2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1.5 cups Sweet Onion (chopped)
- 2 tbsp Garlic (minced fresh garlic)
- 0.5 head Cabbage (core removed, cut into 1‑inch pieces)
- 4 cups Low Sodium Beef Bouillon (Italian seasoned)
- 24 oz Marinara Sauce (sugar‑free, avocado oil) (jar)
- 14 oz Fire‑Roasted Diced Tomatoes (canned)
- 2 sheets Oven‑Ready Lasagna Noodles (broken into bite‑size pieces)
- 4 oz Brie Cheese (soft ripened, cut into small cubes)
- 2 tbsp Plain Yogurt (full‑fat) (for finishing swirl)
Instructions
Brown the Beef
Heat 1 tsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook, breaking it up, until browned and no longer pink.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium‑high
Sauté Aromatics & Spices
Add the chopped sweet onion and minced garlic to the browned beef. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onion softens and the spices become fragrant.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium
Transfer to Crock Pot and Add Remaining Ingredients
Place the skillet contents into the crock‑pot liner. Add the chopped cabbage, 4 cups low‑sodium Italian‑seasoned beef bouillon, the 24‑oz jar of marinara sauce, and the 14‑oz can of fire‑roasted diced tomatoes. Stir to combine.
Time: PT5M
Slow‑Cook the Soup
Cover the crock pot and set it to HIGH. Cook for 3 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften.
Time: PT3H
Add Lasagna Noodles
About 15 minutes before the end of cooking, break the two oven‑ready lasagna sheets into bite‑size pieces and stir them into the soup. Continue cooking until the noodles are tender.
Time: PT15M
Finish with Brie
Add the cubed brie cheese and let it melt gently for 5 minutes. The cheese will create a creamy texture throughout the soup.
Time: PT5M
Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls, swirl a teaspoon of plain yogurt on top for extra creaminess, and enjoy with crusty Italian bread if desired.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 25 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 15 g
- Fiber
- 5 g
Dietary info: High protein, Low sugar, Contains dairy, Contains gluten
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Olive Oil: vegetable oil, canola oil
- Instead of Ground Beef: ground turkey, ground chicken
- Instead of Salt: sea salt, kosher salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper
- Instead of Italian Seasoning: homemade Italian herb blend
- Instead of Dried Oregano: fresh oregano, chopped
- Instead of Garlic Powder: fresh minced garlic
- Instead of Onion Powder: fresh onion, finely diced
- Instead of Sweet Onion: yellow onion
- Instead of Garlic: garlic powder
- Instead of Cabbage: kale, bok choy
- Instead of Low Sodium Beef Bouillon (Italian seasoned): homemade beef broth
- Instead of Marinara Sauce (sugar‑free, avocado oil): regular marinara
- Instead of Fire‑Roasted Diced Tomatoes: regular diced tomatoes
- Instead of Oven‑Ready Lasagna Noodles: broken pasta, no noodles
- Instead of Brie Cheese: cream cheese, mozzarella
- Instead of Plain Yogurt (full‑fat): sour cream, cottage cheese
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet
- Crock Pot (Slow Cooker) with liner
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cups
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Ladle (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Browning the beef to develop flavor
- Scraping every bit of marinara from the jar
- Adding the lasagna noodles only in the last 15‑20 minutes
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use farm‑raised lean beef for the best flavor and lower fat content.
- For extra depth, toast the Italian seasoning briefly in the skillet before adding liquids.
- A drizzle of extra‑virgin olive oil just before serving brightens the soup.
Troubleshooting
Soup is too thick after adding noodles.
Stir in additional broth or water a few tablespoons at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Noodles are mushy.
Add the lasagna sheets later (last 10‑12 minutes) and monitor closely.
Flavor is bland.
Adjust with extra salt, pepper, or a pinch more Italian seasoning before serving.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze portions in freezer‑safe bags for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The soup reheats beautifully; add a splash of broth when reheating to restore consistency.
- If freezing, omit the brie and yogurt; add fresh cheese when serving after thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Italian‑style cabbage beef soup in Italian‑American cuisine?
Cabbage soups have long been a staple in Italian peasant cooking, using inexpensive vegetables and leftover meat to stretch meals. In Italian‑American homes, adding tomato‑based sauces and occasional cheese turns the humble soup into a comforting, lasagna‑inspired dish that reflects both tradition and resourceful farm cooking.
What are the traditional regional variations of cabbage‑based soups in Italy?
In northern Italy, especially in the Veneto and Lombardy regions, cabbage is often paired with pork or beef broth and flavored with pancetta. Southern versions may include tomatoes, olives, and chili flakes. This recipe blends northern heartiness with southern tomato richness, creating a hybrid that fits farm‑style cooking.
How is Italian‑style cabbage beef soup traditionally served in Italian households?
It is typically served hot in deep bowls, topped with a drizzle of olive oil or a spoonful of grated Parmesan, and accompanied by crusty Italian bread. Some families add a dollop of ricotta or yogurt for extra creaminess, much like Nan does with brie and yogurt.
What occasions or celebrations is cabbage beef soup associated with in Italian culture?
Cabbage soups are popular during the colder months, especially around winter holidays like Christmas and New Year’s, when families gather for hearty meals. They are also common after church gatherings or farm work as a warming, nourishing dish.
What makes this cabbage beef soup special or unique in Italian‑American cuisine?
Nan’s version replaces traditional pasta sheets with oven‑ready lasagna noodles added at the end, giving the soup a lasagna‑like texture without the bulk of full‑size noodles. The addition of brie cheese and a swirl of yogurt adds a creamy, tangy finish that isn’t typical in classic Italian soups.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Italian‑style cabbage beef soup?
Common errors include overcooking the noodles, which makes them mushy, and not scraping the marinara jar, which wastes flavor. Also, under‑seasoning the broth before the slow‑cook stage can leave the final soup bland.
Why does this recipe add the lasagna noodles only in the last 15‑20 minutes of cooking?
Adding the noodles at the end prevents them from breaking down completely in the long slow‑cook, preserving a pleasant bite‑size texture that mimics the layered feel of lasagna without turning the soup starchy.
Can I make this cabbage beef soup ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the soup can be prepared a day ahead. Cool it quickly, then refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed, and stir in fresh brie or yogurt just before serving.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the soup is done cooking?
The cabbage should be tender but still retain a slight bite, the broth should be rich and slightly thick from the tomato base, and the lasagna pieces should be soft yet distinct. The melted brie will give the soup a velvety sheen.
What does the YouTube channel Farm Cooking with Nan specialize in?
The YouTube channel Farm Cooking with Nan focuses on wholesome, farm‑to‑table recipes that use ingredients raised or grown on Nan’s own farm. She emphasizes simple, budget‑friendly meals, often adapting classic dishes to fit a rural lifestyle.
How does the YouTube channel Farm Cooking with Nan's approach to Italian‑style cooking differ from other Italian cooking channels?
Nan blends traditional Italian flavors with farm‑fresh, low‑sugar ingredients and often substitutes pantry staples (like using brie for creaminess) to keep dishes healthier. Her videos are informal, showing real kitchen improvisation, whereas many Italian channels focus on precise, restaurant‑style techniques.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
