This Ground Beef Cabbage Soup recipe is the definition of humble, hearty comfort in a bowl. If you’re searching for a simple, satisfying, and healthy ground beef and cabbage soup, your search is over. Imagine tender ground beef and soft, sweet cabbage in a rich, tomato-based broth.
It’s the kind of meal that simmers on your stovetop and fills your entire home with an incredibly inviting, savory aroma. It’s simple, satisfying, and wonderfully good for you, making it the perfect easy cabbage soup for any night of the week.
WHY MAKE THIS RECIPE
Incredibly Nourishing and Wholesome
This isn’t just another soup; it’s a nutrient-packed powerhouse. This hearty ground beef cabbage soup is famously healthy and filling. Cabbage is a low-calorie vegetable loaded with vitamins, and when combined with lean ground beef, it creates a balanced meal that is high in protein and fiber. This hearty cabbage soup will keep you full and satisfied for hours.
The Ultimate Budget-Friendly Meal
Let’s talk value. This easy ground beef cabbage soup is famously easy on the pocketbook. The ingredients are simple, inexpensive, and often already in your pantry. You get a massive pot of delicious food for just a few dollars, which is perfect for feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week ahead.
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Ground Beef Cabbage Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A cozy, nourishing cabbage soup made with ground beef, tomatoes, and hearty vegetables simple, filling, and budget-friendly.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chopped green cabbage
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- 1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- 2. Add diced onion and garlic and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- 3. Stir in cabbage, carrots, and celery and cook for another 3 minutes.
- 4. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth.
- 5. Season with oregano, basil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- 6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
- 7. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Notes
- For extra richness, add 1–2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce.
- This soup reheats beautifully and often tastes even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 235
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: cabbage soup, ground beef soup, hearty soup, vegetable soup
HOW TO MAKE GROUND BEEF CABBAGE SOUP
Ingredients: Your Simple Lineup
Gather these easy ingredients for a soul-warming meal:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chopped green cabbage (about ½ a large head)
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions: Your Simple Step-by-Step Guide
Brown the Beef: In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is no longer pink.
Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have begun to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
Build the Soup Base: Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, and tomato sauce. Stir in the dried oregano, thyme, and add the bay leaf.
Add the Cabbage: Stir in the chopped cabbage. It will seem like a lot at first, but it will wilt down significantly as it cooks.
Simmer to Perfection: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the cabbage and carrots are very tender.
Final Touches: Remove the bay leaf. Taste the hearty cabbage soup and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
NUTRITION AND HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS
A Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly Option
This healthy cabbage soup is naturally low in carbohydrates, making it an excellent choice for those following a low-carb or keto diet. The bulk of this ground beef and cabbage soup comes from non-starchy vegetables, providing volume and nutrients without the extra carbs.
Easy Adaptations for Your Needs
This ground beef cabbage soup recipe is wonderfully adaptable. For a leaner version, you can use ground turkey or chicken. To make it paleo or Whole30 compliant, ensure your broth and tomato products contain no sugar or unwanted additives.
HOW TO SERVE GROUND BEEF CABBAGE SOUP
The Perfect Comforting Meal
This easy cabbage soup is a complete meal all on its own! It’s so hearty and satisfying that you don’t really need anything else. However, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a wonderful salty, umami kick.
The Best Side Dishes
If you’d like to make it a larger spread, this ground beef and cabbage soup pairs beautifully with a slice of crusty, buttered bread for dipping. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette also works perfectly to balance the heartiness.
HOW TO STORE GROUND BEEF CABBAGE SOUP
Refrigerating for Later
Once completely cooled, store this ground beef cabbage soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days. The flavors often meld and become even more delicious the next day.
Freezing for Future Meals
This soup freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop.
TIPS TO MAKE THE BEST GROUND BEEF CABBAGE SOUP
Tips and Notes: Your Kitchen Companion
- Don’t Skip Browning: Taking the time to properly brown the ground beef adds a deep, savory flavor to the entire hearty cabbage soup.
- Chop Cabbage Evenly: Try to chop the cabbage into similar-sized pieces so they all cook at the same rate.
- Let it Rest: For the best flavor, let the ground beef cabbage soup sit for 10-15 minutes after cooking before serving. This allows the flavors to fully meld.
Variation
Feel free to get creative with this ground beef cabbage soup recipe! You can add a cup of cooked barley or rice for a more hearty, stew-like consistency. A dash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes can also add a nice depth of flavor or a subtle kick.
Notes
The soup will thicken slightly as it sits due to the starches from the vegetables. If you have leftovers, you may want to add a splash of beef broth or water when reheating to reach your desired consistency.
GROUND BEEF CABBAGE SOUP FAQs
Can I make this ground beef cabbage soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the ground beef on the stovetop first, then transfer it to your slow cooker. Add all the remaining ingredients except the fresh parsley. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours.
My soup is a bit bland. How can I add more flavor?
The best way to fix a bland ground beef and cabbage soup is with seasoning! Add more salt and pepper in small increments, tasting as you go. A splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce can also add a great umami boost.
Can I use a different type of cabbage in this recipe?
Yes! Green cabbage is classic for this ground beef cabbage soup recipe, but you can also use Savoy cabbage for a more delicate texture. I do not recommend using red cabbage as it will turn the entire soup a blue-purple color.
CONCLUSION
This Ground Beef Cabbage Soup Recipe is proof that the simplest meals are often the most rewarding. It’s cozy, nourishing, and incredibly straightforward to make. This is the kind of timeless, dependable ground beef and cabbage soup you’ll find yourself returning to again and again. So, grab your favorite pot and get ready to enjoy one of the coziest soups you’ll ever make.