Hearty Cabbage & Ground Beef Soup

By bhutta shaharyar

Hearty Cabbage & Ground Beef Soup

A comforting, budget-friendly soup packed with tender cabbage, savory ground beef, tomatoes, and vegetables simmered in a flavorful broth. This hearty one-pot meal is perfect for chilly evenings, meal prep, or when you want something filling yet wholesome. The cabbage softens beautifully while soaking up the rich beefy flavor, creating a rustic soup that tastes even better the next day.

Recipe Overview

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Servings: 6 servings
  • Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
  • 1 small green cabbage, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes
  • 6 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon thyme
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ins

  • 1 potato, diced
  • 1 cup green beans
  • Red pepper flakes for heat
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess grease if needed.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot. Cook for 5–6 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

Stir in tomato paste, paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the vegetables and beef.

Step 4: Add Liquids & Cabbage

Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes. Add chopped cabbage and any optional vegetables.

Step 5: Simmer

Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and flavors are well combined.

Step 6: Taste & Serve

Adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with crusty bread or rice.

Description Notes

This soup is:

  • Rich and savory from the seasoned ground beef
  • Naturally hearty thanks to cabbage and vegetables
  • Affordable and pantry-friendly
  • Excellent for freezing and meal prep
  • Flexible for low-carb or higher-protein diets

The cabbage becomes tender without turning mushy, giving the soup a satisfying texture and mild sweetness.

Cooking Tips

Best Beef to Use

  • Use 85/15 ground beef for the best flavor balance.
  • Lean beef works too, but may be slightly less rich.

Make It Low Carb

Skip potatoes and add extra cabbage or zucchini.

Add More Flavor

A splash of Worcestershire sauce or a parmesan rind during simmering deepens the flavor.

Storage Tips

  • Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Texture Tip

If you prefer softer cabbage, simmer an extra 10–15 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

  • Buttered crusty bread
  • Garlic toast
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Steamed rice
  • Side salad

Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Serving)

  • Calories: 290
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 780 mg

Nutritional values vary depending on ingredients used.

Health Benefits

Cabbage Benefits

  • Rich in vitamin C and vitamin K
  • High in antioxidants
  • Supports digestion due to fiber content
  • Low in calories but filling

Ground Beef Benefits

  • Excellent source of protein
  • Provides iron and B vitamins
  • Helps maintain muscle and energy levels

Vegetable Benefits

Carrots, celery, onions, and tomatoes contribute vitamins, minerals, and natural flavor while increasing fiber.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes. Ground turkey or chicken works well for a lighter version.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes. Brown the beef first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook:

  • Low: 6–7 hours
  • High: 3–4 hours

Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Absolutely. Cool completely before freezing in airtight containers.

Can I add rice or pasta?

Yes. Add cooked rice or small pasta near the end of cooking.

Why is my soup too watery?

Let it simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes to reduce the broth.

Can I make it spicy?

Add chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños.

Recipe Variations

Rustic Farmhouse Style

Add potatoes and extra herbs.

Spicy Version

Use hot paprika and crushed red pepper flakes.

Italian Style

Add Italian seasoning and top with parmesan cheese.

Keto-Friendly Version

Use extra beef and cabbage while skipping carrots and potatoes.

Final Notes

Hearty Cabbage & Ground Beef Soup is the kind of comforting homemade meal that delivers warmth, nutrition, and satisfying flavor with simple ingredients. It’s adaptable, freezer-friendly, and ideal for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. The longer it sits, the more flavorful it becomes, making leftovers especially delicious.

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