Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef -

Introduction

When you’re craving a cozy, comforting, and nutrient-dense meal, few dishes hit the spot like a Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef. This timeless recipe blends the rustic charm of tender cabbage leaves with the savory goodness of seasoned ground beef. Ideal for chilly evenings, busy weeknights, or batch-cooking for the week ahead, this soup is a beloved favorite across generations.

Packed with vibrant vegetables, hearty meat, and savory broth, this soup not only pleases your palate but also supports a healthy lifestyle. Whether you’re on a low-carb diet, feeding a family, or meal prepping for convenience, this recipe checks all the boxes:

Budget-friendly and made from pantry staples
Low in carbs and high in protein and fiber
Naturally gluten-free and easily adaptable to your dietary needs
Full of comforting, home-cooked flavors

Let’s dive into this rich, satisfying, and soul-warming recipe that promises to become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef (preferably lean or extra lean)
1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing, optional)
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups green cabbage, chopped
2 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
6 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (adds brightness)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Aromatics and Beef

Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add olive oil (if needed) and sauté the diced onion for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula.
Cook the beef until browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes.

Step 2: Add the Vegetables

Toss in the chopped cabbage, sliced carrots, and diced celery.
Stir well to mix the vegetables with the browned beef.
Sauté the mixture for 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly and absorb flavor.

Step 3: Pour in the Liquids

Add the diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato paste, and beef broth.
Stir until the tomato paste dissolves fully into the broth.
Add Worcestershire sauce and apple cider vinegar to deepen the flavor profile.

Step 4: Season the Soup

Add salt, black pepper, oregano, paprika, thyme, and bay leaves.
If you enjoy a touch of heat, stir in red pepper flakes.
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.
Cover and let it simmer for 25–30 minutes.

Step 5: Final Touches

Remove bay leaves before serving.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed (more salt, vinegar, or pepper).
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness and color.

Variation

This Hearty Cabbage Soup is incredibly versatile. You can tweak it according to your preference or dietary goals:

Keto-friendly version: Skip the carrots or replace them with zucchini or bell peppers.
Low-sodium version: Use homemade or no-salt-added broth and reduce added salt.
Vegan/Vegetarian version: Swap ground beef for lentils, chickpeas, or plant-based crumbles.
Add grains: Mix in cooked brown rice, quinoa, or barley for a heartier meal.
Switch proteins: Use ground turkey, chicken, sausage, or even shredded rotisserie chicken.
Add beans: White beans, kidney beans, or cannellini add both bulk and protein.

Cooking Note

When cooking this soup, aim for a gentle simmer—not a rapid boil—to allow flavors to meld and vegetables to soften without breaking apart. For even richer flavor:

Cook the soup a day in advance. Flavors deepen and improve overnight.
If freezing, let the soup cool completely before transferring to airtight containers.
Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to refresh the soup’s consistency.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this nourishing soup with a variety of complementary sides:

Crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping
Grilled cheese sandwiches for a satisfying meal
Side salad with vinaigrette to balance the warm flavors
Dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for creaminess
Sprinkle of shredded cheese (cheddar or parmesan) on top

This dish also pairs beautifully with a warm baked potato or a slice of cornbread.

Tips

To elevate your soup and make it easier to prepare:

Prep ingredients ahead: Chop veggies in advance and refrigerate until ready to use.
Double the recipe: Freeze extra portions for future meals.
Use a slow cooker: After browning the beef, add all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours.
Add a squeeze of lemon or extra vinegar just before serving to brighten flavors.
Batch cooking tip: Freeze in 2-cup portions for easy lunches.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Nutritional Information

FAQs

Can I freeze this cabbage soup?

Yes! This soup freezes exceptionally well. Cool completely, then store in airtight containers or freezer bags. It lasts up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.

How do I make this in a slow cooker?

Brown the beef and onion beforehand, then add all ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Remove bay leaves before serving.

Is this soup keto-friendly?

With a few modifications—such as omitting the carrots—this soup fits perfectly into a keto lifestyle.

Can I add potatoes or rice?

Yes, but keep in mind it will no longer be low-carb. Add 1 cup of diced potatoes or 1/2 cup cooked rice during the simmering phase.

What can I use instead of ground beef?

Ground turkey, chicken, or sausage work well. You can even try lentils or beans for a vegetarian twist.

Can I use pre-shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix?

Absolutely! It’s a time-saving shortcut. Just be aware that the texture may be softer.

What’s the best broth to use?

Beef broth gives the most flavor, but chicken or vegetable broth works in a pinch. Choose low-sodium to control salt levels.

Conclusion

Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef delivers on all fronts—it’s warm, delicious, economical, and easy to make. Perfect for meal prepping, sharing with loved ones, or simply savoring a comforting bowl at home, this soup is sure to be on repeat in your meal rotation.

Make it your own with simple swaps, enjoy it throughout the week, and relish every spoonful of flavor-packed nourishment. With minimal prep and maximum comfort, this soup proves that simple ingredients can create something truly satisfying.