Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup is a hearty, nutritious, and comforting recipe made with lean ground beef, green cabbage, carrots, diced tomatoes, and flavorful seasonings simmered in a savory broth. This one pot meal offers a satisfying balance of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it ideal for family dinners, meal prep, or anyone following a wholesome eating plan.
This Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup is built on simple, affordable ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. With chopped cabbage as the star vegetable and ground beef as the protein base, it delivers a rustic, homestyle flavor that’s both filling and healthy. The addition of garlic, onions, celery, and carrots enhances the flavor profile, while tomato paste and diced tomatoes add richness and acidity to the broth.
Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup is Perfect for colder months or whenever you’re craving a warm and satisfying meal, Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup is easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and full of homemade flavor.
Why Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup is the Ideal Recipe
Here’s why this Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup stands out:
Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup is Simple to Make
Even if you’re new to cooking, you can whip up this dish with ease. It only requires a single large pot and basic knife skills, making cleanup a breeze.
Budget-Friendly Ingredients
Cabbage, carrots, onions, and ground beef are affordable and widely available. Plus, it’s easy to bulk up the soup with potatoes or skip them for a low-carb version.
Wholesome and Satisfying
This soup is protein rich, fiber, and other main nutrients. The broth is light but flavorful, and the vegetables add both texture and depth.
Great for Leftovers
The flavor of Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup only improves the next day. It stores well in the fridge and freezes beautifully—ideal for batch cooking.
Highly Customizable
Use chicken broth instead of beef, add beans, spice it up with chili flakes, or mix in additional veggies. The base is flexible enough to adapt to your taste preferences.
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Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup ( Full Recipe )
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup is a hearty, nutritious one-pot meal featuring lean ground beef, fresh cabbage, carrots, and tomatoes simmered in a flavorful broth. It’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb ground beef (85-90% lean)
1 medium green cabbage, chopped
1 yellow onion, diced
2 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery ribs, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 russet potatoes, peeled and cubed (optional)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 cans (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon beef bouillon or 4 cups beef broth
4 cups water
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
To the same pot, add the diced yellow onion, minced garlic, chopped carrots, and celery. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions turn translucent. This step enhances the flavor and provides a foundation of savory depth.
Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture cook for 1 to 2 minutes. This brief cooking time allows the tomato paste to caramelize slightly and the spices to become aromatic, intensifying the soup’s overall flavor.
Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (with their juices), beef broth (or bouillon dissolved in water), and an additional 4 cups of water. Stir well to combine. Then, add the chopped green cabbage and cubed russet potatoes, if using. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let the soup simmer for 30 to 40 minutes. During this time, the cabbage will become tender, and the potatoes will cook through. Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom.
Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if necessary. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and brightness.
This method results in a rich, satisfying soup packed with vegetables, lean protein, and deep savory flavor—all made with simple steps and minimal cleanup.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 45 min
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stove-top
- Cuisine: American
Key Ingredients in Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup
This Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup combines wholesome ingredients to create a deeply flavorful and satisfying dish. Each component serves a purpose—either for taste, texture, or nutrition—making this soup a complete and balanced meal in one pot.
Ground Beef
The base of the soup starts with ground beef, ideally 85% to 90% lean. It adds hearty protein and savory richness to the broth. For a leaner option, consider using ground turkey or chicken in place of beef.
Green Cabbage
Cabbage is the central vegetable in this soup. It softens beautifully during simmering, absorbs flavor from the broth, and provides fiber and nutrients. A medium-sized head, chopped, is just the right amount.
Onion and Garlic
Diced yellow onion and minced garlic lay the groundwork for the soup’s rich, savory flavor. These aromatics help build depth in the soup, especially when sautéed in olive oil before the other ingredients are added.
Carrots and Celery
Carrots add subtle sweetness and vibrant color, while celery gives the soup a slight crunch and earthy flavor. Both are classic ingredients in many soup bases.
Potatoes (Optional)
Russet potatoes are optional, but when included, they make the soup more filling. They also absorb flavor well and add to the creamy texture of the broth.
Diced Tomatoes and Tomato Paste
Canned diced tomatoes and a spoonful of tomato paste bring a bright acidity and rich tomato flavor to balance the heartiness of the beef and cabbage.
Broth and Water
Beef bouillon or beef broth enhances the savory element, while water is added to stretch the soup to the desired consistency. Using low-sodium broth is a good option if you’re watching salt intake.
Seasonings
Paprika and dried thyme add warmth and complexity. Season with salt and pepper as needed to enhance and balance the overall taste. These basic spices are enough to keep the soup comforting while enhancing the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Fresh Parsley (Optional Garnish)
Adding a sprinkle of chopped parsley at the end offers a pop of freshness and color. This is optional but recommended for presentation and brightness.
Together, these ingredients create a soup that’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a family or preparing in batches for the week.
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How to Cook Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup Step-by-Step
This Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup comes together in a single pot with easy-to-follow steps. The key is layering flavor gradually and allowing time for the ingredients to simmer and meld together.
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by warming olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, using a spoon or spatula to break it into small crumbles as it cooks. If there’s excess grease, drain it before continuing to the next step. This creates a rich base and helps prevent the soup from becoming too oily.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
To the same pot, add the diced yellow onion, minced garlic, chopped carrots, and celery. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions turn translucent. This step enhances the flavor and provides a foundation of savory depth.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture cook for 1 to 2 minutes. This brief cooking time allows the tomato paste to caramelize slightly and the spices to become aromatic, intensifying the soup’s overall flavor.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Vegetables
Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (with their juices), beef broth (or bouillon dissolved in water), and an additional 4 cups of water. Stir well to combine. Then, add the chopped green cabbage and cubed russet potatoes, if using. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Step 5: Simmer Until Tender
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let the soup simmer for 30 to 40 minutes. During this time, the cabbage will become tender, and the potatoes will cook through. Give the soup an occasional stir to prevent ingredients from settling or sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Step 6: Taste and Serve
Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if necessary. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and brightness.
This method results in a rich, satisfying soup packed with vegetables, lean protein, and deep savory flavor—all made with simple steps and minimal cleanup.
What Makes This Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup Special
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Nutritionally Balanced | Offers protein, fiber, and essential vitamins from beef and vegetables. |
| Light Yet Filling | Brothy base makes it satisfying without being overly heavy. |
| Budget-Friendly | Uses inexpensive, accessible ingredients ideal for feeding families. |
| One-Pot Convenience | Minimal cleanup and easy preparation with all ingredients cooked in one pot. |
| Highly Adaptable | Easy to modify with different proteins, vegetables, or spices. |
Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup Recipe Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 1 ½ to 2 cups |
| Calories | 290 |
| Sugar | 7 g |
| Sodium | 740 mg |
| Fat | 13 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4.5 g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 7.5 g |
| Trans Fat | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 24 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Protein | 21 g |
| Cholesterol | 60 mg |
Note: Nutrition values of this Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup may vary depending on exact ingredients and portion sizes used.
Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup FAQs
What spices are good in beef cabbage soup?
Classic spices like paprika, dried thyme, black pepper, and garlic powder work well in beef cabbage soup. You can also add a bay leaf or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra depth and mild heat.
How much weight will I lose on the cabbage soup diet?
Weight loss on the cabbage soup diet varies by individual, but it’s common for people to lose 5 to 10 pounds in one week. However, much of this weight is water loss, and the diet is not recommended for long-term use.
Can you add cabbage to hamburger soup?
Yes, cabbage is a great addition to hamburger soup. It blends well with ground beef, vegetables, and broth, adding both texture and nutritional value.
What is cowboy soup made of?
Cowboy soup typically includes ground beef, beans, corn, tomatoes, potatoes, and a mix of southwestern seasonings. It’s a hearty, filling one-pot meal similar in style to beef and cabbage soup.
What are the ingredients for a breakfast casserole?
traditional breakfast casserole often includes eggs, shredded cheese, breakfast sausage or bacon, milk, and bread or hash browns. Vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and spinach are common additions.
Conclusion
Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup is a simple yet flavorful recipe that combines affordable ingredients with hearty nutrition. Its ease of preparation and rich, comforting taste make it an excellent choice for family dinners, meal prep, or a satisfying lunch. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly meal or a dish that’s easy to customize, this soup delivers on all fronts.
With Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup balance of lean protein, fresh vegetables, and warming spices, this Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup nourishes the body and warms the soul. Plus, it stores well and tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for leftovers or freezing for future meals.
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