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