Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef

Cabbage soup with ground beef is a hearty and comforting dish that combines the wholesome flavors of tender cabbage and savory beef in a flavorful broth. This recipe has roots in many home kitchens, loved for its simplicity, nutrition, and the way it warms you up on chilly days. I first made this soup on a cold evening when I craved something filling yet light, and it quickly became a favorite for both its taste and ease. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly meal or a cozy dinner, this cabbage soup with ground beef is a fantastic option you’ll want to keep in your recipe rotation.

Why I Love This Recipe

What makes this cabbage soup with ground beef truly special is how it balances robust, meaty flavors with the natural sweetness and texture of cabbage. Unlike creamier or heavier soups, this one feels nourishing without being overwhelming, making it perfect for those who want comfort food that doesn’t weigh them down.

This soup is versatile and forgiving—you can tweak the ingredients to suit your taste or what you have on hand. It’s a one-pot meal, which means minimal cleanup but maximum flavor. Plus, the ground beef adds a protein boost that makes the soup more satisfying and filling, ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Its rustic charm comes from the simplicity of fresh ingredients simmered together slowly, letting the cabbage soften perfectly and the beef infuse the broth with a rich depth. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, inviting you to relax and enjoy each spoonful.

Ingredients for Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef

To make this delicious soup, you’ll need a handful of simple yet fresh ingredients that come together beautifully:

• Fresh green cabbage, chopped — the star vegetable that provides crunch and sweetness.
• Ground beef (preferably lean) — for that savory, hearty base.
• Onion and garlic — essential aromatics that build flavor depth.
• Carrots and celery — for added texture and subtle sweetness.
• Diced tomatoes — to add acidity and brightness to the broth.
• Beef broth or stock — the savory liquid that brings all flavors together.
• Olive oil or your preferred cooking oil — for sautéing.
• Seasonings: salt, black pepper, dried herbs like thyme and bay leaf, and a pinch of paprika or red pepper flakes for a gentle warmth.
• Fresh parsley or dill for garnish — to brighten the final dish.

All these ingredients are easy to find at your local grocery store or even your pantry, making this recipe accessible and convenient.

How Much Time Will You Need

This cabbage soup with ground beef can be on your table in about 45 minutes, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight meal when you want something homemade but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

Preparation, including chopping vegetables and browning the beef, takes roughly 15-20 minutes. The soup then simmers gently for about 25-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften to just the right tenderness.

Because it cooks relatively quickly, this soup is ideal for busy days without compromising on flavor or heartiness.

How to Make This Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef

Step – 1: Begin by preparing your vegetables. Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces, dice the onion, mince the garlic, slice the carrots, and chop the celery. Having everything ready will keep your cooking smooth and organized.

Step – 2: Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break the beef apart and cook until browned and no longer pink. This step is crucial to develop the soup’s meaty flavor.

Step – 3: Remove the browned beef from the pot using a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.

Step – 4: Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent—about 5-7 minutes. This builds a flavorful base for the soup.

Step – 5: Return the browned ground beef to the pot, mixing it with the softened vegetables.

Step – 6: Add the chopped cabbage and stir to combine everything well.

Step – 7: Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes, including their juices. Stir in salt, black pepper, thyme, bay leaf, and paprika or red pepper flakes if using.

Step – 8: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the cabbage to become tender and the flavors to marry beautifully.

Step – 9: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Step – 10: Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or dill for a fresh burst of flavor.

Substitutions

If you want to customize or adapt this cabbage soup with ground beef, there are several substitutions that can make it even better or suit dietary preferences.

For a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can replace beef without sacrificing protein content, creating a lighter soup.

If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or textured vegetable protein (TVP) and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

You can swap green cabbage for savoy cabbage or napa cabbage, which offer slightly different textures but work beautifully in the soup.

Instead of diced tomatoes, you can use tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes for a smoother broth, depending on your texture preference.

Herbs and spices can also be adjusted—try adding smoked paprika for a smoky twist or fresh thyme instead of dried for more vibrant flavor.

Best Side Dish of Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef

To complement this hearty soup and round out your meal, consider these side dishes:

• Crusty whole-grain bread — perfect for dipping and soaking up the savory broth.
• Roasted garlic mashed potatoes — adding creamy richness to the meal.
• Simple garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette — to balance the warmth of the soup with fresh, crisp greens.

These sides enhance the experience, making your cabbage soup with ground beef a full, satisfying meal.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Serving cabbage soup with ground beef can be as simple or as elegant as you like. To make it inviting and visually appealing, ladle the soup into warm bowls to keep it hot longer. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or dill, which adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note.

For an extra touch, drizzle a little good-quality olive oil or a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top — this adds richness and creaminess that complements the hearty broth. If you want to make it family-friendly or casual, serve with rustic bread or dinner rolls on the side, arranged neatly in a basket or on a wooden board.

Using colorful bowls or deep dishes can enhance the visual appeal, highlighting the vibrant greens of the cabbage and the rich red tomatoes. Serving the soup with a side of lemon wedges can also brighten the flavors when squeezed on top.

Tips and Tricks to Make This Recipe Even Better

To take your cabbage soup with ground beef to the next level, try these helpful tips and tricks:

• Brown the beef well: Don’t rush this step. Getting a nice sear on the ground beef creates deep, savory flavors that form the backbone of the soup.
• Don’t overcook the cabbage: Simmer it until tender but still slightly crisp to maintain texture. Overcooked cabbage can become mushy and lose its appeal.
• Use homemade broth if possible: If you have beef or vegetable broth made from scratch, it will add incredible depth compared to store-bought options.
• Add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice: A little acidity brightens the soup and balances the richness of the beef and cabbage.
• Experiment with herbs: Fresh thyme, rosemary, or even a bay leaf can add aromatic layers to your soup.
• Let it rest: Like many soups, cabbage soup tastes even better the next day once the flavors have melded fully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is straightforward, a few common pitfalls can affect the final result:

• Skipping the browning step: If you don’t brown the ground beef properly, the soup can lack flavor and taste flat.
• Using too much liquid: Adding too much broth can dilute the flavors, making the soup watery instead of rich and savory.
• Cooking cabbage too long: Overcooked cabbage loses its texture and can turn slimy or mushy, detracting from the soup’s appeal.
• Neglecting seasoning: Be sure to taste and adjust salt and pepper during cooking to avoid blandness.
• Forgetting to remove bay leaves: Leaving bay leaves in the soup when serving can be unpleasant because they are tough and not edible.

How to Store It

Cabbage soup with ground beef stores wonderfully, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers.

• Refrigeration: Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
• Freezing: This soup freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that the cabbage texture may soften slightly after freezing, but the flavors remain delicious.
• Reheating tip: Add a splash of broth or water when reheating if the soup has thickened too much. Stir well to bring back its original consistency.

FAQ

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well and makes the soup lighter. Just brown it the same way and adjust seasoning to taste.

Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free broth and avoid any added ingredients containing gluten, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Vegetables like potatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers can be added to enrich the soup further.

How spicy is this soup?
The basic recipe is mild, but you can increase the heat by adding red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper during cooking.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the beef and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours for tender results.

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