This Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup is undoubtedly one of those recipes that quickly make a house feel like home. My sister kept telling me how satisfying and soothing this recipe was, so last weekend I tried it with my family. It was one of those inexpensive lunches that tasted like it had been cooking with love all day, according to her. She was entirely correct.
I made a huge pot for dinner because the weather had been a touch cool. The aroma filled the kitchen within minutes, and everyone kept walking in to enquire, “Is it ready yet?” By the time we sat down together, every bowl disappeared, and there were scarcely any leftovers…
Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup (Hearty & Comforting)
Description
This Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup is a hearty, budget-friendly, one-pot meal packed with lean protein, tender cabbage, and flavorful vegetables simmered in a rich tomato broth. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or chilly days when you need a warm, satisfying dinner.
While this soup contains several nutritious ingredients that are commonly included in balanced eating patterns, it shouldn’t be described as an “anti-inflammatory” recipe without evidence. Ingredients such as cabbage, garlic, onions, and olive oil are associated with healthy dietary patterns, but no single soup can be claimed to reduce inflammation on its own.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean recommended)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups green cabbage, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 6 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Step 1
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat.
Step 2
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Step 3
Stir in the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
Step 4
Add the cabbage and cook for another 3–4 minutes until it begins to wilt.
Step 5
Mix in the tomato paste, paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
Step 6
Pour in the diced tomatoes and beef broth. Add the bay leaf.
Step 7
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25–30 minutes.
Step 8
Remove the bay leaf, stir in fresh parsley, taste, and adjust seasonings before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with warm whole-grain bread.
- Pair with a fresh garden salad.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley or green onions.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Serve alongside roasted vegetables.
- Enjoy with brown rice or quinoa for a heartier meal.
Variations
Low-Carb Version
Skip the carrots and add extra cabbage or mushrooms.
Keto Version
Use full-fat ground beef and omit tomatoes if preferred.
Extra Vegetables
Add:
- Zucchini
- Spinach
- Green beans
- Bell peppers
- Mushrooms
Spicy Version
Add:
- Red pepper flakes
- Cayenne pepper
- Jalapeños
Turkey Version
Replace ground beef with lean ground turkey.
Slow Cooker Version
Brown the beef first, then place everything into a slow cooker and cook:
- Low: 6–8 hours
- High: 3–4 hours
Storage
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave until heated through.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
Serves: 6
- Calories: 255
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 540mg (varies by broth used)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes. The flavors often become even better after sitting overnight in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze cabbage soup?
Absolutely. Let it cool completely before freezing in airtight containers.
Can I use purple cabbage?
Yes. It works well, though it will give the soup a darker color.
What type of ground beef is best?
Lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) provides great flavor while keeping excess fat lower.
How do I make it thicker?
Add cooked potatoes, beans, or a slurry of cornstarch and water if you prefer a thicker soup.
Can I add rice?
Yes. Stir in cooked rice during the last few minutes of cooking.
Is this soup gluten-free?
It can be if you use a gluten-free beef broth and gluten-free Worcestershire sauce.
Final Thoughts
Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup is an easy, nourishing, and family-friendly meal that combines simple ingredients into a flavorful one-pot dinner. It’s ideal for meal prep, freezes well, and can be customized with your favorite vegetables or spices. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight meal or a wholesome soup to enjoy throughout the week, this recipe is both practical and satisfying.
