Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef

If you’re looking for a cozy, stick-to-your-ribs kind of meal that also happens to be super nourishing, this Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef is it. It’s warm, comforting, and packed with feel-good ingredients that taste like they’ve been simmering all day—even though it comes together in under an hour. Think tender cabbage, savory ground beef, rich tomato broth, and soft veggies in every spoonful. Honestly, it’s one of those soups that just hugs you from the inside out.

This is the kind of meal you want to curl up with on a chilly night or batch-cook on a Sunday so you’ve got easy lunches all week long. It’s budget-friendly, one-pot, and wildly satisfying. Trust me—this one’s a keeper.

Why You’ll Love Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef

This soup brings the flavor, the comfort, and the practicality. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your weekly rotation:

One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks up in a single pot—easy to make, even easier to clean.
Wholesome & Filling: Packed with protein and fiber-rich veggies to keep you full and energized.
Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable, everyday ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and fridge.
Meal Prep Hero: Tastes even better the next day, and it freezes beautifully.
Customizable: Add rice, beans, or extra veggies—make it your own depending on what you have on hand.

Ingredients in Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef

Here’s the lowdown on the flavorful ingredients that come together to create this soul-warming dish:

Ground Beef: Adds heartiness and rich, savory flavor. Lean ground beef works great to keep things lighter.
Cabbage: The star of the show. When cooked down, it becomes sweet and tender, soaking up all the delicious broth.
Onion & Garlic: The flavor foundation—sautéed until fragrant and golden.
Carrots & Celery: Classic soup veggies that add sweetness, texture, and nutrition.
Diced Tomatoes: Bring brightness and depth with a little acidity to balance the richness.
Beef Broth: Builds a flavorful base and makes everything feel extra comforting.
Tomato Paste: For a deeper, richer tomato flavor that thickens the soup beautifully.
Italian Seasoning: A simple blend of herbs like oregano and basil to round everything out.
Bay Leaf: Optional but adds a subtle earthiness that simmers in the background.
Salt & Pepper: Season to taste to bring all the flavors to life.
Optional Add-Ins: A handful of rice, cooked potatoes, or even kidney beans if you want to bulk it up!

Instructions

Here’s how to get this warm bowl of goodness on the table:

Brown the Beef:
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Sauté the Veggies:
Add chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Add Cabbage & Tomatoes:
Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook for a few minutes until it starts to wilt. Add the diced tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring to coat everything.

Pour in the Broth:
Add beef broth, Italian seasoning, bay leaf (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.

Adjust Seasoning:
Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Serve it Up:
Ladle into bowls and serve hot with crusty bread or a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6 bowls
Calories per serving: 280
Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 720mg
Total Carbohydrates: 20g
Dietary Fiber: 5g
Sugars: 8g
Protein: 20g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

How to Serve Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef

This soup is delicious on its own but even better with a few simple sides:

Crusty Bread: Dunking is encouraged. Think sourdough, baguette, or even a toasted English muffin.
Side Salad: A fresh green salad with vinaigrette adds brightness and crunch.
Grated Cheese: Sprinkle a little Parmesan or sharp cheddar over the top for extra richness.
With Rice or Potatoes: Add a scoop of cooked rice or serve alongside roasted potatoes for an even heartier bowl.
Freeze for Later: This soup stores and freezes like a dream, so it’s great for make-ahead meals or future you on a busy weeknight.

Additional Tips

Chop Evenly: Uniform veggie sizes ensure everything cooks evenly and is easier to eat.
Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like some kick.
Use Leftovers: Got extra ground beef or leftover cooked rice? Toss it in!
Make it Low-Carb: Skip any added rice or beans if you’re keeping things keto or low-carb.
Freeze It: Let the soup cool completely, then portion it into containers and freeze for up to 3 months.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
A1: Absolutely! Both work well and make the soup a little leaner while still staying delicious.

Q2: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A2: Yes! In fact, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Just store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Q3: Can I freeze this soup?
A3: Definitely. Let it cool completely, portion into airtight containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.

Q4: What type of cabbage should I use?
A4: Green cabbage is perfect—it softens beautifully and adds just the right amount of sweetness. You could also try Napa cabbage for a more delicate texture.

Q5: Can I add rice or pasta to this soup?
A5: Yes! Add cooked rice or pasta toward the end of cooking to bulk it up and make it even heartier.

Q6: How do I make this soup vegetarian?
A6: Swap the ground beef for lentils or plant-based meat and use vegetable broth. It’s just as hearty and flavorful!

Q7: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A7: You bet. Brown the beef first, then add all ingredients to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

Q8: What herbs go well with this soup?
A8: Italian seasoning is great, but you can also try thyme, parsley, or a bay leaf for extra depth.

Q9: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A9: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Absolutely. Just make sure your pot is big enough to handle the volume. It’s a great dish to batch cook and freeze for later.

Conclusion

This Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef is everything you want in a cozy meal: flavorful, filling, and full of simple, wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re making it for dinner tonight or stocking your freezer for the weeks ahead, it’s a recipe that delivers every single time. So grab your soup pot and get ready to enjoy some serious comfort food—one warm, delicious bowl at a time.

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