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Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef Recipe

BySarah
Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 16 reviews

I’m so excited to share this Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef Recipe with you because it’s one of those meals that feels like a warm hug on a cold day. It’s hearty, comforting, and loaded with fresh veggies and savory flavors that really satisfy without being heavy. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or something to make ahead for busy days, this recipe covers all the bases.

What I love most about this Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef Recipe is how simple it is but also how flexible it can be. You can toss in extra veggies, adjust the seasonings, or swap out the meat for whatever you have on hand. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and nourishing, making it a total winner for families or meal prepping for the week ahead.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Balanced Flavors: The combination of seasoned ground beef, fresh cabbage, and hearty potatoes creates a rich, satisfying soup.
  • Simple Technique: You only need one pot, making it an easy and efficient meal to prepare after a busy day.
  • Flexible Ingredients: You can customize this soup with your favorite vegetables or protein without losing out on flavor.
  • Perfect for Meal Prep: It reheats wonderfully and keeps well in the fridge or freezer, making it ideal for leftovers.
The image shows a white bowl filled with a thick stew that has several layers of cooked ingredients. The bottom layer appears to be a mix of light brown ground meat and soft, translucent cabbage pieces. On top of this are several bright orange, round carrot slices. The stew has a glossy, slightly watery brownish-red broth coating all the ingredients. A spoon holds a scoop of the stew close to the camera, showing a mix of the meat, cabbage, and carrot, with the meat being finely crumbled. In the background, there is a white plate with several round golden brown baked pieces, slightly out of focus, placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef Recipe plays its part, creating a melting pot of flavors and textures that you’ll enjoy with every spoonful. Here’s a quick rundown of what to look for when picking your ingredients and why they’re essential.

  • Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef to keep the soup hearty but not greasy; you can also swap in turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
  • Green Bell Pepper: Adds a sweet crunch and freshness that balances the rich meat.
  • Yellow Onion: Brings natural sweetness and depth when sautéed.
  • Carrots: Provide a subtle sweetness and nice color contrast.
  • Celery: Gives a mild, aromatic flavor that brightens the broth.
  • Garlic and Herb Seasoning: Adds savory flavor complexity with minimal effort.
  • Slap Ya Mama Seasoning: A Cajun kick for those who like a touch of heat; you can omit this for a milder taste.
  • Tomato Paste: Concentrates and enhances the tomato flavor, giving the soup a nice depth.
  • Russet Potatoes: Their starchiness helps thicken the broth and adds comforting heartiness.
  • Canned Diced Tomatoes: Use seasoned varieties like basil, garlic, and oregano for extra flavor.
  • Fresh Garlic: Minced garlic adds punch and aroma.
  • Green Cabbage: The star of the dish – it softens beautifully and takes on all the savory flavors.
  • Knorr Beef Bouillon or Broth: Supplies a rich base; using broth is a great shortcut if you prefer less salt.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning to your liking and rounding out the flavors.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I often change up this Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef Recipe depending on what’s in my fridge or even my mood. It’s pretty forgiving, so don’t hesitate to play around to make it your own.

  • Variation: Some days I swap ground beef for turkey or venison when I want something leaner or gamier, and it still tastes fantastic.
  • Veggie Boost: I love adding zucchini or spinach toward the end of cooking for an extra nutrient punch.
  • Spice Level: Feel free to adjust or omit the Slap Ya Mama seasoning if you prefer less heat or want to try a different spice blend.
  • Broth Choices: Use vegetable broth to make this recipe completely flexible for all diets.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef Recipe

Step 1: Browning the Ground Beef

Start by heating your Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s nicely browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. This step is key because browning adds rich, savory flavor you’ll taste in every bite. Don’t rush it—let that beef get some color but avoid burning it!

Step 2: Softening the Veggies and Seasoning

Once the beef is browned, toss in your diced green pepper, onion, carrots, and celery. Sprinkle the garlic and herb seasoning and Slap Ya Mama seasoning on top, along with some black pepper. Sauté everything until the vegetables are just soft—usually about 5-7 minutes. This slow softening helps unlock their sweetness and layers of flavor.

Step 3: Building the Soup Base

Next, stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for a couple of minutes. This step deepens the tomato flavor and makes the broth richer. Then add your diced potatoes, canned tomatoes, and minced garlic, stirring everything together well. The potatoes are going to soak up the flavors beautifully while cooking.

Step 4: Adding the Cabbage and Simmering

Add the chopped cabbage last. It might look like a lot at first, but don’t worry—it shrinks significantly as it cooks down. Stir it in batches if you need to. Then add the Knorr beef bouillon along with water or broth, mix it all up, and bring the pot to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes until the potatoes and cabbage are nice and tender.

Step 5: Final Seasoning and Serving

Give the soup a taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. I always add a pinch at a time, tasting as I go so it doesn’t get over-salted. Serve it hot, maybe with some crusty bread for dunking, and enjoy every comforting spoonful.

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Pro Tips for Making Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef Recipe

  • Brown the Beef Properly: Don’t crowd the pan when browning the meat to get that deep caramelization.
  • Season Gradually: Layer your spices throughout cooking for a more balanced flavor.
  • Add Cabbage Last: To avoid limp texture, add cabbage just before simmering.
  • Check Liquid Levels: Keep an eye on your soup so it doesn’t dry out; add hot water or broth if it starts getting too thick.

How to Serve Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef Recipe

A close-up view of a deep white bowl filled with a hearty stew. The stew has several layers of chunky textures, including bright orange carrot slices scattered on top, soft light green celery pieces, tender light beige cabbage chunks, and small crumbly bits of cooked brown ground meat mixed throughout. The stew’s reddish-brown broth surrounds the vegetables and meat, sprinkled lightly with green herbs. Above the bowl, there is a white plate holding circular toasted bread rounds with golden brown surfaces. The bowls and plate sit on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

When I serve this soup, I like to sprinkle a little fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top for a fresh burst of flavor and color. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt also adds a lovely creaminess that balances the tangy tomato base. If you want some heat, a few crushed red pepper flakes do the trick.

Side Dishes

This soup stands strong on its own but pairing it with some crusty bread or warm cornbread is fantastic for sopping up all that delicious broth. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette also complements it well if you want a lighter meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, I’ve ladled this soup into rustic bread bowls—everyone loves tearing into the bread after finishing their soup! You can also garnish with crispy bacon bits or shredded cheese for an indulgent touch that feels special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, and the flavors actually deepen overnight—making it taste even better the next day. It reheats nicely on the stove or in the microwave with just a splash of water to loosen it up if needed.

Freezing

This soup freezes really well, which is perfect for meal prep. I portion it out into individual containers and it stays fresh for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the broth has thickened too much, I add a little water or broth to bring it back to my preferred consistency without diluting the flavors.

FAQs

  1. Can I use other types of ground meat in this Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef Recipe?

    Absolutely! Feel free to swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even venison. Just keep in mind the cooking time might vary slightly, and you may want to adjust seasonings to complement the different meat flavors.

  2. Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

    Yes! Replace the ground beef with hearty veggies like mushrooms or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can keep the seasonings and tomato base the same for a delicious plant-based version.

  3. Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?

    Definitely! Brown the meat and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the potatoes and cabbage are tender.

  4. How long does this soup keep in the refrigerator?

    Stored properly in an airtight container, your cabbage soup with ground beef will stay fresh for about 3-4 days in the fridge.

  5. Can I make this soup spicier?

    Yes! Increase the Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to give your soup a spicy kick that suits your taste.

Final Thoughts

This Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef Recipe has become one of my go-to comfort foods because it’s reliable, versatile, and genuinely delicious. I love how every spoonful feels like a bowl of cozy goodness, especially when the weather turns chilly. I hope you try it soon and find it as satisfying and easy as I do—you really can’t go wrong with this hearty, healthy, and budget-friendly soup.

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Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 16 reviews
  • Author: Sarah
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

A hearty and flavorful cabbage soup with ground beef, packed with vegetables and seasoned perfectly for a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small diced green bell pepper
  • 1 small diced yellow onion
  • 2 sliced carrots
  • 2 sliced ribs of celery
  • 2 tbsp garlic and herb seasoning
  • 1 tsp Slap Ya Mama seasoning or cajun seasoning
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 whole head of green cabbage, chopped
  • 1 heaping tablespoon Knorr beef bouillon
  • 4 cups water or beef/chicken broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is nicely browned and cooked through.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced green bell pepper, yellow onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery to the pot. Season with garlic and herb seasoning, Slap Ya Mama seasoning, and black pepper. Sauté the vegetables until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to incorporate the flavors.
  4. Add Potatoes: Add the chopped russet potatoes to the pot and stir well to combine with the meat and vegetables.
  5. Add Tomatoes and Garlic: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes along with their juice. Add the minced garlic cloves and stir everything to combine thoroughly.
  6. Add Cabbage: Add the chopped green cabbage in batches, stirring well each time. The cabbage will reduce significantly in volume as it cooks.
  7. Add Broth and Simmer: Stir in the Knorr beef bouillon and pour in 4 cups of water or beef/chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 30 minutes, until the potatoes and cabbage are tender.
  8. Season and Serve: Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting cabbage soup with ground beef.

Notes

  • You can customize the soup by adding other vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or beans to enhance flavor and nutrition.
  • This recipe is great for meal prep; make a large batch and enjoy healthy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 220 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg

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