Soul-Warming Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef Recipe

Chopping fresh vegetables fills the kitchen with a delightful aroma of hearty cabbage soup with ground beef that promises comfort on chilly evenings.

Tender beef and crisp cabbage dance together in a rich, satisfying broth that warms you from the inside out.

Each spoonful brings layers of savory flavor and nourishing ingredients.

The soup simmers with robust seasonings that enhance every bite.

Simple to prepare and packed with nutrition, this recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Families gather around steaming bowls, savoring the wholesome goodness.

One taste will convince you this soup belongs in your weekly meal rotation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 6

Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef Starts Here

• Ground Beef: Adds rich, hearty protein and creates a satisfying foundation for the soup, choosing lean cuts helps reduce excess grease.

• Onion, Carrots, Celery: Classic soup trinity that builds deep flavor layers, selecting fresh, firm vegetables enhances overall taste.
• Garlic: Provides robust, pungent undertone that elevates the entire dish's complexity.

• Beef Broth: Creates rich, savory liquid base that intensifies meat flavor, selecting low-sodium options allows better seasoning control.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds brightness and slight acidity, bringing vibrant color and subtle tang to the soup.
• Cabbage: Provides crisp texture and nutritional boost, selecting fresh, tightly packed cabbage ensures best results.
• Zucchini: Optional vegetable that introduces soft texture and mild sweetness, choose firm, glossy zucchini for optimal quality.

• Basil, Oregano: Classic Mediterranean herbs that bring aromatic depth and complexity.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces subtle smoky undertone that enriches overall flavor profile.
• Bay Leaf: Releases gentle, nuanced flavor during cooking, removing before serving.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning that balances and enhances all ingredients.

• Fresh Parsley: Provides bright, fresh finish and visual appeal.

Tools to Make Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef Simple

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Essential for cooking and simmering the soup, with enough space to hold all ingredients.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring and breaking up ground beef while cooking.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping vegetables like cabbage, onions, carrots, and celery.
• Chef's knife: Sharp tool for precise vegetable and ingredient preparation.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately add herbs and seasonings.
• Colander or strainer: Useful for draining excess fat from ground beef.
• Ladle: Great for serving the hot soup into bowls.

Simmer Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef from Scratch

• Brown Ground Beef

Heat a large pot and cook ground beef until fully browned, breaking it into small pieces. Drain any excess fat.

• Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Add a splash of olive oil and cook onions, carrots, and celery until they become soft and fragrant. Toss in minced garlic and stir briefly.

• Build the Soup Base

Return beef to the pot and combine with chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and seasonings. Include herbs like basil, oregano, and smoked paprika for depth of flavor.

• Simmer and Develop Flavors

Bring the soup to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and cover. Let it gently bubble for 25-30 minutes, allowing vegetables to become tender and ingredients to meld together.

• Final Touches

Optional: Add zucchini during the last 10 minutes of cooking for extra texture. Remove bay leaf, taste the soup, and adjust seasonings. Serve piping hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for brightness.

Tips That Make Cabbage Soup Filling and Flavorful

• Let the soup slowly cook to allow flavors to meld and vegetables to become perfectly tender without losing their texture.
• Skip adding zucchini and replace with low-carb vegetables like cauliflower or bell peppers to make the soup keto-friendly.
• This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it an excellent meal prep option for busy weeknights.
• Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra firm tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to create a meat-free version.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices like cumin, red pepper flakes, or smoked chipotle powder to give the soup a unique flavor profile.

Serve Ground Beef Cabbage Soup Hot and

• Rustic Bread Companion: Slice crusty sourdough or hearty rye bread to dip into the rich, savory soup. The bread soaks up the delicious broth, adding extra texture and warmth to each bite.
• Protein Power-Up: Top the soup with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar or parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor and protein. The melted cheese creates a creamy, indulgent finish.
• Fresh Herbal Finish: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, chives, or green onions just before serving. These bright herbs add a pop of color and fresh, zesty notes that complement the deep, meaty flavors of the soup.
• Side Salad Pairing: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the hearty soup. The fresh, tangy salad provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, robust soup.

Store Soup to Savor Throughout the Week

• Seal the soup in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Cool completely before storing to maintain fresh flavors and prevent bacterial growth.
• Package the soup in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-lock bags, leaving some expansion space. Freeze for 23 months, ensuring maximum taste retention when properly sealed.
• Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator. Warm gently on stovetop, stirring occasionally to restore original consistency. Add small splash of broth if soup seems too thick during reheating.
• Divide soup into individual serving sizes before refrigerating or freezing. This approach allows quick single-serving meals and reduces waste, perfect for busy weeknights or quick lunch options.

FAQs

• Is this soup healthy?

Yes, it’s packed with lean protein from ground beef and nutrients from vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and celery. It’s low in calories and high in fiber, making it a nutritious one-pot meal.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace ground beef with plant-based alternatives like lentils, crumbled tofu, or mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to maintain the recipe’s flavor profile.

• How can I enhance the soup's flavor?

Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or red wine vinegar for depth. Fresh herbs like thyme or a pinch of red pepper flakes can also boost the taste complexity.

• What are some good side dishes to serve with this soup?

Crusty bread, garlic toast, or a simple green salad complement this hearty soup perfectly. A slice of cornbread also pairs wonderfully with the robust flavors.

Hearty Cabbage Soup With Ground Beef Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty cabbage soup with ground beef delights home cooks seeking comfortable winter meals. Simple ingredients blend perfectly for a nourishing bowl you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
• 6 cups beef broth
• ½ head of cabbage, chopped (about 4 cups)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 medium carrots, diced
• 1 can (14.5 oz/411 g) diced tomatoes
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 zucchini, diced (optional)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Browning Beef: In a large pot, thoroughly brown ground beef, breaking it into fine crumbles and draining excess fat to ensure a lean, flavorful base.
2. Vegetable Foundation: Without cleaning the pot, sauté onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil until they become translucent and fragrant, creating an aromatic vegetable medley.
3. Aromatic Layering: Introduce minced garlic and briefly toast to release its intense flavors, enhancing the overall depth of the soup’s profile.
4. Liquid Fusion: Combine browned beef with sautéed vegetables, then add shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and a complex blend of herbs including basil, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and a bay leaf.
5. Simmering Process: Bring the mixture to a robust boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and allow ingredients to meld and tenderize for approximately 25 minutes, developing rich, interconnected flavors.
6. Final Touches: Stir in diced zucchini during the last few minutes of cooking to add textural variation and nutritional enhancement. Remove bay leaf and adjust seasoning to taste.
7. Serving: Ladle the soup into warm bowls, optionally garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, fresh finish that brightens the entire dish.

Notes

Optimize Meat Browning: Ensure ground beef develops a deep golden-brown crust by avoiding overcrowding the pan, which prevents proper caramelization and enhances overall flavor complexity.

Minimize Fat Content: Drain excess beef fat thoroughly after browning to create a lighter, healthier soup without compromising rich, meaty undertones.

Vegetable Timing Technique: Add softer vegetables like zucchini during the final cooking stage to preserve their texture and prevent mushiness, maintaining a delightful crisp-tender quality.

Herb Freshness Boost: Sprinkle fresh parsley just before serving to introduce a vibrant, aromatic finish that elevates the soup’s sensory experience and provides a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, hearty base.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg