If you’re searching for a heartwarming, wholesome bowl of comfort, this Cabbage and Ground Beef Soup Recipe is right up your alley. It combines the savory richness of lean ground beef with the tender crunch of fresh cabbage and the subtle sweetness of carrots and celery, all simmered in a flavorful broth that’s both nourishing and delicious. This soup is not only easy to make but also perfect for any time of year, delivering a perfect balance of textures and flavors in every spoonful. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become one of your go-to meals for cozy nights in or a simple, satisfying lunch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started on the Cabbage and Ground Beef Soup Recipe is a breeze because it calls for everyday staples that pack serious flavor. Each ingredient plays a crucial role—from the savory ground beef that provides hearty protein, to the colorful veggies that add freshness and depth, and the broth and seasonings that bring everything together with a comforting warmth.
- Olive oil or avocado oil: Essential for browning the beef and sautéing veggies, imparting a mild, pleasant flavor.
- Lean ground beef: The main protein, offering richness and satisfying texture without excess fat.
- Onion, finely chopped: Adds a natural sweetness and aromatic base to the soup.
- Garlic, minced: Provides a savory punch that enhances every other ingredient.
- Celery, sliced: Brings a subtle crunch and slight bitterness balancing the soup perfectly.
- Carrots, sliced: Lend a gentle sweetness and beautiful color contrast.
- Diced tomatoes (28 oz can): Offer acidity and body, enriching the broth’s flavor.
- Chopped green cabbage: The star veggie, giving the soup its name, plus a hearty, tender bite.
- Beef broth or stock: Creates the savory, liquid base that ties everything together.
- Soy sauce or tamari: Provides a subtle umami depth that rounds out the flavors.
- Bay leaves: Infuse a gentle earthy aroma during simmering.
- Sea salt or bouillon powder, freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to taste that elevate the entire dish.
How to Make Cabbage and Ground Beef Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the ground beef
Start by heating your oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook until it’s nicely browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. This step is what builds a rich, meaty foundation for the whole soup, so don’t rush it—let that caramelization happen for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the vegetables
Next, toss in the chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced celery, and carrots. Sauté the mixture for about five minutes or until the onions soften and become slightly translucent. This gentle cooking brings out the natural sweetness from the veggies and softens their texture, setting the stage for a well-rounded soup.
Step 3: Add the remaining ingredients and simmer
Pour in the canned diced tomatoes along with their juices, chopped green cabbage, beef broth, soy sauce or tamari, and toss in the bay leaves. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to let it simmer gently, covered, for 30 to 40 minutes. This simmering allows the cabbage to become tender while letting all the flavors marry beautifully into a cozy, fragrant broth.
Step 4: Season and serve
Before serving, fish out the bay leaves and season the soup with sea salt or your favorite bouillon powder, along with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and if you want to elevate it, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream on top adds an extra touch of creaminess and brightness. Now dive in and enjoy the warmth!
How to Serve Cabbage and Ground Beef Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can take your soup from satisfying to show-stopping. Chopped fresh parsley or chives add a burst of green freshness. If you like a bit of creaminess, a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top balances the savory flavors and adds a luscious texture that clings perfectly to every spoonful.
Side Dishes
This soup shines best when paired with a side that complements its rustic charm. Crusty bread or warm rolls invite you to soak up every last drop of that delicious broth. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers a lovely contrast to the hearty soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests or family? Serve the Cabbage and Ground Beef Soup Recipe in charming individual bowls or soup crocks, topped with a swirl of crème fraîche and a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds for added texture. Or ladle it into edible bread bowls for a fun twist that turns the whole meal into a cozy event.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup holds up beautifully in the fridge, making it an excellent make-ahead meal. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, and you’ll find the flavors actually deepen over time, making each serving even more robust.
Freezing
If you’re planning to stash some away for later, this soup freezes wonderfully. Transfer cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some room for expansion. It will maintain its deliciousness for up to 3 months, a perfect option for quick, comforting meals down the line.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid boiling aggressively to keep the cabbage tender and the flavors balanced. You can freshen it up with a pinch more salt or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat in this Cabbage and Ground Beef Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional and flavorful, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken. Each offers a slightly different flavor and texture, but all work wonderfully in the soup.
Is this soup low-carb or keto-friendly?
This soup can be quite keto-friendly if you watch the quantity of carrots and eliminate or reduce the tomatoes slightly. The cabbage and beef make for a satisfying, lower-carb meal rich in nutrients and flavor.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! After browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables, transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. Just add the cabbage later in the last hour to keep it from getting too mushy.
What can I add to make this soup more filling?
If you want to bulk it up, consider adding cooked beans like kidney or cannellini, or throw in some cooked barley or brown rice. These additions create a heartier meal while complementing the existing flavors beautifully.
Can I make this soup spicy?
Definitely! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when seasoning to introduce some heat. The robust flavors of beef and cabbage handle spicy elements well and will warm you up on chilly days.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about a bowl of homemade soup, and this Cabbage and Ground Beef Soup Recipe stands out as a wonderful example. It combines wholesome ingredients in a way that feels both nourishing and satisfying without any fuss. Whether you’re looking for a hearty weeknight meal or a dish to prepare ahead, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen. Go ahead, try it soon—you’re going to love every single spoonful!
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Cabbage and Ground Beef Soup Recipe
A hearty and nutritious Cabbage and Ground Beef Soup that combines lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and savory broth. This comforting soup is easy to prepare either on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot, making it a versatile and wholesome meal perfect for any season.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 pound (500 grams) lean ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 stalks of celery, sliced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 28 oz (796 ml) can diced tomatoes
- 6 cups chopped green cabbage (about ½ medium cabbage)
- 4 cups beef broth or stock
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 2 bay leaves
- Sea salt or bouillon and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef: Heat the oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon or spatula.
- Sauté the veggies: Add the onion, garlic, celery, and carrots to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the onion is softened.
- Add the rest and simmer: Stir in the diced tomatoes, chopped cabbage, beef broth, soy sauce or tamari, and bay leaves. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover. Let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes or until the cabbage is softened to your liking.
- Season and serve: Remove the bay leaves and season to taste with sea salt (or bouillon powder) and freshly ground black pepper. Ladle into bowls and serve. Optionally garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a dollop of sour cream.
- Alternative Instant Pot Method – Sauté: Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and heat up the oil. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up. Add the onion, garlic, celery, and carrots and sauté until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add ingredients: Press “Cancel” to turn off Sauté mode. Add diced tomatoes, chopped cabbage, beef broth, soy sauce, and bay leaves. Stir well, scraping any browned bits from the bottom.
- Pressure cook: Secure the lid with the valve in “Sealing” position. Pressure cook on high for 5 minutes, then allow a 10 minute natural release before opening.
- Season and serve: Remove bay leaves, season with salt and pepper, and serve with optional garnishes.
Notes
- The soup can be made on the stovetop or with an Instant Pot for convenience and speed.
- Using lean ground beef keeps the soup lower in fat.
- Adjust seasoning at the end to taste, especially if using bouillon which may add additional saltiness.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and sour cream for extra flavor and creaminess.
- The soup stores well and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
