There’s something incredibly comforting about a big pot of soup simmering on the stove — especially when it’s this Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup. It’s a cozy, one-pot meal loaded with tender cabbage, hearty ground beef, and a rich tomato broth infused with herbs and spices.

This soup is a classic comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a cold day. It’s light yet filling, nutritious yet deeply satisfying, and simple enough to prepare even on busy evenings.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s hearty, nourishing, and budget-friendly. It uses simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry — yet the result tastes like something that simmered all day in your grandmother’s kitchen.

It’s also incredibly forgiving — you can tweak it with whatever veggies you have on hand, make it spicy or mild, and even turn it into a low-carb meal easily.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup is a must-try because:

It’s nutrient-dense and filling without being heavy.
It’s easy to make in under an hour with minimal cleanup.
It’s versatile — you can customize it to fit keto, paleo, or classic comfort-food diets.
It’s perfect for meal prep — it stores and freezes beautifully.

In short, it’s the perfect combination of wholesome ingredients, deep flavor, and practicality.

Recipe Information

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: ~250 kcal per serving
Cuisine: American
Course: Main Course / Soup

Ingredients

1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
1 medium onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups cabbage, chopped (about half a medium head)
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 can (14.5 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes
6 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 bay leaf
Fresh parsley, for garnish

Simple Cooking Directions

Brown the ground beef with onions and garlic.
Add the cabbage, carrots, and celery.
Stir in tomatoes, tomato paste, and spices.
Pour in broth, bring to a boil, then simmer until vegetables are tender.
Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve hot.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the cabbage, carrots, and celery.
Keep all ingredients ready to streamline the cooking process.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the ground beef (and a bit of olive oil if needed).
Cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon (about 5–7 minutes).
Drain excess grease if necessary.

Step 3: Add Aromatics

Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic.
Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.

Step 4: Add Vegetables

Add chopped cabbage, carrots, and celery.
Stir well to combine and let them cook for about 5 minutes to soften slightly.

Step 5: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, paprika, thyme, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Mix everything well so the vegetables and meat are coated in the tomato base.

Step 6: Add Broth and Simmer

Pour in the beef broth and add the bay leaf.
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.
Cover and simmer for about 25 minutes, until all vegetables are tender and flavors meld beautifully.

Step 7: Final Taste and Adjustments

Remove the bay leaf.
Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or spices as needed.

How to Serve

Serve this soup hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
It pairs beautifully with:

Crusty bread or garlic toast
A side salad
Steamed rice or mashed potatoes (for a heartier meal)

Additional Recipe Tips

Lean beef (90/10) keeps the soup light, but fattier beef adds deeper flavor.
Don’t skip the tomato paste — it adds richness and depth.
Add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice before serving for brightness.
The soup thickens as it sits — add extra broth or water when reheating.

Variations

Keto-Friendly: Omit carrots and add extra cabbage or zucchini.
Spicy Version: Add 1 teaspoon of chili powder or hot sauce.
Vegetarian: Substitute beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils and use vegetable broth.
Asian-Inspired: Add a splash of soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil for a different twist.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze in containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until hot.

Special Equipment Needed

Large soup pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon or spatula
Ladle for serving
Airtight containers (for storage or freezing)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Both work well — just adjust the seasoning slightly for extra flavor.

Q2: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on Low for 6–7 hours or High for 3–4 hours.

Q3: Can I add potatoes or rice?
Yes! Diced potatoes or cooked rice make the soup more filling. Add potatoes when you add the broth so they cook fully.

Q4: How can I make this soup thicker?
Let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes longer, or mash a few of the vegetables into the broth.

Q5: Is this soup healthy?
Yes! It’s packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals while being low in fat and calories.

Conclusion

The Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup is a cozy, nutritious, and delicious one-pot meal that will quickly become a household favorite. With its simple ingredients, hearty texture, and rich flavor, it’s the kind of soup that makes you feel nourished and comforted with every spoonful.

Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a family, or simply craving something wholesome and homemade, this recipe delivers every single time — easy, flavorful, and endlessly comforting.