Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup – Hearty, Comforting & Delicious

Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup is a warm, comforting, and flavorful homemade meal made with tender cabbage, seasoned ground beef, carrots, onions, garlic, and a delicious savory broth.

This hearty soup combines simple, affordable ingredients to create a satisfying meal for the whole family. The cabbage becomes soft and tender while the ground beef adds rich flavor to every spoonful. A combination of tomatoes, herbs, and seasonings gives the broth a wonderful homemade taste.

Perfect for lunch, dinner, meal prep, or a cozy family meal. It is also naturally low in carbohydrates when prepared without potatoes or added sugar.

Ingredients

For the Soup

• 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef

• ½ medium green cabbage, chopped

• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 6 cups (1.4 liters) beef broth

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1 bay leaf

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Optional Ingredients

• 1 celery stalk, chopped

• ½ green bell pepper, diced

• 1 cup zucchini, chopped

• ½ teaspoon red chili flakes

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Remove any damaged outer leaves from the green cabbage.

2. Wash the cabbage thoroughly under running water.

3. Cut the cabbage into quarters using a sharp knife.

4. Remove the hard central core.

5. Chop the cabbage into medium-sized bite-sized pieces.

6. Peel the carrots and cut them into small slices or cubes.

7. Peel and finely chop the onion.

8. Mince the garlic cloves.

9. Wash and chop the fresh tomatoes.

10. Chop the fresh parsley and set aside.

11. Keep all the prepared vegetables ready for cooking.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

1. Place a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed soup pot over medium heat.

2. Add olive oil and allow it to warm.

3. Add the ground beef to the pot.

4. Break the meat into small pieces using a wooden spoon or spatula.

5. Cook for approximately 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Continue cooking until the beef is nicely browned and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

7. If there is excess grease, carefully drain it.

8. Leave a small amount of fat in the pot for extra flavor.

9. Transfer the cooked beef to a plate if you prefer to sauté the vegetables separately.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

1. Using the same pot, add a little olive oil if needed.

2. Add the chopped onion.

3. Cook for approximately 2–3 minutes until softened and translucent.

4. Add the minced garlic.

5. Stir continuously for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

6. Add the diced carrots.

7. Add celery and green bell pepper if using.

8. Cook everything for another 3–4 minutes.

9. Stir occasionally to prevent the garlic from burning.

Step 4: Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings

1. Add the chopped fresh tomatoes to the pot.

2. Add tomato paste.

3. Stir everything together until the tomato paste is evenly distributed.

4. Add paprika, oregano, thyme, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder.

5. Season with salt and black pepper.

6. Add Worcestershire sauce if desired.

7. Stir well and cook for approximately 2–3 minutes.

8. Allow the tomatoes to soften and release their natural juices.

9. The mixture should become fragrant and slightly thick.

Step 5: Add the Beef and Broth

1. Return the browned ground beef to the pot if you removed it.

2. Stir the beef together with the vegetables and tomato mixture.

3. Pour in the beef broth.

4. Add the bay leaf.

5. Stir everything gently to combine.

6. Increase the heat and bring the soup to a gentle boil.

7. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low.

8. Cover the pot partially with a lid.

9. Allow the soup to simmer for approximately 10 minutes so the flavors can develop.

Step 6: Add the Cabbage

1. Add the chopped cabbage to the simmering soup.

2. Stir gently using a large cooking spoon.

3. Make sure the cabbage is evenly distributed throughout the broth.

4. If the cabbage fills the pot, add it in batches as it begins to soften.

5. Cover the pot partially.

6. Simmer for approximately 15–20 minutes.

7. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

8. Allow the cabbage to become tender while retaining a little texture.

9. Add chopped zucchini if desired during the final 10 minutes of cooking.

Step 7: Simmer Until Perfect

1. Continue cooking the soup over low heat.

2. Check that the carrots are tender.

3. Make sure the cabbage is soft and the ground beef is fully cooked.

4. Taste the broth.

5. Adjust salt, black pepper, paprika, or herbs according to your preference.

6. Add lemon juice for a little freshness if desired.

7. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

8. Turn off the heat once all the vegetables are tender and the flavors are well combined.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

1. Ladle the hot cabbage and ground beef soup into individual serving bowls.

2. Make sure every bowl contains plenty of beef, cabbage, carrots, and flavorful broth.

3. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top.

4. Add a little freshly ground black pepper.

5. Serve with fresh lemon wedges if desired.

6. Enjoy immediately while hot and comforting.

Tips for the Best Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup

• Brown the beef properly: Browning creates a deeper, richer flavor.

• Use fresh cabbage: Fresh green cabbage gives the soup a naturally sweet flavor.

• Don’t overcook the cabbage: Cook until tender but not completely mushy.

• Use beef broth: It adds extra richness and depth to the soup.

• Chop vegetables evenly: This helps everything cook at the same rate.

• Adjust the broth: Add more broth if you prefer a thinner soup.

• Add fresh lemon juice: A little acidity balances the rich beef flavor.

• Allow resting time: Let the soup sit for 5 minutes before serving so the flavors settle.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q1: Can I make Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup without tomatoes?

Yes! You can leave out the fresh tomatoes and tomato paste. Add a little extra beef broth and season with garlic, onion, paprika, and herbs.

Q2: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chicken works well. The soup will have a lighter flavor.

Q3: Can I use red cabbage instead of green cabbage?

Yes! Red cabbage can be used, although it will give the soup a different color and slightly different flavor.

Q4: Can I add potatoes to this soup?

Yes! Add peeled and diced potatoes along with the carrots. Simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Q5: How do I make this soup spicy?

Add red chili flakes, cayenne pepper, diced jalapeños, or hot sauce according to your taste.

Q6: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the ground beef in a skillet first. Add it to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, adding the cabbage during the final 1–2 hours so it doesn’t become too soft.

Q7: Can I make this soup in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Use the sauté setting to brown the beef and cook the onions and garlic. Add the remaining ingredients, then pressure cook on HIGH for approximately 5 minutes, followed by a controlled 5-minute natural release. Release remaining pressure carefully. Adjust timing depending on how tender you prefer the vegetables.

Q8: Can I make this soup without beef broth?

Yes! Chicken broth, vegetable broth, or water with additional seasonings can be used. Beef broth generally provides the richest flavor.

Q9: Why is my cabbage soup watery?

Cabbage naturally releases water as it cooks. If the soup is too thin, simmer it uncovered for a few additional minutes to reduce the broth.

Q10: Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?

Yes! This soup is excellent for meal preparation. You can cook it a day ahead and refrigerate it. The flavors often become even better the following day.

Q11: How long does Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup last in the refrigerator?

Store the cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Q12: Can I freeze this soup?

Yes! Allow it to cool completely and transfer it into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for approximately 2–3 months for best quality. The cabbage may become softer after thawing.

Q13: How do I reheat leftover cabbage soup?

• Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over medium-low heat until steaming hot.

• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl in 1-minute intervals, stirring between intervals.

• Add a splash of beef broth if the soup becomes too thick.

Q14: Is Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup keto-friendly?

It can be suitable for a lower-carb or keto-style diet when prepared without potatoes, beans, or added sugar. Check the carbohydrate content of your broth and tomato products.

Q15: What can I serve with cabbage soup?

This soup pairs wonderfully with:

• Garlic bread

• Crusty sourdough bread

• Fresh garden salad

• Grilled cheese sandwiches

• Roasted vegetables

• Cauliflower rice

• Fresh cucumber and tomato salad

Recipe Information

Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 245 kcal

• Protein: 19 g

• Carbohydrates: 13 g

• Fat: 14 g

• Fiber: 4 g

• Sugar: 6 g

Nutrition values are estimates and vary depending on the ground beef, broth, and vegetables used.

Enjoy your homemade Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup! ❤️ A delicious combination of tender cabbage, savory ground beef, sweet carrots, and rich seasoned broth. This comforting one-pot meal is simple, nutritious, budget-friendly, and perfect for the whole family!