If there’s one dish that feels like a hug in a bowl, it’s this Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef Recipe. It’s one of those meals that brings back memories of chilly evenings, when the whole house smells like something cozy is simmering away on the stove. This hearty soup is loaded with tender cabbage, flavorful ground beef, and a mix of wholesome vegetables that make every spoonful warm and satisfying.
I first started making this version back in my Texas days when my mother-in-law insisted that cabbage soup was the best way to stretch a pound of beef into a meal for eight. Turns out, she was absolutely right. These days, I make it on busy weeknights here in New York when I crave something comforting but don’t want to fuss with complicated ingredients.
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Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef Recipe
There’s a lot to love about this one-pot wonder:
- It’s hearty yet healthy, packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables.
- It’s budget-friendly—a whole meal from simple, affordable ingredients.
- It freezes beautifully, making it a great meal-prep option.
- It’s the kind of soup that tastes even better the next day, after all those flavors mingle overnight.
If you’re a fan of cozy soups like my Easy Crockpot Vegetable Beef Soup or Beef and Barley Soup Recipe, this cabbage soup will feel right at home in your rotation.
What Does Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef Taste Like?
Think of this as the love child between a tomato-based vegetable soup and a rustic beef stew. The cabbage adds a gentle sweetness, while the tomato paste and diced tomatoes bring depth and a little tang. Add to that the Cajun seasoning (for those who like a little kick) and garlic-herb blend, and you’ve got a well-balanced flavor that’s both comforting and bold.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef
Before you dive in, let’s gather the simple, wholesome ingredients that make this soup shine:
- 1 small diced yellow onion
- 1 small diced green bell pepper
- 2 sliced carrots
- 2 sliced ribs of celery
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or substitute with chicken, turkey, or venison)
- 2 tablespoons garlic and herb seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (optional, for a spicy edge)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes (basil, garlic & oregano blend recommended)
- 1 head green cabbage, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Knorr beef bouillon + 4 cups water (or 4 cups broth)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
(Want another hearty soup for your collection? Try my Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup next—it’s a bright and flavorful contrast to this one.)
How to Make Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef (Step-by-Step)
There’s something special about making soup from scratch—it feels like you’re building comfort one ingredient at a time. This Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef Recipe follows that same rhythm: simple steps, familiar ingredients, and a deeply satisfying result. Here’s how to bring this hearty favorite to life in your own kitchen.
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef and Build Your Flavor Base
Grab your Dutch oven or any large, heavy-bottomed pot. Add your ground beef and set the heat to medium. Let it cook slowly, stirring and breaking it up with a wooden spoon. You want the meat to brown evenly and develop those rich, golden bits on the bottom of the pan—that’s where the magic happens.
Once the beef is fully cooked and no longer pink, drain any excess grease. This keeps your Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef Recipe hearty but not heavy.
Veronica’s Tip: I sometimes add a dash of Worcestershire sauce at this stage. It deepens the flavor beautifully. If you’ve tried my Beef and Barley Soup Recipe, you know what I mean—those umami layers make all the difference.
Step 2: Add the Aromatics and Vegetables
Next, toss in your diced onion, green bell pepper, carrots, and celery. These veggies will soak up the beef’s savory flavor while softening just enough to release their natural sweetness.
Sprinkle in your garlic and herb seasoning, Cajun seasoning (if you like a bit of spice), and a touch of black pepper. Let everything cook together for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells like a cozy diner on a cold morning—rich, garlicky, and deeply comforting.
This step is the soul of your Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef Recipe. Take your time and let those aromatics work their magic.
Step 3: Stir in the Tomato Paste for a Flavor Boost
Now, add your tomato paste. Don’t just stir it in—let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes. You want it to darken slightly and caramelize on the bottom of the pot. This process intensifies the tomato flavor and gives your broth that deep, satisfying color.
You might notice the mixture thickening a little—that’s perfect. This base will turn your Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef Recipe into something hearty enough to stand on its own.
Step 4: Add the Potatoes, Tomatoes, and Garlic
Stir in your cubed potatoes, minced garlic, and both cans of diced tomatoes. I prefer using tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano—they add a lovely Italian note without extra effort.
Give it all a good mix to ensure those potatoes are coated in that flavorful tomato base. This layering technique is what separates a good soup from a great one.
If you’re a fan of tomato-based soups, check out my Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe—it uses a similar method and creates that same comforting richness.
Step 5: Add the Star—Cabbage!
Now comes the moment you’ve been waiting for—the cabbage. Chop it roughly; no need for perfection here. Add it to the pot a handful at a time, stirring after each addition. It may seem like a mountain of cabbage at first, but trust me, it will wilt down beautifully.
Cabbage adds a natural sweetness and a little crunch that balances the rich broth and beef. As it cooks, it releases its juices, blending into the soup for that classic flavor that makes this Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef Recipe a true comfort meal.
Step 6: Pour in the Broth and Simmer Slowly
Pour in your prepared bouillon mixture or beef broth, then give the pot a thorough stir. Increase the heat and bring the soup to a rolling boil.
Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let it simmer gently for about 30 minutes. This is where all the flavors meld together—the cabbage softens, the potatoes become tender, and the broth transforms into a hearty, flavorful base.
While you wait, this is the perfect time to set the table or make a quick side. This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or even my Pioneer Woman Beef Barley Soup for a full-on comfort feast.
Step 7: Taste and Adjust
After simmering, uncover the pot and give it a good stir. Taste your broth and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Every batch of soup is a little different, depending on your broth and seasoning preferences—so trust your taste buds here.
If you want extra depth, add a splash of hot sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten it up.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Now, the best part—ladle that Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef Recipe into deep bowls and serve it piping hot. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or even a little shredded cheese if you’d like.
I love serving mine with a hunk of warm bread and a side of something green, like a simple salad or roasted veggies. The leftovers are even better the next day, once the flavors have had time to mingle.
Bonus Tip from My Kitchen
If you want to make this in your slow cooker, brown the beef first on the stove, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Add your broth and cabbage, then cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
The result? A slow-simmered version of this Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef Recipe that tastes like it’s been cooking all day—because it has!
For more cozy slow cooker meals, try my Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup or Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe. They follow the same one-pot simplicity and deliver that same stick-to-your-ribs satisfaction.
Final Step: Savor the Moment
There’s something about sitting down with a steaming bowl of this soup that feels grounding—a reminder that good food doesn’t have to be fancy to be special. This Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef Recipe isn’t just a meal—it’s a memory in the making, and one you’ll want to revisit again and again.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef
- Use lean ground beef to keep the broth rich but not greasy.
- Don’t skip the tomato paste—it adds that deep, savory note that ties everything together.
- Go big on seasoning. Cabbage is mild, so don’t be afraid of your spice blends.
- Freeze leftovers in portions for easy weeknight meals later.
- For extra heartiness, toss in some cooked rice or barley near the end.
Storage
Let the soup cool before storing.
- Refrigerate: Up to 4 days in a sealed container.
- Freeze: Up to 3 months in freezer-safe bags or containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot.
FAQs
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the beef first, then add all ingredients to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
Can I use red cabbage instead?
You can, but it’ll change the color slightly. Green cabbage gives that classic look and flavor.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes! Skip the beef, use vegetable broth, and toss in a can of drained beans for protein.
Conclusion
This Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef Recipe is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s wholesome, hearty, and perfect for feeding your family without breaking the bank. Whether you’re serving it up on a cold winter night or making it ahead for a busy week, it’s one of those dishes that always delivers.
Go ahead—grab that cabbage and a pound of beef, and make yourself a pot of cozy happiness tonight.
Follow us on Pinterest for weekly slow cooker inspiration, or join the conversation over on our Facebook page where fellow food lovers share their favorite comfort meals.
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Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef Recipe: A Hearty Classic Made Simple
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This hearty cabbage soup with ground beef is a cozy, flavor-packed dish that brings warmth to the table with every spoonful. Loaded with vegetables, tender meat, and savory broth, it’s the perfect comfort food for any day of the week.
Ingredients
- 1 small diced yellow onion
- 1 small diced green bell pepper
- 2 sliced carrots
- 2 sliced ribs of celery
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or substitute with ground chicken, turkey, venison, or your preferred protein)
- 2 tablespoons garlic and herb seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (such as Slap Ya Mama, optional for a spicy kick)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and chopped into bite-sized cubes
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes (preferably with basil, garlic, and oregano for extra depth)
- 1 head green cabbage, chopped
- 1 heaping tablespoon Knorr beef bouillon mixed with 4 cups of water (or use 4 cups of beef or chicken broth)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Begin by placing a Dutch oven or large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook thoroughly, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink.
2. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sprinkle in the garlic and herb seasoning, Cajun seasoning (if using), and a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper. Sauté the mixture until the vegetables begin to soften and release their aroma.
3. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, letting the paste caramelize slightly to enhance its flavor.
4. Add the cubed potatoes and stir them through the vegetable and beef mixture. Pour in both cans of diced tomatoes and scatter the minced garlic over the top. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated.
5. Now, add the chopped cabbage gradually. It may look like a lot at first, but it will wilt down significantly as it cooks. Fold the cabbage into the mixture in stages to help it fit into the pot.
6. Pour in the prepared bouillon mixture or broth. Stir the soup well to combine all the ingredients evenly. Increase the heat and bring the pot to a rolling boil.
7. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer gently for around 30 minutes. The potatoes should be fork-tender and the cabbage soft and flavorful.
8. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as desired. Ladle into bowls and serve piping hot, perfect for cozy evenings or chilly days.
Notes
For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
Add extra Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
This soup freezes beautifully — store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef Recipe, beef and cabbage soup, hearty soup, comfort food, American cabbage soup
