There’s something deeply comforting about a big pot of Ground Beef and Savory Cabbage Soup simmering away on the stove. Maybe it’s the way the aroma wraps around the kitchen like a warm hug, or maybe it’s because this soup tastes like home—simple, hearty, and full of flavor. As someone who grew up on a Texas farm, I’ve always had a soft spot for rustic recipes that stretch a few humble ingredients into something wonderful. And let me tell you, this one does just that.
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Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef and Savory Cabbage Soup
This isn’t one of those fancy soups that demands hours of prep or rare spices you’ll never use again. Nope—this is a down-to-earth, weeknight-friendly dish that fits right into real life.
It’s:
- Quick: Ready in under 45 minutes, perfect for when you’re short on time.
- Nutritious: Packed with lean protein, fiber-rich cabbage, and wholesome veggies.
- Budget-friendly: Every ingredient is simple and affordable.
- Cozy: Think cold nights, a thick blanket, and a steaming bowl of comfort.
If you enjoy the homestyle charm of my Easy Crockpot Vegetable Beef Soup, this recipe will feel like its hearty cousin.
What Does Ground Beef and Savory Cabbage Soup Taste Like?
Imagine the rich depth of beef broth mingling with the sweetness of cabbage and carrots, with just a hint of smokiness from paprika and warmth from thyme. Every spoonful is layered with flavor—light enough for lunch but hearty enough for dinner. It’s the kind of soup that somehow gets even better the next day, after the flavors have had a chance to get cozy overnight.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Ground Beef and Savory Cabbage Soup
Here’s what you’ll need to make this satisfying, soul-warming soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
You might notice that these are pantry staples—no complicated shopping lists here. This simple mix of everyday ingredients proves that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated.
(If you love this kind of earthy flavor combo, check out my Beef and Barley Soup Recipe next!)
How to Make Ground Beef and Savory Cabbage Soup (Step-by-Step)
When it comes to cozy dinners that don’t take all day, this Ground Beef and Savory Cabbage Soup is a winner every single time. The process is simple, but the results taste like you’ve been tending the pot for hours. Follow along step-by-step, and you’ll have a nourishing, flavor-packed soup on the table in under 45 minutes.
If you love warm, comforting soups that bring everyone to the table, you’ll also want to check out my Easy Crockpot Vegetable Beef Soup or this Beef and Barley Soup Recipe—they share that same heartwarming, stick-to-your-ribs quality that makes dinner feel like a hug in a bowl.
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef (Flavor Foundation)
Start with a large, sturdy soup pot or Dutch oven—something that can handle a bit of browning. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and warm it over medium heat.
Once the oil shimmers, add 1 pound of ground beef. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the beef apart as it cooks. This step should take about 6–8 minutes. You’re looking for the beef to turn a rich, deep brown color—that’s where the flavor lives.
If your beef releases excess fat, go ahead and spoon some off (leave just a tablespoon or so behind for taste). That flavorful oil will help cook your aromatics next.
Pro tip: Don’t rush this part! Browning the meat properly gives your Ground Beef and Savory Cabbage Soup a richer, more complex flavor that water or broth alone can’t replicate.
Step 2: Add Aromatics (Onion and Garlic Magic)
Once your beef is browned, toss in 1 small diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Stir them into the meat and let them cook for about 2–3 minutes, until the onion turns translucent and fragrant.
This is where your kitchen really starts to smell incredible. The beef, onion, and garlic combination creates the kind of aroma that draws people in from other rooms (or even the front porch).
If you’ve made my French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup, you already know the magic that happens when onions and beef come together.
Step 3: Layer in the Vegetables (Color + Nutrition)
Now it’s time to pack in the veggies. Add:
- 4 cups of shredded green cabbage
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
Give everything a good stir, letting the vegetables soften slightly in the beef mixture for about 5 minutes. You’re not cooking them through just yet—you’re waking up their natural sweetness and letting them mingle with the savory beef base.
If you’re a fan of heartier soups, like my Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe, you’ll appreciate this layering technique—it builds complexity with every ingredient you add.
Step 4: Add Broth, Tomatoes, and Spices (Building the Broth)
Pour in 6 cups of beef broth and one 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes (with their juices). Then sprinkle in your seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Stir everything well, making sure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
You’ll notice the soup starting to take on that classic hearty color—deep, rich, and full of promise. The smoked paprika adds a gentle warmth that ties everything together beautifully.
For an even deeper flavor, you can add a small splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce at this stage—it’s a simple trick I use in my Homemade Chicken Taco Soup to give a savory “umami” edge.
Step 5: Simmer Low and Slow (Let It Work Its Magic)
Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar and let it simmer for 20–25 minutes.
During this time, the cabbage will tenderize, the carrots will sweeten, and the broth will deepen in flavor. Give it an occasional stir to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom.
This is when your home will start to smell like pure comfort. My kids always wander into the kitchen around this point, asking, “Is it ready yet?”
If you’ve made soups like my Creamy Mushroom Wild Rice Soup, you know patience pays off—the slow simmering brings everything together perfectly.
Step 6: Taste, Adjust, and Serve
After 25 minutes, check the tenderness of your vegetables. If they’re soft and the broth has thickened slightly, it’s ready! Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed—maybe a pinch more salt or a grind of black pepper.
Ladle the Ground Beef and Savory Cabbage Soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a bright, fresh touch.
Serve with crusty bread, a sprinkle of Parmesan, or even a spoonful of cooked rice stirred in if you want to bulk it up a bit.
Step 7: Savor the Moment
Take a deep breath before your first bite—because that smell alone deserves a moment of appreciation. This soup tastes even better the next day, once the flavors have had more time to blend. It’s a recipe that brings warmth to both the table and the heart.
For more cozy, nourishing recipes like this one, you might love my Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup—it’s light, bright, and perfect for weeknights when you want something equally comforting but a little tangier.
Cooking Summary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories: ~180 per serving
Why This Step-by-Step Method Works
This approach—browning, layering, and simmering—creates depth in every bite. The ground beef gives it richness, the cabbage brings a subtle sweetness, and the combination of thyme and smoked paprika ties it all together beautifully.
So the next time you’re craving something hearty but easy, pull out this Ground Beef and Savory Cabbage Soup recipe. It’s the kind of dinner that makes everyone at the table pause, smile, and go back for seconds.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Ground Beef and Savory Cabbage Soup
- Lean beef is best: A 90/10 blend keeps the soup rich without feeling greasy.
- Add potatoes or rice: If you want it heartier, toss in diced potatoes or a scoop of cooked rice.
- Go slow cooker style: Want to let dinner cook itself? Try the slow cooker version—just brown the beef first, then dump everything in on low for 6 hours.
- Use leftovers creatively: This soup freezes beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep.
- Flavor booster: A splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce gives it an umami punch.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To freeze, cool the soup completely and store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or even chicken works well for a lighter option.
Do I have to use smoked paprika?
You can swap it for regular paprika, but smoked adds a delicious depth that really makes this soup sing.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Just skip the beef and use veggie broth and lentils for protein.
Conclusion
This Ground Beef and Savory Cabbage Soup is proof that the best meals are often the simplest. With wholesome ingredients and minimal fuss, it brings warmth and satisfaction to any table. Whether you’re feeding a family or just looking to cozy up on a chilly evening, this soup delivers.
If this recipe brings you comfort (and I have a feeling it will), don’t forget to check out Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup for another soothing favorite.
So grab that pot, toss in your ingredients, and let your kitchen fill with the kind of aroma that says, “Dinner’s almost ready.”
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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Ground Beef and Savory Cabbage Soup – Cozy Dinner Magic
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A hearty and flavorful Ground Beef and Savory Cabbage Soup packed with tender vegetables, rich broth, and smoky spices — a perfect comfort meal for chilly days.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Remove excess fat if necessary.
2. Add the diced onion and garlic to the pot and sauté until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Stir in the cabbage, carrots, and celery. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
4. Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes (with their juice). Add thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
This soup stores well — refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: Ground Beef and Savory Cabbage Soup, cabbage soup, ground beef soup, hearty soup, beef and vegetable soup
