Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup

Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup is the ultimate comfort food that combines savory beef, tender vegetables, and a rich tomato broth into one satisfying bowl. I’ve made this recipe countless times on chilly evenings when my family craves something hearty but wholesome.

There’s something magical about the way this soup fills the kitchen with its savory aroma as it simmers on the stove. I first started making ground beef and cabbage soup when I wanted a lighter alternative to traditional beef stew, but still craved that meaty, satisfying flavor. The sweet carrots balance perfectly with the mild cabbage, while the ground beef provides protein without feeling too heavy. This cabbage soup with ground beef is ready in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners when you want something nourishing without spending hours in the kitchen.

What You’ll Need for This Hearty Soup

Let me walk you through the simple ingredients that make this cabbage and ground beef soup so delicious. I always use fresh vegetables when possible, as they add the best flavor and texture to the broth.

• 2 tablespoons avocado oil (or olive oil works great too)
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 3 large carrots, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (I never skip the garlic for maximum flavor)
• 1 lb ground beef, lean 85% (this fat ratio keeps it flavorful without excess grease)
• 4 large ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth or beef broth (I prefer beef broth for deeper flavor)
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, to taste
• Sea salt, to taste
• 1 large head green cabbage, chopped (about 6-8 cups)

Pro tip: If your tomatoes aren’t perfectly ripe, add a tablespoon of tomato paste to boost the rich tomato flavor in your ground beef and cabbage soup.

How to Make This Delicious Soup

Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons avocado oil in your large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and minced garlic. Saute, stirring occasionally, for 3-5 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent. You’ll know it’s ready when the garlic becomes fragrant and the onions look slightly golden.

Step 2: Scoot the sauteed vegetables to one side of the pot. Add 1 pound ground beef to the cleared space. This is important: allow the ground beef to brown undisturbed for 3 minutes on one side to develop a nice crust. Flip the beef and brown for 2-3 minutes on the other side. Break up the ground beef into smaller pieces using your spoon, then stir the browned beef into the sauteed vegetables. Don’t overcrowd the pot during this step or the beef will steam instead of brown.

Step 3: Add the remaining ingredients to the pot: chopped tomatoes, broth, Italian seasoning, black pepper, sea salt, and chopped cabbage. Stir well to combine, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the soup. The cabbage will look like a lot at first, but don’t worry, it wilts down significantly.

Step 4: Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a full boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes or until the cabbage is wilted and tender. The cabbage should be soft but still have a slight bite to it.

Step 5: Taste your ground beef and cabbage soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning if needed. I always taste at this stage because the sodium levels in different broths vary. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and enjoy immediately.

Pro tip: If you prefer a thicker consistency, let the soup simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes to reduce the liquid slightly.

Perfect Pairings for Your Soup

This ground beef and cabbage soup pairs beautifully with a variety of sides that complement its savory, tomato-based flavor.

Crusty bread or baguette: The crusty exterior and soft interior are perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth from your cabbage soup with ground beef.

Grilled cheese sandwich: This classic combination creates the ultimate comfort meal, with the creamy, melted cheese balancing the soup’s acidity.

Side salad: A fresh green salad with vinaigrette adds brightness and crunch, making the meal feel lighter and more balanced.

Sour cream or Greek yogurt: A dollop on top adds creaminess and tang that beautifully contrasts with the beef and cabbage soup’s rich tomato base.

Fresh herbs: Chopped parsley or chives sprinkled on top bring a pop of color and fresh flavor to each bowl.

Shredded cheese: Cheddar or Parmesan melted into the hot ground beef and cabbage soup adds extra richness and makes it even more satisfying.

More Hearty Cabbage Soup Recipes to Try

This ground beef and cabbage soup is perfect when you crave something hearty and protein-packed. For another satisfying beef-based option with similar flavors, try the Ground Beef and Savory Cabbage Soup, which features smoked paprika for an extra layer of depth. If you’re looking for something even richer and more traditional, the Smoked Ham Hock and Bean Cabbage Soup brings French country cooking to the table with white beans and smoky ham that creates an incredibly flavorful broth.

When you want to balance your weekly menu with lighter options, the vegetarian Cabbage Soup Diet Recipe offers a colorful, low-calorie alternative that’s perfect for health-conscious days. For those times when you crave comfort with a creamy twist, the dairy-free One Pot Creamy Cabbage Soup delivers luxurious coconut milk richness without any dairy.

Keeping Your Soup Fresh

I recommend storing your ground beef and cabbage soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen and improve after a day, making leftovers even more delicious.

For longer storage, this cabbage and ground beef soup freezes beautifully for 2-3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers, leaving about an inch of space at the top for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until steaming hot.

Pro tip: I often make a double batch of this beef and cabbage soup specifically for freezing, so I always have a nutritious homemade meal ready for busy nights. The vegetables hold up remarkably well to freezing, and you won’t notice any difference in texture or flavor.

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