Hearty Ground Beef and Savory Cabbage Soup

Hearty Ground Beef and Savory Cabbage Soup is my go-to meal when I need something filling, wholesome, and ridiculously easy to make. This one-pot wonder brings together tender ground beef, sweet cabbage, and colorful vegetables in a rich, savory broth. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you crave comfort without the fuss.

I still remember the first time I made this cabbage soup on a chilly Tuesday evening. I had half a head of cabbage sitting in my fridge and a pound of ground beef that needed to be used. What started as a “clean out the fridge” experiment turned into a family favorite that I now make at least twice a month. The way the cabbage softens and sweetens as it simmers, soaking up all that beefy, herb-infused broth, is pure magic. This hearty ground beef cabbage soup is not only budget-friendly but also incredibly versatile. You can easily swap proteins, add extra veggies, or adjust the seasonings to match your taste. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a kitchen genius with minimal effort.

What Goes Into This Comforting Bowl

I always start with quality ground beef for the best flavor, though ground turkey works beautifully if you prefer a leaner option. The cabbage is the star here, so don’t skip it.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef (I prefer 85/15 for good flavor without excess grease)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups green cabbage, shredded (from about half a medium head, or 12 oz)
• 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 6 cups beef broth (use low-sodium if watching salt intake)
• 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes with juice
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (regular paprika works too)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Pro tip: If your cabbage looks a bit wilted, don’t worry. It’ll perk right up once it hits the hot broth. I also like to use fire-roasted tomatoes when I can find them for an extra layer of smoky depth.

How I Make This Savory Soup

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until browned all over with no pink remaining. If there’s excess fat (more than a tablespoon or two), drain it off to keep your soup from getting greasy.

Step 2: Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion turns translucent and your kitchen smells amazing. Don’t let the garlic burn or it’ll taste bitter.

Step 3: Add the shredded cabbage, sliced carrots, and chopped celery to the pot. Stir everything together and cook for about 5 minutes. You’ll notice the cabbage starting to wilt and soften. This is exactly what you want.

Step 4: Pour in the beef broth and the entire can of diced tomatoes, juice included. Sprinkle in the thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Give it all a good stir to combine.

Step 5: Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover with lid slightly ajar and simmer for 20-25 minutes. The vegetables should be tender but not mushy. This simmering time is crucial for developing deep, rich flavors in your hearty ground beef and cabbage soup.

Step 6: Taste and adjust the seasoning. I usually add a bit more salt and a few cracks of black pepper. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if you have it.

Common mistake: Rushing the simmer. Those 20-25 minutes allow all the flavors to meld together beautifully. If your vegetables aren’t tender after 25 minutes, give it another 5.

Perfect Pairings for Your Soup

This soup is hearty enough to stand alone, but the right side dish can turn it into a truly memorable meal.

Crusty sourdough bread: The tangy, chewy texture is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that savory broth. Toast it and rub with garlic for an extra treat.

Simple green salad: A crisp salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the beef and adds a refreshing contrast. I like arugula with lemon dressing.

Grilled cheese sandwich: Classic comfort pairing. The gooey, melted cheese complements the savory cabbage soup perfectly, especially on a cold day.

Garlic knots: Soft, buttery, and garlicky. These are always a hit with kids and adults alike when serving this ground beef cabbage soup.

Roasted vegetables: If you want to keep it on the healthier side, roasted Brussels sprouts or broccoli add nice texture and extra nutrients.

Build Your Cabbage Soup Recipe Collection

This hearty ground beef and savory cabbage soup delivers satisfying protein and vegetables in one comforting bowl. For a similar beef-based option with a rich tomato broth, the Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup features Italian seasoning that creates a slightly different flavor profile. When you’re ready to explore traditional European cooking, the Smoked Ham Hock and Bean Cabbage Soup offers French country charm with smoky ham and creamy white beans that melt into the broth.

For lighter days when you want to focus on vegetables without meat, both the Cabbage Soup Diet Recipe and Delicious Cabbage Soup provide nourishing, low-calorie options. When you crave creamy comfort, the One Pot Creamy Cabbage Soup features dairy-free coconut milk that creates luxurious texture without any meat or dairy.

Keeping Your Soup Fresh

This hearty ground beef and savory cabbage soup stores beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep. Let it cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The flavors actually improve after a day or two as everything continues to meld.

For reheating, I recommend using the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Microwave works in a pinch, just heat in 1-minute intervals and stir between each to ensure even heating.

Pro tip: If you’re freezing this soup, leave about an inch of space at the top of your container since liquids expand when frozen. It’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

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