If you’re looking for a comforting dish that fills both the belly and the soul, this Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef is a must-try! Imagine the savory aroma of garlic and onions mingling with tender vegetables on a chilly day. Each spoonful delivers a warm, slightly tangy flavor that makes your taste buds dance. This recipe is creamy without needing any heavy cream, all thanks to the generous amount of hearty cabbage. Perfect for using up pantry staples, this soup is a delicious solution for weeknight dinners or meal prep. And hey, isn’t that just what we all need this season?
Why You’ll Love Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef (Creamy, Easy, and Cozy)
This Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef truly stands out. It’s not just a recipe; it’s your new go-to for cozy nights and busy days. With its sumptuous blend of cabbage, fresh veggies, and seasoned beef, you’ll find comfort with every bite. The flavors meld beautifully, resulting in a creamy yet light texture that feels indulgent but won’t weigh you down. Plus, it’s straightforward to prepare, making it accessible for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike.
Benefits:
- Quick Cooking Time: Whip this up in under 30 minutes for a speedy meal.
- Pantry-Friendly: Utilizes ingredients you probably already have at home.
- Meal-Prep Friendly: Perfect for making in large batches to enjoy throughout the week.
- Nutrient-Rich: Packed with veggies, this soup is healthy and satisfying.
- Versatile Flavors: Customize it with toppings or spice levels to suit your taste.
- Freezing Friendly: Save leftovers easily for future meals.
Ingredients for Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef
- 1 pound ground beef – Adds richness and protein to the soup.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – Optional for sautéing, enhances flavor.
- 1 medium onion, diced – Provides a sweet foundational flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Adds a warm, aromatic kick.
- 4 cups green cabbage, chopped – Key ingredient; brings a hearty texture.
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced – Sweetness balances the savory elements.
- 2 celery stalks, diced – Contributes crunch and freshness.
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained – Adds acidity and depth.
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste – Thickens the broth and intensifies the flavor.
- 6 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred) – Base for the soup, adjust saltiness.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances overall flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Adds a hint of warmth.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano – A classic herb pairing with beef.
- 1 teaspoon paprika – Adds a subtle smokiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme – Earthy flavor that complements the veggies.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) – A little kick if desired.
- 2 bay leaves – Infuses the soup with a subtle depth.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Introduces umami richness.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar – Brightens the overall flavor.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) – For a pop of color and freshness.
Ready to cook? See the recipe card for exact measurements below.
How to Make Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef
Phase 1 – Prep
- Gather all your ingredients and chop the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and cabbage.
- Measure out your spices and have your cans ready for easy access.
Phase 2 – Cook/Assemble
- In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic; sauté until fragrant (about 2 minutes).
- Add ground beef; cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Stir in the carrots and celery, cooking for another 3–4 minutes.
- Add cabbage, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, and spices; stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
Phase 3 – Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Remove bay leaves before serving.
- Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Swap for Turkey: Use ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner option.
- Chop Veggies Evenly: Make sure all veggies are chopped uniformly for even cooking.
- Store Leftovers Properly: Use airtight containers to keep the soup fresh longer.
- Experiment with Spices: Try adding a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra flavor.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Add fresh herbs right before serving for a burst of color and flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is not browning the meat properly. This can leave the beef bland, so let it brown well before adding other ingredients. Another mistake is overcrowding the pot—this can cause the veggies to steam instead of sauté. Lastly, forgetting to remove the bay leaves can lead to a bitter taste, so remember to scoop them out before serving!
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free broth and skip the Worcestershire sauce.
- Dairy-Free: The recipe is naturally dairy-free; enjoy it as is!
- Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños.
- Herbal: Toss in fresh herbs like thyme or basil for added flavor.
- Cooking Methods: Adapt this recipe for stovetop, Instant Pot, or slow cooker.
How to Serve Hearty Cabbage Soup
Best Pairings:
- Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
- Pair with a simple green salad for a fuller meal.
Toppings & Garnishes:
- Add grated cheese or a dollop of sour cream for creaminess.
- Sprinkle with croutons for a crunchy texture.
Drink Pairing:
- A glass of chilled iced tea or lemonade would complement this warm soup perfectly!
Make Ahead & Storage
Can I Meal Prep This?
Yes! This soup is perfect for meal prep and can be made ahead for quick lunches throughout the week.
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days in airtight containers for best taste and quality.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just be aware that the texture may change slightly after thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, use a pot on medium heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. If using a microwave, heat for about 3-4 minutes, stirring halfway through.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes, you can add frozen cauliflower for extra veggies, just adjust cooking time as necessary.
How can I make it extra creamy without cream?
Puree some of the soup and stir it back in for a creamy texture without any dairy!
Can I double it?
Absolutely! Just make sure your pot is big enough.
How do I fix a too-thick soup?
Add more broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
This Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef is not just a meal; it’s a cozy hug in a bowl! Its rich flavors and creamy texture will leave you coming back for more. Don’t forget to rate this recipe, drop a comment, or check out our collection of comforting soups for more delicious ideas!
Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef Adds richness and protein to the soup.
- 1 tbsp olive oil Optional for sautéing, enhances flavor.
- 1 medium onion, diced Provides a sweet foundational flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Adds a warm, aromatic kick.
- 4 cups green cabbage, chopped Key ingredient; brings a hearty texture.
- 2 pcs carrots, peeled and sliced Sweetness balances the savory elements.
- 2 stalks celery, diced Contributes crunch and freshness.
- 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained Adds acidity and depth.
- 1 6 oz can tomato paste Thickens the broth and intensifies the flavor.
- 6 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred) Base for the soup, adjust saltiness.
- 1 tsp salt Enhances overall flavor.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper Adds a hint of warmth.
- 1 tsp dried oregano A classic herb pairing with beef.
- 1 tsp paprika Adds a subtle smokiness.
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme Earthy flavor that complements the veggies.
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat) A little kick if desired.
- 2 pcs bay leaves Infuses the soup with a subtle depth.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce Introduces umami richness.
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar Brightens the overall flavor.
- to taste fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) For a pop of color and freshness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all your ingredients and chop the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and cabbage.
- Measure out your spices and have your cans ready for easy access.
Cooking
- In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic; sauté until fragrant (about 2 minutes).
- Add ground beef; cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Stir in the carrots and celery, cooking for another 3–4 minutes.
- Add cabbage, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, and spices; stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
Serving
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Remove bay leaves before serving.
- Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy!