There’s something pure and soul-satisfying about a big, steaming bowl of Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef. This is the kind of recipe that calls you in from a chilly afternoon, wraps you in a savory, veggie-packed embrace, and fills your kitchen with irresistible warmth. Every simmering spoonful bursts with tender cabbage, succulent ground beef, and rustic vegetables in a rich, tomato-kissed broth. Whether you’re looking for a nourishing family favorite or an easy make-ahead meal, this classic soup is proof that comfort and nutrition really can go hand in hand.

Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef are simple staples, but each one plays a special part in delivering flavor, color, and that crave-worthy texture. Gather everything before you start, and you’ll have this delicious soup bubbling on your stove in no time.

Olive oil: Kick-starts the sauté and adds a hint of fruity richness to the base.
Ground beef (85% lean): Provides protein and deep, meaty flavor without too much extra fat.
Yellow onion: Diced small for subtle sweetness and a mellow, aromatic base.
Garlic: Just two cloves, but the big punch of garlic brings everything together.
Carrots: Their sweet earthiness brightens every bite and adds beautiful pops of color.
Celery: Adds crunch and a whisper of savoriness to the soup.
Chopped green cabbage: This is the heart of the dish, becoming gloriously tender as it simmers.
Canned diced tomatoes with juices: Bring tang, texture, and depth to the broth.
Tomato paste: A concentrated boost for a rich, hearty-tasting base.
Dried thyme: A classic herb that adds backbone and a cozy, woodsy note.
Smoked paprika: Delivers a gentle smokiness and subtle warmth.
Salt: Essential for enhancing all those garden-fresh flavors.
Black pepper: Lifts and balances the rich ingredients with a little bite.
Low-sodium beef broth: Creates a robust, savory base while letting you control the salt.
Bay leaf: Just one, but it imparts a background complexity that’s worth not skipping.
Chopped parsley (for garnish): For a fresh, herby finish that wakes up the whole pot.

How to Make Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the ground beef and use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks. You’ll want to stir occasionally until the beef is beautifully browned with crispy edges, about 6 to 8 minutes. If you see excess fat, simply drain it off for a lighter broth. This first step builds the savory base for your Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef—don’t rush, as the browning creates rich, irresistible flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Next, toss in your diced onion, minced garlic, carrots, and celery. This quartet brings vibrant color and that amazing soup aroma we all know and love. Cook and stir everything for about 5 to 6 minutes, just until the vegetables soften slightly and release their sweetness. These veggies mingle with the beef, soaking up all those lovely caramelized bits from the bottom of the pot.

Step 3: Add the Cabbage

Now it’s time for the star ingredient—chopped green cabbage! Add it right to the pot and gently stir until the cabbage begins to wilt and tenderize, about 3 to 4 minutes. The cabbage will shrink down a bit, soaking up the beefy flavors and setting the scene for that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture found in every bite of Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef.

Step 4: Build the Broth

Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato paste, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the tomato paste is fully incorporated and everything is coated in that irresistible ruby-red sauce. Then, pour in your low-sodium beef broth and tuck in the bay leaf. Give it all a good mix, making sure nothing is stuck to the bottom.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Bring your pot to a gentle boil, then lower the heat so the soup simmers uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes. The kitchen will fill with the most incredible savory aroma. Let the vegetables go tender and the flavors meld into one comforting, hearty bowl. Right before serving, fish out the bay leaf and adjust the seasoning to your taste. Sprinkle on generous chopped parsley for a fresh, herby burst—then ladle up!

How to Serve Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef

Garnishes

For a beautiful finishing touch, always reach for a sprinkling of fresh chopped parsley. You can also top your Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef with a swirl of sour cream, a light dusting of paprika, or even some crispy fried onions if you’re feeling fancy. Don’t skip the garnishes—they really can elevate your soup from homey to restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

This soup is plenty satisfying on its own, but it absolutely loves a crusty slice of sourdough bread or a warm, buttered dinner roll on the side. If you’re going for a lighter meal, pair your bowl with a simple side salad, maybe with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the soup’s richness. And if you want to make it heartier yet, serve alongside steamed rice or roasted potatoes.

Creative Ways to Present

Let’s have some fun: try serving your Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef in hollowed-out bread bowls for a cozy twist, or ladle it into big mugs for a casual, snuggle-up-on-the-couch kind of dinner. A sprinkle of cheese on top—think sharp cheddar or parmesan—melts perfectly into the hot broth, making each bite even more decadent.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup keeps exceptionally well in the refrigerator, so it’s perfect for meal prep. Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors deepen overnight, so the soup will be even tastier for lunch or quick weeknight meals.

Freezing

Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef is a freezer champ. Let the soup cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving just a little room for expansion. Store for up to 2 months. When you’re craving cozy comfort, simply thaw overnight in the fridge or use your microwave’s defrost function.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pour your desired portion back into a pot and warm over medium heat until hot and steamy, stirring occasionally. If you’re in a hurry, microwaving works just as well—stir halfway through to ensure it heats evenly. Add a splash of water or broth if the soup seems extra thick after chilling.

FAQs

Can I make Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the ground beef first, then add all ingredients to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded. It’s a perfect set-and-forget meal on busy days.

What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to get creative—zucchini, bell peppers, potatoes, or even a handful of spinach stirred in at the end work beautifully. Just use what’s in your fridge and what your family loves. The soup is a great canvas for veggie-packed goodness.

Is this recipe gluten-free and dairy-free?

Yes! Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef is both gluten-free and dairy-free as written, so it’s friendly for a variety of dietary needs. Just make sure your beef broth doesn’t contain any gluten additives, and skip any cheese-based garnishes for dairy-free meals.

How can I make it even more filling?

Try stirring in cooked rice, quinoa, or even small pasta shapes before serving. These additions soak up the wonderful broth and make each bowl extra satisfying. This is also a fabulous way to use up leftover grains from the night before!

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Definitely! Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter spin on Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef—the soup will still be delicious and hearty. You might want to increase the spices just a bit to give leaner meats extra flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dinner that checks every comfort food box, make this Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef. It’s nourishing, deeply flavorful, and always a hit at the table. Give it a try soon—your family and your taste buds will thank you!

Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 7 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with vegetables, ground beef, and aromatic herbs, this soup is a satisfying meal on its own.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef (85% lean)

Veggies:

1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
4 cups chopped green cabbage

Seasonings and Broth:

1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
6 cups low-sodium beef broth
1 bay leaf

Garnish:

1 tablespoon chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare Ground Beef Mixture: Heat olive oil in a large pot, add ground beef, and cook until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
Sauté Veggies: Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until vegetables soften.
Add Cabbage: Stir in cabbage and cook until slightly wilted.
Season and Simmer: Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, thyme, paprika, salt, pepper, and beef broth. Simmer with bay leaf until vegetables are tender.
Finish and Serve: Adjust seasoning, discard bay leaf, and garnish with parsley. Serve hot.