Ground Beef Cabbage Soup – Hearty, Healthy & Comforting
Ground Beef Cabbage Soup: The Cozy Bowl Your Soul Needs!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.8 from 2,500 fans)
📸 1100+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated December 2025
Oh, friends, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of homemade soup to chase away the chill or simply bring a sense of comforting warmth to your weeknight table. Today, I’m absolutely thrilled to share a recipe that’s been a staple in my kitchen for years: my hearty and incredibly flavorful Ground Beef Cabbage Soup! This isn’t just any soup; it’s a hug in a bowl, packed with tender ground beef, nutrient-rich Cabbage, and a vibrant medley of vegetables, all simmered in a savory tomato-infused broth. It’s budget-friendly, surprisingly healthy, and absolutely bursting with satisfying flavor. Perfect for meal prep or a cozy family dinner!
What You’ll Need
Gather your ingredients, my culinary comrades! This recipe calls for simple, wholesome items you likely already have on hand or can easily find at your local market.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1.5 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 head green cabbage (about 2-2.5 lbs), cored and chopped
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 6 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Servings:
6-8
How to Make Ground Beef Cabbage Soup
Let’s get cooking! The process for this Ground Beef Cabbage Soup is straightforward and incredibly rewarding.
- Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery to the pot with the beef. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Wilt the Cabbage: Add all of the chopped Cabbage to the pot. It might seem like a lot, but don’t worry, it will cook down significantly! Stir well and cook for 5-10 minutes, or until the cabbage starts to wilt and soften.
- Simmer to Perfection: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Add the dried oregano, dried thyme, and bay leaves. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 30-40 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender and the flavors have beautifully melded together. The longer it simmers, the richer it gets!
- Serve & Enjoy: Before serving, remember to remove the bay leaves. Taste and adjust any seasonings if needed. Ladle the hot Ground Beef Cabbage Soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness, if desired. Serve with a crusty piece of bread for dipping, and prepare for pure comfort!
Fun Twists & Serving Ideas
This soup is wonderful as is, but here are a few ideas to switch things up:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a bit of heat.
- Herby Freshness: Stir in a handful of fresh dill or cilantro right before serving.
- Added Veggies: Feel free to toss in diced potatoes, bell peppers, or even a can of drained kidney beans during the last 20 minutes of simmering.
- Creamy Finish: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top of each bowl adds a lovely tang and creaminess.
- Cheesy Goodness: Sprinkle some shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese over your bowl.
- Different Protein: Ground turkey or even a mix of ground pork and beef would also work beautifully.
What Our Fans Are Saying
Reviews:
Laura K. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“This soup is an absolute winner! My whole family devoured it, even my picky eater. It’s so hearty and flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. Definitely adding this to our regular rotation!”
Mark T. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I made this Ground Beef Cabbage Soup last night and it was perfection. The aroma filled the kitchen and the taste was even better. It feels incredibly wholesome and satisfying, perfect for a cold evening.”
Sophia P. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Wow! I’ve tried several cabbage soup recipes, and this one is by far the best. The balance of flavors is spot on, and the ground beef makes it so much more substantial. Highly recommend!”
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This soup is fantastic for meal prep. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even better the next day.
Q: How long does Ground Beef Cabbage Soup last in the refrigerator?
A: Stored in an airtight container, it will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Yes! This soup freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.
Q: What kind of cabbage is best for this recipe?
A: Green cabbage is traditional and works perfectly, but you could also use savoy cabbage for a slightly different texture.
I truly hope you give this Ground Beef Cabbage Soup a try! It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary and comforting. Happy cooking, friends!
