Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef Recipe

I have to tell you, this Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef Recipe is one of those meals that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. It’s hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor, making it ideal when you want something nourishing but not complicated. I love it for weeknight dinners when I want a one-pot dish that can feed the whole family without too much fuss.

What makes this cabbage soup so special to me is how the simple ingredients come together to create a rich, satisfying meal that’s also pretty healthy. The cabbage cooks down beautifully, mixing perfectly with the savory ground beef and veggies, and it’s just ideal when you want something filling but still light enough to enjoy any time. If you’re searching for a go-to Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef Recipe, trust me—you’ll enjoy how easy and versatile this one is!

this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef Recipe plays a role in building up layers of flavor and texture. Plus, these are ingredients you can find year-round, making it a reliable recipe whenever you want some soul-warming soup.

• Ground Beef: Provides rich, savory depth and a hearty protein base; choose lean to reduce excess fat if you prefer.
• Green Bell Pepper: Adds a subtle sweetness and freshness that balances the richness of the beef.
• Yellow Onion: The backbone of flavor—softens and sweetens as it cooks, enhancing the whole soup.
• Carrots: These sweet, crunchy veggies bring texture and natural sweetness.
• Celery: Adds subtle aromatic earthiness giving a nice background note.
• Garlic and Herb Seasoning: Packs in fragrant, herby flavor without the need to chop fresh herbs.
• Slap Ya Mama Seasoning: Gives a little kick of Cajun spice, but feel free to omit if you want it milder.
• Tomato Paste: Deepens the broth with umami and helps everything meld together beautifully.
• Russet Potatoes: Starch that softens and thickens the soup, making it extra comforting.
• Canned Diced Tomatoes: These bring acidity and a touch of sweetness; I like using ones with basil, garlic, and oregano for added complexity.
• Fresh Garlic Cloves: Adds punch and freshness; always better than pre-minced for flavor.
• Green Cabbage: The star ingredient that creates volume and soaks up all the yummy flavors.
• Knorr Beef Bouillon + Water or Broth: Boosts the savory base so the soup tastes rich without needing lots of extra salt.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, these bring everything together and enhance the natural flavors.

Make It Your Way

I like to tweak this cabbage soup recipe depending on what I have on hand or what mood I’m in. It’s really forgiving and flexible, which means you can easily make it spicier, leaner, or veggie-packed to suit your taste or dietary needs.

• Ground Meat Swap: I’ve swapped ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter version, and honestly, it works great every time.
• Extra Veggies: Sometimes I add zucchini or spinach toward the end of cooking for extra color and nutrition.
• Spice Levels: If you’re not a fan of heat, simply leave out the Slap Ya Mama seasoning or use mild paprika instead.
• Herb Adjustments: Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley added at the end can brighten up the whole pot if you want a fresh herbal note.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating your Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Use a spatula to break it up into small pieces as it cooks. If you’re using lean beef, you might not need to drain much fat, but if it’s fattier, carefully spoon out excess grease to keep the soup from being too oily.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Once the beef is browned, toss in the diced green bell pepper, yellow onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Sprinkle the garlic and herb seasoning, Slap Ya Mama seasoning (if using), and black pepper over the mix. Stir everything well and sauté for about 5 minutes until the veggies start to soften and the onions turn translucent. This step builds the soup’s base flavor, so don’t rush it.

Step 3: Add Tomato Paste and Potatoes

Mix in the tomato paste and let it cook for a couple of minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking—this deepens the tomato flavor. Next, add the chopped russet potatoes to the pot and stir to combine well. The potatoes will add body and soak up the broth as the soup simmers.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes, Garlic, and Cabbage

Pour in the canned diced tomatoes along with their juice and add minced garlic cloves. Stir everything together to distribute the garlic evenly. Now, add the chopped green cabbage. It may look like a lot—you might even have to stir it in batches—but don’t worry. Cabbage shrinks down significantly as it cooks, so just get it incorporated as best you can.

Step 5: Add Broth and Simmer

Add the Knorr beef bouillon and pour in 4 cups of water. Alternatively, you can substitute with beef or chicken broth to boost flavor. Stir everything well, bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the potatoes and cabbage are tender. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t overcook or dry out—if needed, add a splash more water.

Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serve

Taste your soup and add salt and pepper as needed. I always recommend starting with less and adjusting gradually—you can always add more, but you can’t take it out! Once it’s seasoned just right, ladle into bowls and serve piping hot.

How to Serve Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef Recipe

Garnishes

When I serve this soup, I love a simple sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions right on top—it adds a fresh pop of color and brightness. Sometimes, I add a dollop of sour cream or a bit of shredded cheddar for a creamier touch, especially when serving it on a cooler evening.

Side Dishes

This soup stands beautifully on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, a crusty slice of garlic bread or a warm corn muffin pairs wonderfully. I’ve also enjoyed it alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the hearty soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this cabbage soup in individual bread bowls—makes the meal feel rustic and inviting. Another fun way is to ladle it over cooked rice or even small pasta shapes, turning it into a cozy dinner the whole family will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cabbage soup in airtight containers in the fridge, and it usually lasts about 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so I sometimes enjoy it even more the next day. Just be sure to cool it quickly before refrigerating.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully! I divide it into portion-sized freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags. When I’m ready to eat, I just thaw in the fridge overnight. Just a heads up: the cabbage softens a bit after freezing, but the flavor stays fantastic.

Reheating

Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot throughout. Adding a splash of broth or water while reheating can help freshen up the texture if it’s thickened too much. Microwave works fine too—just stir halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef Recipe always feels like a cozy meal to come home to, no matter the season. Its simplicity and heartiness never fail to satisfy me, and I hope you’ll find the same joy when you try making it yourself. Give it a go and make it your own—you might just discover a new favorite you’ll keep going back to!

Print