Looking for a meal that’s healthy, budget-friendly, and simple to prepare? Cabbage and ground beef soup ticks all the boxes. This comfort dish is loaded with nutrients, incredibly filling, and perfect for feeding busy families or satisfying a health-conscious craving. Better yet, it’s low-cost and easy to customize with ingredients you already have on hand.

Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or looking for a hearty dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Keep reading for the full breakdown of ingredients, cooking instructions, and creative ways to make it your own!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything required to create this nourishing soup. Feel free to double the quantities if you’re cooking for a crowd or planning leftovers!

1 lb lean ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
4 cups chopped cabbage (about half a medium head)
2 medium carrots, sliced thinly
2 celery stalks, diced
4 cups beef broth (low-sodium is ideal)
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional garnishes: fresh parsley, grated Parmesan, or a dollop of sour cream

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple instructions to whip up a pot of comforting cabbage and ground beef soup.

Step 1: Prep and Cook the Beef

Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil and let it warm up. Toss in the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes slightly translucent and fragrant.
Add the minced garlic to the pot and stir for about 30 seconds, being careful not to let it burn. The aroma will begin to fill your kitchen.
Next, add the ground beef to the pot. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the beef into small crumbles as it cooks. Stir occasionally and cook until the meat is evenly browned, ensuring there are no pink spots left. Drain off any excess fat carefully to avoid a greasy soup and set the beef aside on a plate or bowl.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Using the same pot (don’t wash it—those browned bits add flavor!), add the carrots, celery, and cabbage. If needed, drizzle in a touch more olive oil to prevent sticking.
Cook the vegetables for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and release their natural flavors. The carrots should look slightly brighter, and the celery and cabbage should begin to wilt slightly.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

Add the cooked ground beef back into the pot with the softened vegetables. Stir everything together to ensure the beef is evenly distributed.
Pour in the diced tomatoes (including their juices) and mix them in well to coat the mixture. Sprinkle in the spices—1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of oregano, and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir the spices thoroughly so every part of the soup is infused with flavor.
Slowly pour in the beef broth, about 6 cups or enough to ensure all the ingredients are fully submerged. Stir to combine, and turn the heat up to medium-high to bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Simmer for Flavor

Once the soup reaches a gentle boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Allow the soup to simmer for 25-30 minutes. This step is crucial, as it gives the flavors time to meld together and develop a rich, hearty taste.
Stir occasionally to prevent the ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the pot. While simmering, the aromas will deepen, filling your home with the comforting scent of homemade soup.
Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add a pinch more salt or pepper depending on your preference.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

When the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls while it’s still steaming hot. For an added touch, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, a dusting of Parmesan cheese, or a dollop of sour cream to enhance the flavors further.
Serve the soup with a slice of crusty bread or a warm bread roll for a complete and satisfying meal. Share with family or friends and enjoy the fruits of your labor! This hearty soup is perfect for cozy evenings or when you need a comforting, nutritious dish.

Creative Variations

This recipe is wonderfully versatile. Here are a few ways you can customize it to suit your preferences or pantry supplies.

Swap the Protein: Use ground turkey, chicken, or pork instead of beef for a leaner option that still packs flavor. Want to go meatless? Replace the ground beef with crumbled tempeh or cooked lentils for a protein-rich, vegetarian twist that’s just as satisfying.
Add Grains: Make your soup even more filling by adding cooked grains like rice, barley, or quinoa. Stir them in during the last 10 minutes of cooking so they soak up the delicious flavors of the broth without becoming too mushy.
Kick up the Heat: Prefer a little spice in your soup? Sprinkle in a pinch of red chili flakes, add a splash of your favorite hot sauce, or even chop up a fresh chili for an extra layer of heat that warms you from the inside out.
Go Green: Give your soup a boost of nutrients and color by adding a handful of spinach, kale, or chopped green beans. Stir them in just before serving to retain their vibrant color and fresh texture.
Try Different Herbs: Switch up the flavor profile by experimenting with different herbs. Add some thyme or bay leaves during the cooking process for a deep, earthy flavor, or sprinkle fresh dill on top before serving for a bright, herbaceous finish.

Nutritional Information

This nutrient-packed soup is as healthy as it is satisfying. Below are approximate values per serving (1 cup):

Calories: 180
Protein: 14g
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Sodium: 420mg (varies based on broth)

Low in calories but high in protein and fiber, this soup is perfect for any meal plan. It’s also gluten-free and can easily be made dairy-free and keto-friendly with minor adjustments.

Time to Get Cooking!

This hearty and wholesome cabbage and ground beef soup is destined to become a family favorite. Packed with delicious, nourishing ingredients like tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and perfectly seasoned broth, this soup is as comforting as it is satisfying. It’s a breeze to prepare, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Plus, it’s easy on the wallet while still delivering big on flavor, so you can feed hungry bellies without breaking the bank—or your schedule.

Whether you like to spice it up with a dash of chili flakes or add extra veggies like carrots and celery, this recipe is incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit your taste. Gather your ingredients, grab your biggest soup pot, and start cooking today! The aroma alone will have everyone in the house eagerly waiting for a warm, hearty bowl.

We’d love to hear how you make this recipe your own, so don’t forget to drop a comment or tag us when you share your creations online. Your unique twist could inspire other soup lovers!

Warm bowls, warm hearts,

Warm, Hearty, and Healthy: Cabbage and Ground Beef Soup Recipe