Picture the comforting aroma of simmering cabbage, savory beef, and hearty vegetables filling your kitchen.
This Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef is a breeze to make, perfect for a cozy family dinner or a simple weeknight meal.
As the ingredients meld together, they transform into a nourishing bowl of warmth and flavor.
Let’s bring this delightful dish to life and savor the comforting embrace it offers.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Measuring cup
- 1 Ladle
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium cabbage, chopped
- 2 large carrots, sliced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
Cook & Prep Time
To effectively manage your time while preparing and cooking Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef, follow this timeline:
Timeline:
- Reading/Reviewing Instructions (5 minutes)
- 0:00 – 0:05: Read through the recipe instructions thoroughly to familiarize yourself with the process and ingredients.
- Preparation (15 minutes)
- 0:05 – 0:10: Gather all the necessary equipment: large pot, wooden spoon, knife, cutting board, measuring cup, and ladle.
- 0:10 – 0:15: Prepare ingredients:
- Chop the onion and cabbage.
- Mince the garlic.
- Slice the carrots.
- 0:15 – 0:20: Measure out the olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, and set aside the bay leaf.
- Cooking (45 minutes)
- 0:20 – 0:25: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Remove and set aside.
- 0:25 – 0:30: In the same pot, sauté the onion and garlic until translucent.
- 0:30 – 0:35: Add the chopped cabbage and carrots, stirring to combine.
- 0:35 – 0:40: Pour in diced tomatoes and beef broth, then return the ground beef to the pot.
- 0:40 – 0:45: Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and add the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- 0:45 – 1:15: Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes.
- Resting & Final Touches (5 minutes)
- 1:15 – 1:20: Remove the bay leaf and let the soup rest off the heat.
- Optional: Add a splash of vinegar or sprinkle parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Serving
- 1:20: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve.
Adjust as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
Remove beef from the pot and set aside.
In the same pot, add onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent.
Add chopped cabbage and carrots to the pot and stir to combine.
Pour in diced tomatoes and beef broth, then return the ground beef to the pot.
Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and add the bay leaf.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer for 30 minutes.
Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Let the soup rest for 5 minutes off the heat before ladling into bowls.
Serving Tips
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of crusty bread for dipping and soaking up the flavorful broth.
- Rice: Pair with a side of steamed rice to make the meal more filling and satisfying.
- Grated Parmesan: Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of savory flavor.
- Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.
- Side Salad: Complement the soup with a light, revitalizing side salad for added texture and nutrition.
Storage
Store leftover cabbage soup with ground beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
Freezing
To freeze cabbage soup with ground beef, let it cool completely.
Transfer to airtight containers, leaving space for expansion.
Label with the date.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To reheat cabbage soup with ground beef, use a stovetop over medium heat or microwave.
Stir occasionally until heated through.
Add a splash of broth if needed to maintain consistency.
Final Thoughts
Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for any season.
The combination of tender vegetables and savory ground beef creates a satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and delicious.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and easy to follow.
Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite herbs or spices to enhance the flavor.
Enjoy the warm and comforting taste of this classic American dish with family and friends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat Instead of Ground Beef?
You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork. Each option provides a unique flavor profile. Make certain you cook your chosen meat thoroughly, adjusting cook time slightly for leaner meats like turkey or chicken.
Is It Possible to Make This Soup in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Brown the beef first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian or Vegan?
Substitute ground beef with plant-based meat or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Replace olive oil with a vegan alternative if desired. Make certain all other ingredients, such as diced tomatoes, are vegan-friendly.
What Are Some Variations or Add-Ins for This Soup?
You can enhance this dish by adding beans for protein, swapping beef for tofu, or including spices like cumin or chili flakes. Incorporate vegetables like zucchini or kale for added texture and nutrition. Adjust seasonings to taste.
Can This Soup Be Made in Advance for Meal Prep?
You can make this soup in advance for meal prep. Cook the soup completely, then cool it. Store it in airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days or freeze for longer storage. Reheat before serving.

Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 Ladle
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion chopped
- 3 clove garlic minced
- 1 medium cabbage chopped
- 2 large carrots sliced
- 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 ounces
- 4 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
- Remove beef from the pot and set aside.
- In the same pot, add onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent.
- Add chopped cabbage and carrots to the pot and stir to combine.
- Pour in diced tomatoes and beef broth, then return the ground beef to the pot.
- Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and add the bay leaf.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer for 30 minutes.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Let the soup rest for 5 minutes off the heat before ladling into bowls.