Name: Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb Ground Beef (or any ground meat of your choice such as chicken, turkey, venison); 1 Small Green Bell Pepper, diced; 1 Small Yellow Onion, diced; 2 Carrots, sliced; 2 Ribs Celery, sliced; 2 Medium Russet Potatoes, peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces; 1 Whole Head Green Cabbage, chopped; 4 Garlic Cloves, minced; 2 tbsp Garlic and Herb Seasoning; 1 tsp Slap Ya Mama Seasoning (or any Cajun seasoning, optional for heat); 2 tbsp Tomato Paste; 2 (14.5 oz) Cans Diced Tomatoes (preferably with basil, garlic, and oregano); 1 heaping tbsp Knorr Beef Bouillon; 4 cups Water (or 4 cups beef or chicken broth); Salt and Pepper to taste

I can’t tell you how many times this Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef Recipe has saved my weeknight dinners. It s one of those hearty, comforting soups that s both filling and packed with fresh veggies. Whenever I want something cozy but not too heavy, I turn to this recipe – it s flavorful, easy to throw together, and perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for several days.

What I love most about this cabbage soup is how it marries simple ingredients into such a satisfying bowl. The ground beef adds richness, the cabbage breaks down to this tender goodness, and the potatoes give it a nice body. Plus, it s budget-friendly and flexible-you can swap in whatever veggies you have, making it a regular in my cooking rotation. If you re looking for a go-to comfort soup that s easy but impressive, this Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef Recipe has got you covered.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hearty & Nutritious: Ground beef and fresh vegetables create a filling meal that s great for the whole family.
Easy to Customize: You can switch up the veggies and seasonings to suit your taste or what s in your fridge.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup keeps well in the fridge and freezes beautifully for quick future meals.
Comfort in a Bowl: The combination of cabbage, potatoes, and savory beef broth is simply soul-warming.

A close-up of a white bowl filled with a thick stew showing three main layers: at the bottom, soft cooked cabbage pieces in light yellow and cream shades; in the middle, bright orange carrot slices adding color contrast and round shape; and on top, small crumbles of brown cooked ground meat mixed throughout, all held together by a glossy orange-brown broth. A spoon lifting a mix of these ingredients is held above the bowl. In the background, out of focus on a white marbled surface, is another white plate holding several golden brown, round toasted bread slices. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 6.1

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays a key role in making this soup so flavorful yet simple. I like to choose fresh vegetables, and if you can find good quality ground beef, it really makes a difference.

Ground Beef: I use lean ground beef to keep it hearty without too much grease.
Green Bell Pepper: Adds a subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
Yellow Onion: Gives a savory base flavor that balances the soup perfectly.
Carrots: Sliced for a bit of natural sweetness and texture.
Celery: Adds a nice aromatic crunch to the mix.
Garlic and Herb Seasoning: My secret shortcut to infuse extra flavor.
Slap Ya Mama Seasoning: Optional but I love the little kick it gives; you can adjust or skip for less heat.
Tomato Paste: Deepens the soup s richness and adds a tangy note.
Russet Potatoes: Peeled and chopped – they soak up all the lovely broth nicely.
Diced Tomatoes: I prefer the ones with basil, garlic, and oregano for an herby punch.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh and minced for that unmistakable aroma.
Green Cabbage: The star veggie – chopped fine, it cooks down beautifully.
Knorr Beef Bouillon or Broth: This amps up the savory flavor; using broth works just as well.
Salt and Pepper: To taste-don t be shy to season well throughout the cooking.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I like to make this soup my own depending on what s fresh or in my pantry. It s so forgiving-feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or add extra veggies to keep it vibrant and nutritious.

Ground Meat Swaps: I once made this with ground turkey when beef was running low-just as delicious and a bit leaner.
Extra Veggies: Sometimes I toss in zucchini or spinach for more greens and texture variety.
Mild vs. Spicy: You can omit the Cajun seasoning for a gentler flavor or amp it up with more spices if you want heat.
Vegetarian: Try swapping ground beef for mushrooms and vegetable broth for a meatless version that still feels hearty.

How to Make Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat your Dutch oven over medium heat and add the ground beef. Let it brown nicely without stirring too much at first so it gets some good color-that s where a lot of flavor comes from. Break it up as it cooks, cooking until it s no longer pink. This step lays the foundation for a rich, meaty broth.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables and Season

Add the diced green bell pepper, onion, sliced carrots, and celery to the pot. Sprinkle your garlic and herb seasoning, Slap Ya Mama seasoning (if using), and some black pepper over the top. Stir everything together and sauté until the veggies soften-about 5 to 7 minutes. This builds layers of flavor and softens the veggies just right.

Step 3: Stir in Tomato Paste and Potatoes

Mix in the tomato paste and let it cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. This concentrates the tomato flavor and prevents it from tasting raw. Then add the chopped russet potatoes and give everything a good stir to combine all those delicious ingredients.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes, Garlic, and Cabbage

Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with their juices and add the minced garlic cloves. Stir well to combine before adding the chopped green cabbage. Don t worry if it looks like a lot at first-cabbage wilts down significantly as it cooks, so just pack it in a bit at a time if needed.

Step 5: Pour in Broth and Simmer

Add the Knorr beef bouillon and 4 cups of water (or use beef or chicken broth instead). Stir everything to mix well, then bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a low simmer, cover your pot, and let it cook for about 30 minutes. The potatoes and cabbage will soften, and all the flavors will meld together beautifully.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Give your soup a taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. That final seasoning step makes all the difference. Serve it hot with your favorite garnishes and enjoy the comforting, wholesome goodness you just made!

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Pro Tips for Making Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef Recipe

Brown the Beef Well: Don t rush this step-browning adds deep flavor you ll taste in the final soup.
Season in Layers: Season the beef and veggies as you go rather than all at once for a balanced flavor profile.
Don t Overcrowd the Pot: When adding cabbage, stir it in batches so it cooks evenly without steaming instead of sautéing.
Taste Before Serving: Soup flavors deepen, but final seasoning with salt and pepper makes it really pop.

How to Serve Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef Recipe

A white bowl filled with a thick soup made of several layers: the base is a reddish-brown broth, scattered throughout are large, soft pieces of pale yellow and light green cabbage, bright orange carrot slices, small bits of light green celery, and chunky browned ground meat mixed with bits of tomato. The soup has a slightly shiny texture with a few green herb flakes sprinkled on top. In the background, a white plate with golden toasted bread rounds sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 6.1

Garnishes

I love topping my bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a bit of shredded sharp cheddar cheese for some melty richness. A spoonful of sour cream or a splash of hot sauce also works wonders if you re feeling a little adventurous.

Side Dishes

Crusty bread or warm cornbread pairs beautifully here-you ll want something to soak up all that delicious broth. A simple green salad on the side keeps the meal balanced and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

I ve served this soup in hollowed-out bread bowls at casual dinner parties and it always impresses. For a cozy family meal, ladle it into colorful bowls and let everyone add their favorite garnishes at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers go straight into an airtight container in the fridge where they keep well for about 4 days. I find the flavors actually improve after a day or two, making it an excellent option for meal prep.

Freezing

This soup freezes wonderfully. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags and it defrosts easily overnight in the fridge. Just make sure to leave some headspace for expansion to avoid spills.

Reheating

I usually reheat leftover cabbage soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally so it doesn t scorch. Add a splash of broth or water if it thickened up too much in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I make this cabbage soup recipe without ground beef?

Absolutely! You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian-friendly option. Just adjust cooking times slightly if you use a different protein.
How long does this soup keep in the refrigerator?

Stored in an airtight container, the cabbage soup will stay fresh for up to 4 days. It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
Is it okay to use pre-shredded cabbage?

Pre-shredded cabbage works fine for convenience, just give it a quick rinse and drain if it seems wet. Fresh chopped cabbage gives a bit more crispness before cooking.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the ground beef and sauté veggies first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until veggies are tender.
What can I substitute for Slap Ya Mama seasoning?

If you don’t have Slap Ya Mama seasoning, any Cajun or creole seasoning blend works great, or simply use a pinch of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and black pepper to mimic the flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef Recipe holds a special place in my recipe box because it s so dependable and delicious. It s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on chilly days but also fits into busy schedules and budgets. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do-don t be afraid to tweak it to your liking and make it your own classic comfort food!