Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef

Name: Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 small green bell pepper, diced; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 ribs celery, sliced; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 whole head green cabbage, chopped; 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and chopped; 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes; 4 cups chicken broth (or water with bouillon); Salt and pepper to taste

Posted on February 4, 2026

Main Dishes

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

This Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings. With its hearty ingredients and rich flavors, it’s not just a meal, but a wholesome experience. Packed with protein and fiber, this dish will keep you satisfied while providing a variety of nutrients. Whether you’re serving it as a cozy dinner or preparing it for meal prep, this recipe is versatile enough to suit all occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Nutritious and Filling: This soup packs in plenty of vegetables alongside ground beef, making it both filling and healthy.
Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and minimal prep time, you can have this delicious soup ready in no time.
Great for Leftovers: The flavors deepen after a day in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to swap out veggies based on what you have on hand—this recipe is very forgiving!
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this comforting dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential kitchen tools. Having everything ready will make the cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Dutch oven
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Measuring spoons
Ladle

Why These Tools Matter

Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering soups evenly without scorching them.
Cutting board: Provides a safe and stable surface for chopping vegetables.
Sharp knife: Ensures precise cuts for even cooking of all ingredients.
Ladle: Perfect for serving your soup without spills.

Ingredients

This Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef is not only a comforting dish, perfect for winter, but it’s also packed with protein, an abundance of vegetables, and tons of fiber!

Main Ingredients

1 lb Ground Beef (or any kind of ground meat you prefer (chicken, turkey, venison etc))
1 Small Diced Green Bell Pepper
1 Small Diced Yellow Onion
2 Sliced Carrots
2 Sliced Ribs of Celery
2 tbsp Garlic and Herb Seasoning
1 tsp Slap Ya Mama Seasoning (or any cajun seasoning (or just omit for less heat))
2 tbsp Tomato Paste
2 Medium Russet Potatoes, peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces
2 14.5 oz Cans of diced tomatoes (I used Hunt’s with basil, garlic and oregano)
4 Garlic Cloves, minced
1 Whole Head of Green Cabbage, chopped
1 1 heaping tablespoon of Knorr beef bouillon + 4 cups of water (or 4 cups of beef/chicken broth)
Salt and Pepper to taste

How to Make Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Start by heating a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s nicely browned.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Toss in the diced green pepper, yellow onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Season with the garlic and herb seasoning, Slap Your Mama seasoning, and black pepper. Sauté until the vegetables begin to soften.

Step 3: Add Tomato Paste

Mix in the tomato paste and let it cook for a couple of minutes while stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Incorporate Potatoes

Add the chopped russet potatoes to the pot and give everything a good stir.

Step 5: Mix in Tomatoes and Garlic

Pour in the cans of diced tomatoes along with the minced garlic cloves. Stir until everything is well combined.

Step 6: Add Cabbage

Next, add the chopped green cabbage. It may seem like it won’t fit at first—don’t worry! Cabbage reduces significantly as it cooks. Stir in batches if needed.

Step 7: Add Bouillon & Water

Add the Knorr beef bouillon and pour in the water (or use 4 cups of chicken or beef broth). Stir until everything is well mixed. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 8: Simmer & Serve

Once boiling, lower the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes until both potatoes and cabbage are tender. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste before serving hot!

Enjoy your delightful bowl of Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef!

How to Serve Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef

Cabbage soup with ground beef is a delicious and hearty meal that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re looking for a simple lunch or a comforting dinner, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dish.

Top It Off

Fresh Herbs: Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro for a burst of freshness.
Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and tanginess to the soup.
Cheese: Sprinkle some shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella on top before serving.

Pair with Bread

Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of warm, crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
Garlic Bread: Add garlic bread for an extra layer of flavor that complements the soup.

Add a Side Salad

Garden Salad: A simple garden salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette can balance the richness of the soup.
Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.

How to Perfect Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef

To make your cabbage soup even more delightful, consider these tips for perfecting each bowl.

Bold Seasoning: Use plenty of herbs and spices to enhance flavor; don’t shy away from experimenting!
Quality Ingredients: Choose fresh vegetables and high-quality broth for the best taste.
Cook Slowly: Allow the soup to simmer longer for deeper flavors; patience pays off!
Texture Matters: Cut vegetables into uniform sizes for even cooking and appealing presentation.
Store Properly: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; it tastes even better the next day!

Best Side Dishes for Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef

Cabbage soup pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes that can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options:

Garlic Toast: Crispy bread topped with garlic butter is perfect for dipping into the soup.
Cornbread: This sweet and savory bread complements the savory flavors of the soup beautifully.
Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal roasted veggies adds color and nutrition to your meal.
Stuffed Peppers: These can be filled with rice, beans, or quinoa, making them hearty companions.
Potato Wedges: Crispy baked potato wedges offer a satisfying crunch alongside your soup.
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Classic comfort food that pairs perfectly with any soup dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

Using low-quality meat: Low-quality ground beef can affect the soup’s flavor. Always choose fresh, lean meat for a better taste.
Neglecting vegetable prep: Not chopping vegetables uniformly can lead to uneven cooking. Take time to dice and slice them evenly.
Skipping seasoning: Failing to season properly can result in bland soup. Be generous with herbs and spices for maximum flavor.
Overcrowding the pot: Adding too many ingredients at once can lower the temperature. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
Rushing the simmering process: Not allowing enough time for simmering can lead to tough vegetables. Patience is key for tender results.

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover cabbage soup in an airtight container.
It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef

Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
Use freezer-safe containers or bags; it will last up to 3 months.

Reheating Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef

Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Transfer soup into a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop: Pour the soup into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly, usually around 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef ahead of time?

Yes! This soup tastes even better after sitting for a day as the flavors meld together.

What can I add to enhance my Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef?

Consider adding additional vegetables like zucchini or spinach, or even beans for extra protein and fiber!

How do I store leftovers of Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef?

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with lentils or your favorite plant-based protein while keeping everything else the same.

Conclusion

This Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef is not only comforting but also versatile and nutritious. Feel free to customize it by adding different vegetables or adjusting seasonings according to your taste. Give this recipe a try — you won’t be disappointed!