Hearty Cabbage Soup Recipe

Easy & Delicious Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef

Looking for a healthy, comforting, and easy cabbage soup recipe that is packed with vegetables and hearty flavor? This delicious Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef is a simple family favorite that comes together with basic ingredients and very little effort. Tender cabbage, savory ground beef, juicy stewed tomatoes, onions, and celery simmer together in a flavorful broth for a warm and satisfying meal.

This easy cabbage soup is especially comforting on cold or rainy days. It is filling without being complicated, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a nourishing homemade lunch.

Why You'll Love This Cabbage Soup

• Easy to make: Simple preparation and straightforward cooking make this an excellent weeknight meal.
• Hearty and satisfying: Ground beef adds protein and richness while cabbage and vegetables make the soup filling.
• Budget-friendly: The recipe uses simple ingredients that are easy to find.
• Perfect for cold weather: A steaming bowl of homemade soup is incredibly comforting on chilly or rainy days.
• Full of flavor: Stewed tomatoes and onion soup mix create a savory base that complements the vegetables and beef.
• Great for leftovers: The flavors become even more delicious after the soup has had time to rest.

Ingredients for Cabbage Soup

• 1 large head of cabbage: Cabbage is the star of this soup, providing a tender texture, mild sweetness, and plenty of substance. Chop it into bite-sized pieces so it is easy to eat.
• 2 small onions, diced: Onion creates a flavorful aromatic base and adds natural sweetness as it cooks.
• 2 cans of stewed tomatoes: Stewed tomatoes add juicy tomato flavor, acidity, and texture to the broth.
• 1 pouch Lipton Onion Soup Mix: This convenient ingredient adds concentrated onion flavor and seasoning to the soup. Use your favorite flavor variety.
• 1 large stalk of celery, finely chopped: Celery adds freshness, subtle flavor, and texture while complementing the cabbage and onion.
• 1–2 pounds ground beef: Ground beef makes the soup hearty and satisfying. Choose the amount based on how meaty you prefer your soup.
• Water: Water creates the soup base and allows the vegetables and seasonings to simmer together.
• Your favorite spices: Add seasonings such as black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, or other spices you enjoy.

How to Make Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Wash the cabbage, celery, and onions thoroughly. Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces, dice the onions, and finely chop the celery. Cutting the vegetables into relatively similar-sized pieces helps them cook evenly.

Step 2: Start the Soup

Place a large saucepan or soup pot on the stove and fill it approximately halfway with water. Bring the water to a boil.

Carefully add the prepared cabbage, onions, celery, and stewed tomatoes. Stir everything together and bring the mixture back to a gentle boil.

Step 3: Simmer the Vegetables

Reduce the heat and allow the vegetables to simmer until the cabbage begins to soften. Stir occasionally so the ingredients cook evenly.

The exact cooking time can vary depending on the size of your vegetable pieces and how tender you like your cabbage.

Step 4: Brown the Ground Beef

While the vegetables are simmering, cook 1 to 2 pounds of ground beef in a separate skillet over medium-high heat. Break the meat apart with a spoon or spatula as it cooks.

Cook until the beef is completely browned and no longer pink. Carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet.

Step 5: Season the Soup

Add the Lipton Onion Soup Mix to the simmering vegetables. Then add your favorite spices according to your taste.

Because onion soup mix can already contain a significant amount of seasoning, taste the soup before adding extra salt. This allows you to adjust the flavor without accidentally making the soup too salty.

Step 6: Add the Beef

Add the drained cooked ground beef to the soup. Stir well so the beef is evenly distributed throughout the cabbage, tomatoes, and vegetables.

Step 7: Simmer and Taste

Allow the cabbage soup with ground beef to simmer for several more minutes so all the flavors can come together. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning as needed.

If you prefer softer cabbage and deeper flavor, you can continue simmering the soup until it reaches your desired consistency.

Pro Tips for the Best Cabbage Soup

• Don't overcook the cabbage: For the best texture, cook the cabbage until tender but not completely mushy.
• Drain the beef well: Removing excess fat keeps the broth cleaner and lets the vegetable and tomato flavors shine.
• Taste before adding salt: The onion soup mix provides seasoning, so additional salt may not be necessary.
• Cut vegetables evenly: Similar-sized pieces help everything cook at approximately the same rate.
• Let it simmer: A little extra simmering time allows the flavors to blend beautifully.
• Customize the seasoning: Black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, dried herbs, or a little red pepper can add another layer of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this homemade cabbage soup piping hot in large bowls. It is delicious on its own, but you can easily turn it into a complete family meal with a few simple sides.

• Serve with crusty French bread for dipping into the flavorful broth.
• Add a side of buttery dinner rolls for a comforting meal.
• Pair with a simple green salad for a fresh contrast.
• Serve with crackers for an easy weeknight option.
• Top individual bowls with fresh herbs for an extra touch of freshness.

Can You Make Cabbage Soup Ahead of Time?

Absolutely. This easy cabbage soup is a wonderful make-ahead meal. Prepare it in advance, allow it to cool properly, and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat individual portions gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot.

Making the soup ahead can also give the flavors additional time to blend, making leftovers especially satisfying.

Easy Variations

One of the best things about this ground beef cabbage soup recipe is how easy it is to customize. You can adjust the ingredients and seasonings based on what you have available.

• Add carrots for extra color and natural sweetness.
• Use lean ground beef for a lighter option.
• Add minced garlic for a stronger savory flavor.
• Include a pinch of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little heat.
• Add extra tomatoes if you prefer a more tomato-forward broth.
• Use additional vegetables such as green beans or bell peppers for variety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use more or less ground beef?

Yes. The recipe works with 1 to 2 pounds of ground beef. Use less for a vegetable-forward soup or more if you want a heartier, meatier meal.

Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes. Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as alternatives, although the flavor and richness will be different from traditional ground beef.

How do I make the soup more flavorful?

Allow the soup to simmer gently and adjust the seasoning gradually. Garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, dried herbs, and additional vegetables can all add flavor. Remember to taste before adding extra salt because the onion soup mix is already seasoned.

Is cabbage soup good for a rainy day?

It is an especially comforting choice for a chilly or rainy day. A warm bowl of homemade cabbage soup with tender vegetables and savory ground beef makes a simple meal feel cozy and satisfying.

Easy Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef Recipe

This easy cabbage soup recipe proves that you don't need complicated ingredients or hours of preparation to make a comforting homemade dinner. With hearty ground beef, tender cabbage, flavorful tomatoes, onions, celery, and savory onion seasoning, every spoonful is packed with satisfying flavor.

Whether you're preparing a cozy family dinner, looking for a simple meal on a rainy day, or want a soup that can be enjoyed as leftovers, this ground beef cabbage soup is a recipe worth keeping in your collection. It is simple, comforting, customizable, and wonderfully satisfying.

Grab a big bowl, serve it hot, and enjoy this delicious homemade cabbage soup with your favorite crusty bread!