Ground Beef Cabbage Soup Recipe (Ready in 30 Minutes!)

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When you’re searching for easy hamburger meat recipes that deliver big on flavor without demanding hours in the kitchen, this Ground Beef Cabbage Soup hits every mark. It’s hearty, wholesome, and wonderfully simple the kind of recipe that transforms humble ingredients into something truly satisfying. Whether you’re juggling a busy schedule or simply craving comforting healthy dinner recipes, this soup proves that delicious doesn’t have to be complicated.

What makes this recipe a standout among quick dinner ideas? It’s all about the perfect balance of tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato-based broth that comes together in just 30 minutes. No fancy techniques, no hard-to-find ingredients just straightforward cooking that yields restaurant-quality results. This is one of those ground meat recipes for dinner you’ll return to again and again, especially on those nights when you need something nourishing fast.

Why This Ground Beef Cabbage Soup Works

This recipe belongs in your rotation of easy meals with ground beef for several compelling reasons. First, cabbage is incredibly economical and nutrient-dense, offering vitamins C and K along with fiber. When combined with lean ground beef, you get a protein-packed meal that keeps you satisfied without weighing you down. The vegetables carrots, celery, and tomatoes add layers of flavor and texture while boosting the nutritional profile even further.

What sets this apart from other hamburger meat recipes is the technique of browning the beef with onions first. This crucial step develops deep, caramelized flavors that form the foundation of the entire soup. The tomato sauce and beef broth create a savory base that ties everything together, while the cabbage softens beautifully without becoming mushy.

Essential Equipment for This Recipe

To make this soup efficiently, you’ll need a quality large pot or Dutch oven that can accommodate all the ingredients comfortably. A sturdy chef’s knife makes quick work of chopping vegetables, and a good cutting board provides a stable surface for prep work. Having reliable kitchen utensils like a wooden spoon or spatula for stirring is essential too.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, accessible ingredients that work together to create maximum flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Phase

Before you begin cooking, gather all your ingredients and complete your prep work. Use your chef’s knife to chop the onion finely, slice the carrots into uniform rounds, cut the celery into similar-sized pieces, and chunk the cabbage into bite-sized pieces. Having everything ready makes the cooking process smooth and efficient this is what professional cooks call “mise en place.”

Cooking Process

Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat your large pot over high heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, add the ground beef, chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Using a sturdy wooden spoon or spatula from your kitchen utensils set, break apart the meat as it cooks. You’re looking for nice brown bits to develop this takes about 6-8 minutes. Don’t rush this step; the browning creates flavor depth that can’t be replicated later.

Step 2: Build the Soup Base
Once the beef is fully browned with no pink remaining, add the tomato sauce, beef broth, cabbage chunks, sliced carrots, celery, and the entire can of diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir everything together thoroughly, making sure the cabbage is submerged in the liquid. The mixture will look quite full at this point, but don’t worry the cabbage will cook down significantly.

Step 3: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the soup to a rolling boil over high heat, then immediately reduce the temperature to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes. During this time, the cabbage will soften, the carrots will become tender, and all the flavors will meld together beautifully. Check the vegetables after 20 minutes by piercing a carrot with a fork it should be tender but not mushy.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Want to take this from good to exceptional? Here are insider tips that make a difference:

• Don’t skimp on browning: Properly caramelized beef and onions add incredible depth. If your pot gets crowded, brown the meat in batches.
• Cut vegetables uniformly: Consistent sizing ensures everything cooks evenly. Your cutting board and sharp knife make this much easier.
• Adjust seasoning at the end: Taste the soup after cooking and add more salt or pepper if needed. The flavors concentrate during simmering.
• Add fresh herbs: A handful of chopped fresh parsley or dill stirred in just before serving brightens the whole dish.
• Control the texture: If you prefer softer vegetables, simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes. For more crunch, reduce cooking time slightly.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to your preferences and what you have on hand:

Protein Swaps: While ground beef is classic, you can use ground turkey, ground chicken, or even Italian sausage for different flavor profiles. If you’re exploring ground chicken recipes, this soup adapts beautifully just reduce the cooking time slightly as poultry cooks faster.

Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add green beans, zucchini, bell peppers, or potatoes. Just adjust cooking times accordingly denser vegetables like potatoes need longer.

Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce for those who like heat. Smoked paprika adds wonderful depth without spiciness.

Make It Low-Carb: This soup is already relatively low in carbohydrates, making it perfect for various dietary approaches. Skip any added starches to keep it keto-friendly.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty soup stands beautifully on its own as a complete meal, but here are ways to elevate your dining experience:

• Serve with crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful broth
• Top each bowl with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Sprinkle with shredded cheddar or parmesan cheese
• Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness
• Pair with a simple side salad for a well-rounded meal

Storage and Meal Prep

This soup is a meal-prep champion, making it perfect for lazy dinners throughout the week. Store cooled soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors actually improve after a day or two as everything melds together. For longer storage, freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months.

When reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water if the soup has thickened too much. Heat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even warming. Having your quality pots makes reheating on the stove effortless.

Nutritional Benefits

Among healthy dinner recipes, this soup delivers impressive nutritional value. Ground beef provides high-quality protein and essential minerals like iron and zinc. Cabbage is loaded with vitamin C, vitamin K, and beneficial plant compounds. Carrots contribute beta-carotene for eye health, while celery adds fiber and antioxidants. The tomato-based broth delivers lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.

At approximately 250-300 calories per generous serving (depending on exact portions), this soup satisfies without excessive calories, making it ideal for anyone watching their intake while still wanting filling, delicious food.

Why This Belongs in Your Recipe Rotation

In the landscape of quick and easy dinner recipes, Ground Beef Cabbage Soup occupies a special place. It’s budget-friendly, uses everyday ingredients, requires minimal active cooking time, and produces enough for multiple meals. For families, busy professionals, or anyone seeking dinner ideas with ground beef that don’t sacrifice nutrition for convenience, this recipe checks every box.

The beauty of one-pot meals like this lies in their simplicity and the easy cleanup afterward. Your Dutch oven or large pot does all the heavy lifting, meaning fewer dishes to wash always a win on busy nights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of cabbage?

Absolutely! While green cabbage is traditional and economical, savoy cabbage offers a more delicate texture, and red cabbage adds beautiful color. Napa cabbage works too but will cook down more quickly, so reduce the simmering time by about 5 minutes.

How can I make this soup thicker?

For a thicker consistency, mash some of the cooked vegetables against the side of the pot with your spoon. Alternatively, add a tablespoon of tomato paste along with the tomato sauce, or stir in a slurry made from 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Yes, this soup freezes beautifully. Cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers, leaving about an inch of headspace for expansion. Properly stored, it maintains quality for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

You can! Brown the beef and onions in a skillet first (this step is crucial for flavor), then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The vegetables will be very soft with this method, which some people prefer.

What can I substitute for beef broth?

Chicken broth works well and creates a lighter flavor profile. Vegetable broth is another option, though the overall taste will be less robust. In a pinch, use water with a couple of beef bouillon cubes, but watch the salt levels since bouillon can be quite salty.

How do I prevent the cabbage from getting too mushy?

The key is not to overcook. Twenty minutes at a gentle simmer is usually perfect. If you prefer your cabbage with more texture, check it after 15 minutes. Remember that the cabbage will continue cooking slightly even after you remove the pot from heat.

Can I add pasta or rice to this soup?

Certainly! Small pasta shapes like ditalini or orzo work wonderfully add them during the last 10 minutes of cooking. For rice, stir in 1 cup of cooked rice just before serving. Keep in mind that both pasta and rice will absorb liquid if stored with the soup, so you may need to add more broth when reheating.

Final Thoughts

Ground Beef Cabbage Soup represents everything great about home cooking: it’s accessible, nourishing, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this recipe offers reliability without sacrificing flavor. It’s the kind of easy meal with ground beef that becomes a household favorite, requested repeatedly by family members who can’t get enough of its comforting warmth.

The next time you’re pondering dinner ideas with ground beef, remember this humble yet spectacular soup. It proves that simple ingredients, when treated with care and combined thoughtfully, create something far greater than the sum of their parts. Give it a try tonight your taste buds (and your schedule) will thank you.

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Ground Beef Cabbage Soup Recipe (Ready in 30 Minutes!)

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A hearty, comforting Ground Beef Cabbage Soup packed with tender vegetables and savory beef in a rich tomato broth. Ready in just 30 minutes, this budget-friendly one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights and makes excellent leftovers.

• Author: Alice
• Prep Time: 10
• Cook Time: 20
• Total Time: 30
• Yield: 6
• Category: Soup
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef (85/15)

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 teaspoons kosher salt

1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper

1 yellow onion, chopped

8 ounces tomato sauce

4 cups beef broth

4 cups cabbage, cut into 1 inch chunks

2 carrots, sliced

2 stalks celery, sliced

14 ounces canned diced tomatoes, do not drain

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Instructions

1. Add the oil to a large pot or Dutch oven on high heat.

2. Add ground beef, onion, salt, and pepper, breaking it apart as you cook it until browned, about 6-8 minutes.

3. Add in the tomato sauce, beef broth, cabbage, carrots, celery, and diced tomatoes then stir well.

4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cook for 20 minutes until cabbage and carrots are tender.

Notes

For a thicker soup, mash some vegetables against the pot or add tomato paste.

Freezes well for up to 3 months in airtight containers.

Flavors improve after a day in the refrigerator.

Add fresh herbs like parsley or dill just before serving for extra freshness.