🥣 Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef
This comforting Cabbage Soup is rich, flavorful, and packed with wholesome ingredients. Tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and hearty vegetables simmer together in a tomato-based broth for a nourishing meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings or simple weeknight dinners. It’s filling without being heavy and tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients
Protein:
- 1 lb ground beef
Vegetables:
- ½ head green cabbage, shredded or chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Liquid & Base:
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Cooking Oil:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
Heat the oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon as it browns. Drain excess grease if necessary.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent. This step builds deep flavor for the soup.
3. Add Remaining Ingredients
Stir in the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato paste, beef broth, paprika, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. The cabbage may seem bulky at first, but it will wilt down as it cooks.
4. Simmer
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 30–40 minutes, or until the cabbage and carrots are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Slow Cooker Option:
After browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
5. Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm with crusty bread for a satisfying, hearty meal.