If you are craving a meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Hearty Beef Cabbage Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with savory ground beef, tender cabbage, and a melody of fresh vegetables and herbs, this soup brings comfort and nourishment together in the most delightful way. Perfect for chilly evenings or any time you want a filling dish with wholesome ingredients, this recipe is surprisingly simple to make yet unbelievably satisfying. Once you try it, it’s hard not to make it your go-to soup for any season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients together for this Hearty Beef Cabbage Soup Recipe is straightforward and rewarding. Each component plays an important role in building layers of flavor, texture, and vibrant color — all coming together harmoniously in one pot.
- Ground beef: The rich, savory foundation of your soup that adds satisfying protein and depth.
- Onion: Adds natural sweetness and a tender bite once softened.
- Garlic: Brings an aromatic punch that awakens every other flavor.
- Green cabbage: Provides a crunchy texture that softens wonderfully during cooking, giving the soup its signature character.
- Beef broth: Creates a flavorful base that enhances the meaty notes with every spoonful.
- Diced tomatoes: Introduce a bright, tangy balance to the richness of the beef and broth.
- Carrots: Add a subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
- Celery: Offers an earthy, crisp undertone that rounds out the vegetable medley.
- Dried basil: Contributes a fragrant herbal note that complements the other spices.
- Dried oregano: Adds savory complexity and a classic Italian touch.
- Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors into harmony.
- Optional red pepper flakes: For those who love a little kick and warmth in their soup.
How to Make Hearty Beef Cabbage Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat and adding the ground beef. Cook it until it loses all pink color, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the soup light but flavorful. This step lays the hearty foundation for the entire dish.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Next, toss in the chopped onions and minced garlic right into the pot with your beef. Stir them around until they turn soft and fragrant. This is where the soup really starts to build its delicious base flavor — those onions and garlic meld beautifully with the beef juices.
Step 3: Build the Soup
Now it’s time for the star vegetables. Add the chopped green cabbage, sliced carrots, and celery to the pot. Pour in the diced tomatoes with all their juice along with the beef broth. Sprinkle in the dried basil, oregano, and a dash of salt and pepper. If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes here too. Stir everything together, making sure all the ingredients are well combined.
Step 4: Simmer
Bring your soup mixture to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it gently simmer for 25 to 30 minutes. During this time, the vegetables will soften and the flavors will deepen, developing that comforting richness that keeps you coming back for more. Your kitchen will smell incredible!
Step 5: Adjust & Serve
After simmering, taste your soup and adjust the seasoning if needed—sometimes a little extra salt or pepper takes the flavor to the next level. Ladle the steaming hot soup into bowls and get ready to enjoy a meal that warms your soul from the inside out.
How to Serve Hearty Beef Cabbage Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your Hearty Beef Cabbage Soup Recipe beautifully. Try a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few grinds of black pepper for added freshness. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese can also add a lovely creamy contrast to the hearty broth.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crispy crusty bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up that flavorful broth. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette brightens the meal, balancing the richness of the soup perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in charming rustic bowls for a cozy homey feel, or get creative by ladling it into hollowed-out sourdough bread bowls — it’s both impressive and practical. For family dinners, set out toppings like grated cheese, chopped green onions, and crushed red pepper flakes so everyone can personalize their bowls.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. Flavors tend to meld and intensify after a day, making leftovers even tastier.
Freezing
If you want to save time on future meals, this Hearty Beef Cabbage Soup Recipe freezes really well. Cool the soup completely before pouring it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be kept frozen for up to 3 months without losing any of its delicious flavor or texture.
Reheating
When it’s time to enjoy again, thaw frozen soup overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove over medium heat. Stir frequently until warmed through. You might want to add a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much after freezing.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great substitutes if you prefer a leaner protein. Just keep in mind the flavor will be a bit lighter, so you might want to adjust seasoning accordingly to keep the soup hearty and flavorful.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat-based ingredients. Just double-check that your beef broth and canned tomatoes don’t have any hidden gluten additives to be certain.
Can I add other vegetables?
Of course! Feel free to toss in potatoes, green beans, or even mushrooms to customize the soup to your taste. Just adjust simmering time as needed to ensure all veggies become tender.
What if I like a spicier soup?
You can easily increase the heat by adding more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper. Alternatively, a splash of hot sauce on your individual bowl adds a zesty kick without overpowering the base flavors.
How thick or thin should the soup be?
This soup is best enjoyed with a broth that’s not too thick — the vegetables and beef give it body, while the broth keeps it comforting and spoonable. If you prefer it thinner, simply add more beef broth; for a thicker stew-like consistency, reduce the broth slightly during cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Hearty Beef Cabbage Soup Recipe is one of those meals that feels both special and effortless, perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or anytime you want nourishing comfort food. Its simple ingredients come together in such a satisfying way that you’ll find yourself craving it again and again. So go ahead, grab your pot and get cooking — your cozy, delicious bowl awaits!
Print
Hearty Beef Cabbage Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Hearty Beef Cabbage Soup is a comforting and nutritious meal perfect for any season. Combining ground beef with fresh vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and celery in a flavorful tomato and beef broth base, it creates a rich and satisfying dish. The soup is seasoned with dried basil, oregano, and optional red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Easy to prepare and simmered to tender perfection, this soup is ideal for a wholesome family dinner.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small head green cabbage, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
Liquids
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes
Seasonings
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes for a kick
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot, cook ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain excess fat to reduce greasiness and enhance flavor.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot, cooking them until they soften and release their fragrant aroma, about 3-5 minutes.
- Build the Soup: Add the chopped cabbage, sliced carrots, sliced celery, diced tomatoes along with their juice, beef broth, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir everything together to combine.
- Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
- Adjust & Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately for a warm, hearty meal.
Notes
- Drain the fat after browning the beef to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
- You can add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick according to your taste preference.
- Feel free to substitute beef broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
- This soup keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be frozen for longer storage.
- For a lower sodium option, use low-sodium broth and rinse canned tomatoes.
