When comfort food meets nutrition, you get this incredible Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup that’s about to become your new weeknight dinner hero. This satisfying one-pot meal delivers everything you crave: rich, savory flavors, tender vegetables, and a protein punch that will keep you full for hours.
Why This Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup Will Transform Your Dinner Routine
This isn’t just another soup recipe – it’s your solution to the eternal question of “what’s for dinner?” With 25-30 grams of protein per serving and a cook time of just 45 minutes, this Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup checks all the boxes for busy families, meal preppers, and anyone who appreciates a genuinely satisfying meal.
Here’s what makes this recipe absolutely irresistible:
Protein powerhouse: Each bowl delivers 25-30g of high-quality protein
Lightning fast: Ready in just 45 minutes from start to finish
One-pot wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time for what matters
Meal prep champion: Makes excellent leftovers that taste even better the next day
Nutrient-dense: Packed with vegetables that actually taste amazing
The Secret to Perfect Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup
The magic happens in the technique. By browning the ground beef separately and building flavors layer by layer, you create depth that makes this soup taste like it simmered all day. The cabbage transforms from crisp and slightly bitter to tender and sweet, while the aromatic vegetables create a flavor foundation that makes every spoonful memorable.
Ingredients That Make This Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup Exceptional
Heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in your large, thick-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the chopped onion, carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent. This step is crucial – don’t rush it, as it creates the flavor base for your entire soup.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef for Maximum Flavor
Push the sautéed vegetables to one side of the pot. Add the ground beef and let it brown undisturbed for 3 minutes – this creates a beautiful crust that adds incredible depth to your Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup. Flip and brown for another 2-3 minutes, then break it into smaller pieces with your spatula and stir it with the vegetables.
Step 3: Add the Remaining Ingredients
Add the chopped tomatoes, broth, Italian seasoning, black pepper, a generous pinch of sea salt, and all that beautiful chopped cabbage. Stir everything together – don’t worry if it looks like too much cabbage; it will cook down significantly.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Increase heat to high and bring the soup to a full boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low for a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and all the flavors have melded together beautifully.
Step 5: Perfect the Seasoning
Taste your Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as needed. This final step ensures your soup is perfectly balanced and delicious.
Pro Tips for Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup Success
Choose the Right Ground Beef: Use 85% lean ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and minimal grease.
Don’t Skip the Browning: Allowing the beef to brown undisturbed creates a flavorful crust that enhances the entire soup.
Fresh vs. Canned Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes are preferred, but canned diced tomatoes work perfectly in a pinch.
Control Your Salt: Use low-sodium broth so you can control the final salt level perfectly.
Cabbage Cooking Time: The cooking time may vary based on how small you chop your cabbage and how tender you prefer it.
Storage and Reheating Your Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup
This soup is a meal prepper’s dream. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days in airtight containers, or freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup
A hearty, flavorful, and satisfying one-pot meal that combines tender ground beef with nutritious vegetables in a savory broth
Heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a large, thick-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped yellow onion, carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté, stirring occasionally, for about 3 to 5 minutes, or until they begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent.
Scoot the sautéed vegetables to one side of the pot. Add the 1 pound of ground beef to the pot. Allow the ground beef to brown undisturbed for about 3 minutes on one side. Flip the beef and brown for another 2 to 3 minutes on the other side. Break up the ground beef into smaller pieces using a spatula and stir it into the sautéed vegetables.
Add the chopped ripe tomatoes, chicken or beef broth, Italian seasoning, black pepper, sea salt (start with a generous pinch), and the chopped green cabbage. Stir everything well to combine.
Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a full boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the pot with a lid and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes, or until the cabbage has wilted and become tender.
After simmering for 30 minutes, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more sea salt, black pepper, or Italian seasoning if needed.
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately.
Notes
Store in airtight container for up to 4-5 days in refrigerator or up to 3 months in freezer. Reheat on stovetop over medium heat or in microwave until warmed through. Use lean ground beef (85% lean) to minimize excess grease. Fresh tomatoes preferred but can substitute with canned diced tomatoes.
Perfect Serving Suggestions
Elevate your Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup with these delicious accompaniments:
Crusty bread for dipping and soaking up every drop
A dollop of sour cream for richness
Fresh herbs like parsley or chives for brightness
A simple side salad for extra vegetables
Warm whole grain rolls for a complete meal
FAQS
How can I make this Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup in a slow cooker?
Brown the ground beef and sauté the aromatics in a skillet first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Add all remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The cabbage will be very tender, which many people prefer.
Can I make Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. You can make it up to 2 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. The soup also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
What’s the best way to cut cabbage for this soup?
Remove the outer leaves and core, then slice the cabbage into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. Avoid cutting too small, as the cabbage will shrink significantly during cooking. Aim for pieces about 1-2 inches in size.
