Cabbage Soup Diet in 35 Minutes

Ground Beef Cabbage Soup transforms simple pantry ingredients into a satisfying, protein-rich meal that brings families together around the dinner table. This hearty one-pot wonder delivers incredible flavor and nourishment in just half an hour.

I can still picture my grandmother’s kitchen on those crisp autumn evenings when she’d brown ground beef in her favorite cast iron pot, filling the whole farmhouse with that rich, savory aroma. The sound of sizzling meat and onions would draw us all to the kitchen, where we’d watch her add handfuls of fresh cabbage and pour in that deep, flavorful broth. That soup became our go-to comfort food during harvest season, warming us from the inside out after long days of work. Now I’m excited to share this beloved family recipe that has nourished generations and will surely become a treasured staple in your kitchen too. Time to fill your home with those same wonderful aromas!

Why Ground Beef Cabbage Soup Belongs in Your Recipe Box

This isn’t just another soup recipe – it’s Betty’s tested approach to creating a meal that satisfies both your hunger and your budget. After making this Ground Beef Cabbage Soup countless times for family dinners and potluck gatherings, I’ve discovered exactly what makes it such a reliable crowd-pleaser.

• Ready in just 30 minutes for those busy weeknight dinners when time is short
• Easy one-pot preparation means minimal cleanup and maximum convenience
• Budget-friendly ingredients you likely already have in your pantry and fridge
• High in protein with 18 grams per serving to keep everyone satisfied
• Packed with nutritious vegetables that even picky eaters will enjoy
• Perfect for meal prep and tastes even better the next day

In my experience, this soup strikes that perfect balance between hearty comfort food and wholesome nutrition that busy families need.

Key Players in This Recipe

Ground beef (85/15) provides the protein foundation and rich, savory flavor that makes this soup so satisfying rather than just another vegetable broth.

Yellow onion creates the aromatic base that I always start with – it brings natural sweetness and depth that transforms simple ingredients into something special.

Colorful bell peppers add both nutritional value and visual appeal, while their natural sweetness balances the hearty beef flavors beautifully.

Tomato sauce and diced tomatoes form the flavorful liquid base that ties all ingredients together, creating that rich, comforting broth we all crave.

Fresh cabbage provides the soup’s signature ingredient – I always choose heads that feel heavy and have crisp, bright leaves for the best texture and flavor.

Beef broth intensifies the overall savory character and gives this Ground Beef Cabbage Soup its satisfying, restaurant-quality depth.

Carrots and celery contribute that classic mirepoix foundation while adding important vitamins and that perfect tender-crisp texture.

How to Make Ground Beef Cabbage Soup

Step 1. I always start by heating olive oil in my large Dutch oven over high heat – this heavy-bottomed pot ensures even browning and prevents any sticking.

Step 2. Add the ground beef, diced onion, salt, and pepper, breaking the meat apart as it cooks until beautifully browned, about 6-8 minutes.

Step 3. Betty’s tip: Stir in the tomato sauce, beef broth, chopped cabbage, sliced carrots, celery, and diced tomatoes all at once for efficient cooking.

Step 4. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low for gentle simmering that keeps vegetables tender.

Step 5. Let everything simmer together for 20 minutes, until the cabbage and carrots reach that perfect tender texture without becoming mushy.

Step 6. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed – after years of making this, I know that final seasoning check makes all the difference.

Keeping This Ground Beef Cabbage Soup Fresh

Proper storage keeps this soup tasting delicious for days. I typically store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, where the flavors continue to develop and improve.

For longer storage, this Ground Beef Cabbage Soup freezes beautifully in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Betty’s freezing method works well because the vegetables maintain their texture when properly thawed and reheated.

For the best results, I reheat portions on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. The microwave works too, though stovetop reheating preserves that perfect vegetable texture we worked to achieve.

Perfect Partners for Ground Beef Cabbage Soup

• Crusty bread provides satisfying texture contrast and helps make this soup feel like a complete meal
• Simple green salad with vinaigrette adds fresh crunch and bright flavors that complement the soup’s hearty richness
• Baked sweet potatoes offer natural sweetness and additional fiber to round out your nutritious dinner
• Crispy garlic bread transforms this into a heartier meal while adding that irresistible garlic flavor
• Side salad with protein makes this soup part of a larger, more filling dinner
• Light crackers provide that satisfying crunch many people crave alongside warm soup

FAQs

Can I use different types of ground meat in this soup? I recommend ground turkey or ground chicken as excellent substitutes – just maintain the same cooking method and timing for best results.

How can I make this soup more filling? Many home cooks find success adding cooked pasta, rice, or potatoes during the last 10 minutes of simmering for extra heartiness.

What’s the best way to prevent the vegetables from getting too soft? To prevent this issue, add the cabbage and other vegetables after bringing the broth to a boil, then reduce heat immediately for gentle simmering.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker? Betty’s solution is browning the meat and onions first, then transferring everything to a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours.

How do I store and reheat leftovers properly? The best approach I’ve tested is storing in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheating gently on the stovetop to maintain texture.