Name: Ground Beef Cabbage Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (85/15); 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 tsp kosher salt; 1 tsp coarse ground black pepper; 1 yellow onion (chopped); 8 oz tomato sauce; 4 cups beef broth; 4 cups cabbage (cut into 1 inch chunks); 2 carrots (sliced); 2 stalks celery (sliced); 14 oz canned diced tomatoes (do not drain)

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Ground Beef Cabbage Soup brings together everything I love about hearty, no-fuss cooking in one satisfying bowl. This recipe has saved countless busy weeknights in my kitchen, and I know it will become your new go-to comfort meal too.

There is something magical about the way this soup fills the house with its rich, savory aroma. It reminds me of those chilly autumn evenings back on my grandmother’s farm in the Midwest. She would start this Ground Beef Cabbage Soup simmering just as the sun began to set, and by the time the family gathered around her worn wooden table, the cabbage had turned tender and sweet, the beef was perfectly seasoned, and that tomato-rich broth had us all reaching for seconds before we had even finished our firsts. The best part was she could have it ready in just thirty minutes, even after a long day of farm work. Your kitchen is about to smell incredible.

What Makes This Ground Beef Cabbage Soup So Special

I have been perfecting this recipe for years in my own kitchen, and what I love most is how it delivers maximum comfort with minimal effort. Betty always said the best recipes are the ones that work even when life gets hectic, and this Ground Beef Cabbage Soup proves her point perfectly.

Ready in just 30 minutes – perfect for busy weeknight dinners when time is short
Uses affordable, pantry-friendly ingredients you likely already have on hand
Packed with nutritious vegetables that cook to tender perfection in the savory broth
High in protein from the seasoned ground beef, keeping everyone satisfied
One-pot simplicity means minimal cleanup after a hearty, filling meal
Freezes beautifully for make-ahead meal planning and future comfort food cravings

Ingredient Spotlight

Ground beef (85/15) provides the perfect balance of flavor and texture. I always choose this ratio because it gives you enough fat for rich taste without making the soup greasy.

Fresh cabbage transforms into silky, sweet ribbons as it simmers, absorbing all those savory flavors while adding wonderful nutrition and substance to every spoonful.

Yellow onion builds the aromatic foundation that makes this Ground Beef Cabbage Soup so satisfying. I prefer yellow onions for their perfect balance of sweetness and sharpness.

Beef broth creates the rich, savory base that ties everything together, and I always use good-quality broth since it makes such a difference in the final flavor.

Canned diced tomatoes add bright acidity and body to the soup. Betty taught me never to drain them because that liquid is pure flavor gold.

Carrots and celery contribute classic soup vegetables that provide natural sweetness and satisfying texture in every bowl.

Tomato sauce deepens the overall richness and gives the broth that beautiful, appetizing color we all love in a hearty soup.

How to Make Ground Beef Cabbage Soup

Step 1. I always start by heating the olive oil in my large pot over high heat. This ensures the ground beef will brown properly rather than steam.

Step 2. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, salt, and pepper, breaking the meat apart as it cooks until nicely browned, about 6-8 minutes. Proper browning is key to developing deep flavor.

Step 3. Betty’s tip is to stir in the tomato sauce first, letting it coat the browned beef before adding the liquids, which creates a richer base for your Ground Beef Cabbage Soup.

Step 4. Pour in the beef broth, then add the cabbage chunks, sliced carrots, celery, and diced tomatoes with their juice. I have learned that stirring everything well at this point ensures even cooking.

Step 5. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20 minutes until the cabbage and carrots are fork-tender.

Step 6. After years of making this recipe, I always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving. Sometimes a pinch more salt or pepper makes all the difference.

Keeping This Ground Beef Cabbage Soup Fresh

This hearty soup stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying delicious leftovers throughout the week. I typically store cooled soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator, where it stays fresh for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen and improve overnight.

For longer storage, this Ground Beef Cabbage Soup freezes wonderfully for up to 2-3 months in freezer-safe containers. Betty’s freezing method works well because the vegetables hold their texture better than you would expect, and the rich broth protects everything from freezer burn.

For the best texture, I reheat portions on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also use the microwave, but stovetop reheating helps maintain that perfect soup consistency we all love.