Description
This Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef is cozy, budget-friendly comfort—savory beef, sweet cabbage, tomatoes, potatoes, and herbs simmered into a rich, satisfying broth.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (85–90% lean)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if beef is very lean)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 2 tsp Italian seasoning)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 (14.5–15 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices
- 6 cups low-sodium broth (beef or chicken)
- 3 cups chopped green cabbage (about 1/2 head)
- 2 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, 1/2-inch cubes (or 1 1/2 cups cauliflower for low-carb)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 3/4–1 tsp kosher salt, to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper, to taste
- 1–2 tsp red wine vinegar or lemon juice, to finish
- Chopped parsley or dill, for garnish
Instructions
1. Brown ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat until well browned, 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tbsp.
2. Add onion, celery, and carrots with a pinch of salt; cook 5–6 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic; cook 30 seconds.
3. Stir in tomato paste; cook 1–2 minutes. Add smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, and bay leaf; stir until fragrant.
4. Add diced tomatoes and broth; stir, scraping up browned bits. Add cabbage, potatoes, and Worcestershire (if using).
5. Bring to a lively simmer; reduce heat and cook 20–25 minutes until potatoes are tender and cabbage is silky.
6. Remove bay leaf. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Stir in red wine vinegar or lemon juice to brighten.
7. Ladle into bowls and garnish with parsley or dill.
Notes
For low-carb, replace potatoes with cauliflower and simmer just until crisp-tender.
To thicken, add 1/2 cup uncooked rice or pearled barley with the broth (add cook time as needed).
Finish each bowl with a drizzle of olive oil for a glossy, rich mouthfeel.
Leftovers improve overnight; reheat gently and refresh with lemon or vinegar and herbs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg