There’s something uniquely comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially when it conjures memories of home and simpler times. For generations, hearty, vegetable-rich soups have been the cornerstone of family meals, offering both nourishment and warmth. Our recipe for Cabbage and Ground Beef Soup is a testament to this enduring appeal, bringing together wholesome ingredients in a dish that’s as satisfying as it is simple to prepare. It’s a perfect balance of protein, abundant vegetables, and budget-friendly ingredients, making it an ideal choice for any weeknight or a cozy weekend supper. Beyond its delicious flavor, this soup also boasts significant health benefits, naturally fitting into low-carb, high-fiber, and gluten-free dietary plans.

Why You’ll Love This Cabbage and Ground Beef Soup

This isn’t just any soup; it’s a culinary hug in a bowl, designed to delight your taste buds and simplify your kitchen routine. Here’s why this particular cabbage and ground beef soup will quickly become a household favorite:

Budget-Friendly: In today’s economy, finding meals that are both delicious and economical is a treasure. This soup utilizes pantry staples and affordable cuts of ground beef, making it an incredibly smart choice that doesn’t compromise on flavor or satiety.
Quick & Easy: Life is busy, and quick meal solutions are invaluable. This one pot cabbage soup streamlines the cooking process, from prep to serving, minimizing cleanup and maximizing your free time.
Dietary Friendly: Whether you’re tracking macros or simply seeking wholesome options, this recipe naturally aligns with several popular diets. It’s inherently a keto beef cabbage soup, low carb cabbage soup, and fits perfectly into Paleo and Whole30 eating plans, making it a truly healthy ground beef soup option for many. It’s also naturally gluten free hamburger soup, ensuring it meets various dietary needs.
Meal Prep Gold: Some dishes just get better with time, and this soup is definitely one of them. Its flavors meld and deepen overnight, making it an excellent candidate for meal prepping. Prepare a big batch, and enjoy delicious, ready-to-eat meals for days!

Ingredients and Substitutions

The beauty of a truly great hamburger cabbage soup lies in the quality and balance of its core ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and how you can tailor it to your preferences.

The Core Protein

For this recipe, ground beef is the star, providing a rich, savory foundation. When choosing your ground beef, consider the fat ratio:

80/20 Ground Beef: This ratio offers more flavor due to its higher fat content, which renders down beautifully and adds richness to the broth. You may need to drain a bit more fat before adding other ingredients.
90/10 Ground Beef: A leaner option, it’s great if you’re looking to reduce fat intake. It still delivers excellent beefy flavor without as much grease.

Substitutions: While ground beef is classic, you can easily experiment. Ground turkey is a lighter alternative, or for a touch of Italian flair, consider using mild or hot Italian sausage (casings removed, crumbled and browned) for a different flavor profile.

The Vegetable Medley

The vegetables are what make this soup so incredibly nutritious and flavorful.

Cabbage: Green cabbage is the traditional choice for its crisp texture and mild flavor that sweetens as it cooks. Savoy cabbage is another excellent option, offering a slightly softer texture and a milder, sweeter taste.
Mirepoix: The classic trio of onion, carrots, and celery forms the aromatic backbone of this soup, building a deep, savory flavor base from the very beginning.
Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes add a crucial touch of acidity and sweetness. You can use fire-roasted diced tomatoes for a smoky depth or crush whole peeled tomatoes by hand for a more rustic texture.

The Broth and Seasonings

The liquid and spices are what transform simple ingredients into a complex, comforting meal.

Broth: High-quality beef broth is essential. For an added boost of collagen and even deeper flavor, consider using beef bone broth. It enriches the soup with a velvety texture and an extra layer of savory goodness.
Key Spices: Italian seasoning brings a harmonious blend of herbs, while fresh minced garlic provides pungent aromatic notes. For those who enjoy a little warmth, a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle, pleasant heat without overpowering the other flavors.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Creating this delicious old fashioned cabbage soup is straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect bowl every time.

Step 1: Browning the Meat. Begin by heating a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until thoroughly browned, crumbling it into small pieces. This step is crucial for developing deep, savory flavors. If using 80/20 ground beef, drain any excess fat before moving to the next step.
Step 2: Sautéing Aromatics. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Simmering. Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes (undrained). Stir in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Add the chopped cabbage and continue to simmer, covered, for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender but not mushy.
Step 4: Final Touches. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or a splash of apple cider vinegar for brightness. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can also enhance the flavors beautifully.

Tips for the Best Beef and Cabbage Soup

Elevate your beef and cabbage stew with these expert tips:

How to Cut Cabbage Uniformly: For even cooking and consistent texture, cut your cabbage into roughly 1-inch squares or wedges. This ensures every piece cooks through at the same rate.
Preventing Mushy Vegetables: To avoid overcooked, mushy cabbage, add it towards the end of the simmering process. It cooks relatively quickly, and adding it too early can result in a soft texture you might not desire. Keep an eye on the carrots and celery too; they should be tender-crisp.
Deglazing the Pot: After browning the ground beef, before adding the aromatics, you might find browned bits (fond) stuck to the bottom of the pot. Pour in a splash of beef broth or water and scrape these bits up with a wooden spoon. This “deglazing” technique adds incredible depth of flavor to your soup.

Variations to Try

One of the best things about this healthy ground beef soup is its versatility. Feel free to customize it to your liking!

Spicy Kick: For those who love heat, introduce a can of Rotel tomatoes (diced tomatoes with green chilies) or a generous pinch of cayenne pepper along with the other seasonings.
Hearty Grains: If you’re not adhering to a low-carb diet, adding a half cup of rinsed rice or barley during the last 20 minutes of simmering can make this an even heartier meal. (Note: Adding grains will make the soup non-Keto.)
Creamy Version: For a richer, more indulgent soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream just before serving. A sprinkle of fresh dill also complements a creamy broth wonderfully.
Slow Cooker & Instant Pot Methods: This recipe adapts beautifully to other appliances.
- Slow Cooker: Brown the beef and sauté aromatics on the stovetop first. Transfer to the slow cooker with all other ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, adding cabbage during the last hour.
- Instant Pot: Use the “Sauté” function to brown beef and sauté aromatics. Add remaining ingredients (reduce broth by about 1 cup). Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then quick release.

Serving Suggestions

This robust low carb cabbage soup is satisfying on its own, but a few additions can make it an even more memorable meal.

Crusty Bread or Garlic Toast: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of the savory broth.
Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast.
Toppings: Enhance individual bowls with fresh parsley, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, or a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

This one pot cabbage soup is a fantastic make-ahead meal. Here’s how to store and reheat it properly:

Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Freezing Instructions: This soup freezes beautifully! Portion cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Lay bags flat to freeze for easy stacking. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To avoid texture changes, ensure the cabbage is tender-crisp when freezing, as it can become softer upon thawing.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Gently reheat thawed or refrigerated soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Microwave: For individual servings, microwave on high in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring halfway through, until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use red cabbage instead of green cabbage for this soup?

Yes, you can absolutely use red cabbage! However, be aware that red cabbage can bleed its color into the broth, potentially giving the soup a slightly purple hue. The flavor will be similar to green cabbage, perhaps a bit earthier.

Is this soup suitable for the Cabbage Soup Diet?

No, this hearty Cabbage and Ground Beef Soup is a wholesome, balanced meal intended for general healthy eating. While it features cabbage, it is not designed to be part of the restrictive Cabbage Soup Diet, which typically excludes ground beef and other ingredients found in this recipe.

How do I thicken the broth without flour or cornstarch?

To naturally thicken the broth of your gluten free hamburger soup, you have a few options: you can simmer the soup uncovered for an extended period to allow some liquid to evaporate and concentrate the broth. Alternatively, remove about a cup of cooked vegetables (especially potatoes if you’ve added them, or some of the cooked carrots and tomatoes), mash them, and then stir them back into the soup. This adds body and richness without any added thickeners.

Cabbage and Ground Beef Soup Recipe (Healthy One-Pot)

Healthy Cabbage and Ground Beef Soup

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Servings 6

Ingredients

ground beef (80/20 lean) or lean ground beef if preferred; 80/20 adds richness recipe-card-ingredient-note-quantity-check-ok-note-length-ok-no-monologue-confirmed-final-check-...
2 tbsp olive oil can substitute with butter
1/2 large onion diced
2 cups carrots peeled and sliced into rounds
3 cloves garlic minced
1 lb ground beef 80/20 blend recommended
4 cups beef broth or bone broth for extra nutrition
1 cup water adjust for desired thickness
1 can diced tomatoes 14 oz, no sugar added
3 cups green cabbage chopped into bite-sized pieces (about 1/2 head)
1 tsp Italian seasoning optional
salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat if desired.
Add the diced onion and sliced carrots to the beef. Sauté for 5 minutes until the onions are softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Pour in the beef broth, water, and diced tomatoes (with their juices). Stir to combine.
Add the chopped cabbage, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to submerge the cabbage.
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until the cabbage and carrots are tender.
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed before serving.

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