Get ready to warm your soul with this incredibly delicious and comforting Beef Cabbage Soup! This recipe is a game-changer for those busy weeknights when you want something satisfying and nutritious without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s packed with flavor, loaded with tender beef and crisp cabbage, and comes together in just under an hour. Trust me, this soup will become your new go-to meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple and Satisfying: With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll create a rich, hearty soup that’ll keep you full and happy.
Versatile Cooking Methods: Whether you prefer stovetop, slow cooker, or Instant Pot, this recipe has got you covered.
Budget-Friendly: Cabbage and ground beef are affordable ingredients that stretch your dollar without sacrificing taste.
Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with vegetables and protein, this soup is a balanced meal in a bowl.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Avocado oil: For sautéing, adding a subtle, healthy fat to the base.
Onion: Provides a savory foundation for the soup’s flavor profile.
Ground beef: The star protein, bringing richness and substance to every spoonful.
Sea salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
Shredded coleslaw mix or chopped cabbage: Adds texture, fiber, and a slight sweetness as it cooks down.
Diced tomatoes: Brings acidity and a pop of color to the soup.
Beef bone broth: Creates a deep, flavorful base. Feel free to use chicken or vegetable broth if preferred.
Italian seasoning: A convenient blend of herbs that complements the beef and vegetables perfectly.
Garlic powder: Adds depth and aroma without the need for fresh garlic.
Bay leaves: Optional, but they impart a subtle, complex flavor to the broth.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Spice it up: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or a dollop of hot sauce for some heat.
Veggie boost: Throw in some diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
Meat swap: Try ground turkey or Italian sausage instead of beef for a different flavor profile.
Low-carb version: Replace some of the cabbage with cauliflower rice to reduce the carb content even further.

How to Make Beef Cabbage Soup

Stovetop Method

Heat oil in a large pot and sauté onions until they start to brown.
Add ground beef, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is no longer pink.
Toss in the cabbage, tomatoes, broth, and seasonings. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30-60 minutes.

Crock Pot Method

Brown onions and beef in a pan, then transfer to the slow cooker.
Add remaining ingredients and cook on Low for 5-6 hours or High for 2-3 hours.

Instant Pot Method

Use the Sauté function to cook onions and beef.
Add all other ingredients, seal, and cook on Manual for 20 minutes.
Natural release for 5 minutes, then quick release.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Brown the beef well for maximum flavor development.
Don’t overcook the cabbage if you prefer a bit of crunch.
Taste and adjust seasonings before serving – the flavors will intensify as the soup simmers.

How to Serve Hearty Beef Cabbage Soup

This soup is a meal in itself, but here are some great pairings:

Crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping
A dollop of sour cream on top
Sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or dill
Side salad for extra greens

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezing

Freeze portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to thin it out.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cabbage instead of coleslaw mix?
Absolutely! Just chop it finely, and you’re good to go. It might take a bit longer to cook down than the pre-shredded mix.

Is this soup keto-friendly?
Yes, it’s relatively low in carbs, especially if you limit the amount of onion and tomatoes. It fits well into most low-carb diets.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Sure! Replace the beef with your favorite plant-based ground meat substitute and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

How can I thicken the soup if I prefer a heartier consistency?
Let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to reduce, or add a small amount of tomato paste to thicken it up.

This Beef Cabbage Soup is the ultimate comfort food that doesn’t compromise on nutrition. It’s perfect for meal prep, freezes beautifully, and tastes even better the next day. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll become a staple in your recipe rotation. It’s simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters in your family. Happy cooking!