Hearty Cabbage & Ground Beef Soup

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil

• 2 pounds lean ground beef (90/10 or 85/15 recommended)

• 1 large yellow onion, chopped (about 1 ½ cups)

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into ¼-inch rounds

• 2 stalks celery, chopped

• 1 medium head green cabbage (about 2-2.5 lbs), cored and chopped into 1-inch pieces

• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes

• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained

• 6 cups low-sodium beef broth

• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, balances acidity)

• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Follow these simple steps for a perfect pot of soup every time.

1. Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it is browned and no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the browned beef to a plate, leaving the drippings in the pot. Skip draining the fat if using lean beef; it adds flavor.

2. Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

3. Bloom the Spices: Stir in the smoked paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and release their oils. This deepens the flavor of the soup.

4. Add the Cabbage and Tomatoes: Add the chopped cabbage to the pot. It will seem like a mountain, but it will wilt down significantly. Stir the cabbage around to coat it in the oil and spices. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to wilt slightly. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and beef broth.

5. Combine and Season: Return the browned ground beef to the pot. Add the Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar (if using). Stir everything together until well combined. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 25-30 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded together.

6. Final Seasoning: Taste the soup and season generously with salt and pepper. The amount of salt needed will depend on your broth, so adjust to your preference. Remove from heat.

7. Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Chef’s Notes & Tips for Success

• The Cabbage: Don’t be afraid of the volume of cabbage. It wilts down dramatically as it cooks, so pack it in! For a different texture, you can use a mix of green and red cabbage.

• Make it Smoky: For an even deeper, smokier flavor, use fire-roasted crushed tomatoes or add a pinch of chipotle powder.

• Add More Veggies: This soup is incredibly versatile. Feel free to add a cup of green beans, diced zucchini, or a can of drained kidney beans for extra bulk.

• Storage: This soup stores beautifully. Let it cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until piping hot.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic: Serve with a thick slice of crusty sourdough or a warm baguette for sopping up every last drop of the flavorful broth.

• Light & Fresh: Pair with a simple green salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the soup.

• Cheesy: A sprinkle of shredded Parmesan or cheddar cheese on top adds a lovely salty, creamy finish.

• Herby: Stir in a dollop of pesto or a spoonful of sour cream just before serving for extra richness and flavor.

Recipe Card: Hearty Cabbage & Ground Beef Soup

Nutrition Facts

Estimated based on a serving size of 1/8th of the recipe using 90/10 lean ground beef and low-sodium broth. Values are approximate and for informational purposes only.