There’s just something extra comforting about a steaming bowl of cabbage soup—especially when it’s brimming with ground beef, sweet onions, and tender veggies. It’s cozy, hearty, and hits the spot every time.
I first started making this years back when I needed something budget-friendly that could stretch for a few days, and honestly, it’s been a kitchen staple ever since. These days, I whip it up no matter the season.
Whether I’m feeding the family or stocking up the fridge for the week, it’s one of those go-to recipes that always delivers. Plus, you can tweak the flavors with whatever spices you’ve got in your pantry. No fuss, just good food. So go grab your favorite pot—we’re about to make something truly satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Hearty and satisfying—great for any meal.
- Made with simple, budget-conscious ingredients.
- Perfect for meal prep (and somehow tastes even better the next day).
- Easily customizable to suit your spice preferences.
- Naturally gluten-free and easy to make low-carb.
Cozy Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 6–8 bowls
Equipment Needed:
- Large soup pot
- Skillet or frying pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Ladle
- Cutting board & knife
Ingredients:
- 1 large head of cabbage, chopped
- 2 small onions, diced
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) stewed tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 packet Lipton Onion Soup Mix (any flavor)
- 1 bunch celery, finely chopped
- 1–2 lbs ground beef
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional spices: garlic powder, paprika, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning
- Water
Instructions:
- Start with the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s nicely browned and fully cooked. Break it up as it cooks so you get small, tender pieces. Drain off any excess fat and set aside.
- Build the Soup Base: In a large soup pot, add enough water to fill it halfway (about 8 cups) and bring it to a gentle boil. Toss in the chopped cabbage, diced onions, chopped celery, and the stewed tomatoes with their juice. Give it a good stir, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Add the Flavor: Stir in the packet of Lipton Onion Soup Mix. Add your favorite optional spices at this stage—a teaspoon of garlic powder, a sprinkle of paprika, a dash of red pepper flakes if you like a kick, or some Italian seasoning for a herby vibe.
- Bring It Together: Gently stir in the cooked ground beef. Let everything simmer uncovered for about 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and the flavors are beautifully melded.
- Taste & Adjust: Give the soup a final taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve It Up: Ladle the soup into big cozy bowls and serve hot. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a few crunchy crackers.
Pro Tips from the Kitchen:
- For a deeper flavor, brown the ground beef with a teaspoon of tomato paste.
- If you like thicker soup, let it simmer a bit longer uncovered.
- A splash of apple cider vinegar at the end brightens everything up!
- Want to make it low-carb? Use less tomato and skip the bread side.
- This soup freezes like a dream—perfect for future you on a busy night.
Enjoy this soup on a chilly evening, or anytime you need something hearty, homemade, and just plain good.
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Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 bowls 1x
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large head of cabbage, chopped
- 2 small onions, diced
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) stewed tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 packet Lipton Onion Soup Mix (any flavor)
- 1 bunch celery, finely chopped
- 1–2 lbs ground beef
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional spices: garlic powder, paprika, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning
- Water
Instructions
- Start with the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s nicely browned and fully cooked. Break it up as it cooks so you get small, tender pieces. Drain off any excess fat and set aside.
- Build the Soup Base: In a large soup pot, add enough water to fill it halfway (about 8 cups) and bring it to a gentle boil. Toss in the chopped cabbage, diced onions, chopped celery, and the stewed tomatoes with their juice. Give it a good stir, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Add the Flavor: Stir in the packet of Lipton Onion Soup Mix. Add your favorite optional spices at this stage—a teaspoon of garlic powder, a sprinkle of paprika, a dash of red pepper flakes if you like a kick, or some Italian seasoning for a herby vibe.
- Bring It Together: Gently stir in the cooked ground beef. Let everything simmer uncovered for about 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and the flavors are beautifully melded.
- Taste & Adjust: Give the soup a final taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve It Up: Ladle the soup into big cozy bowls and serve hot. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a few crunchy crackers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
