This comforting, one-pot meal delivers all the classic flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the tedious work of rolling. It’s a savory, nutrient-dense soup featuring tender cabbage, browned ground beef, and a rich tomato-based broth.
Meta Description: Enjoy a bowl of comfort with this easy Cabbage and Ground Beef Soup. A healthy, low-carb alternative to cabbage rolls that’s perfect for meal prep and chilly nights.
Ingredients
| Category | Item | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | Ground Beef (Lean 85/15 or 90/10) | 1 lb (450g) |
| Produce | Green Cabbage (chopped into bite-sized pieces) | 1 medium head |
| Yellow Onion (diced) | 1 medium | |
| Carrots (sliced into rounds) | 2 medium | |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves | |
| Liquid/Base | Beef Broth (low sodium preferred) | 6 cups |
| Tomato Sauce or Crushed Tomatoes | 1 can (15 oz) | |
| Diced Tomatoes | 1 can (14.5 oz) | |
| Pantry/Spice | Italian Seasoning | 1 tbsp |
| Smoked Paprika | 1 tsp | |
| Salt & Black Pepper | To taste | |
| Olive Oil | 1 tbsp |
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the onions are translucent. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and sliced carrots to the pot. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
- Season: Stir in the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Coating the meat in spices at this stage helps bloom the flavors.
- Add Liquid & Tomatoes: Pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes (with their juices). Stir well to combine.
- Add Cabbage: Fold in the chopped cabbage. It may look like a lot at first, but the cabbage will shrink significantly as it wilts and cooks down.
- Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until the cabbage and carrots are fork-tender.
- Final Adjustments: Taste the broth and add more salt or pepper if needed. Some prefer a splash of apple cider vinegar or a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Service Suggestions
- Garnish: Top with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.
- Sides: Serve with a slice of crusty sourdough bread or warm garlic knots to soak up the broth.
- Grain Addition: If you aren’t watching carbs, serve this over a scoop of cooked white rice or quinoa.
Storage Tips
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavor actually improves the next day!
- Freezer: This soup freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until steaming.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead?
Absolutely. Ground turkey or ground pork works great as a leaner or alternative protein source.
How do I make this in a Slow Cooker?
Brown the beef and onions first, then dump everything into the crockpot. Cook on Low for 6–7 hours or High for 3–4 hours.
Is this soup Keto-friendly?
Yes! As long as you don’t add rice or sugar, this is an excellent low-carb, high-fiber meal.
Conclusion
This Cabbage and Ground Beef Soup is the ultimate “set it and forget it” comfort food. It’s budget-friendly, incredibly filling, and packs a massive serving of vegetables into every bowl. Whether you’re looking for a healthy weeknight dinner or a reliable meal-prep option, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.