Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup Recipe
Introduction
This Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup is a hearty, flavorful meal made with simple, wholesome ingredients. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner and packs a nutritious punch with fresh vegetables and savory ground beef. Easy to customize, this soup will quickly become a family favorite.

Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil (or olive oil)
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 pound ground beef (90/10 recommended)
- 6 cups chicken broth (or chicken stock)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped (or 2 cans diced tomatoes)
- 1 medium head green cabbage, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat the avocado oil in a large thick-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
- Step 2: Add the chopped onion, carrots, and garlic. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Push the vegetables to one side of the pot. Add the ground beef and allow it to brown undisturbed for 3 minutes. Flip and brown for another 2 to 3 minutes. Break up the meat with a spatula and stir it together with the vegetables.
- Step 4: Add the chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, chopped tomatoes, and chopped cabbage to the pot. The cabbage may seem bulky at first but will cook down.
- Step 5: Cover the pot and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage has wilted and the flavors meld, about 30 minutes.
- Step 6: Taste the soup and adjust seasonings with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, optionally with crusty bread and freshly grated parmesan cheese.
Tips & Variations
- Add extra vegetables like celery, potatoes, broccoli, or bell peppers for more variety and nutrition.
- For a smoky twist, cook 4 to 6 slices of bacon first. Use the rendered fat to sauté the vegetables and add the chopped bacon back into the soup at the end.
- Swap ground beef for ground Italian sausage to deepen the flavor.
- Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to taste for a spicy kick.
- For enhanced tomato flavor, stir in 2 to 3 tablespoons of tomato paste.
- A splash of lemon juice or zest brightens the soup and adds Vitamin C.
- Beans like garbanzo, black, or kidney beans can be added for extra protein and texture.
Storage
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. This soup also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for the ground beef depending on your preference. Each will give a slightly different flavor but all work well in this soup.
Is this soup keto or paleo friendly?
Yes, this soup is naturally low in carbs and fits well within keto and paleo diets, especially when made without added beans or starchy vegetables.
PrintGround Beef and Cabbage Soup Recipe
A hearty and flavorful Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup made with fresh vegetables, Italian seasoning, and a savory broth. This comforting recipe combines tender ground beef, crisp cabbage, and sweet carrots simmered in a rich chicken broth, delivering a nutritious and satisfying meal perfect for any day. Simple to prepare and easily adaptable with additional veggies or spices, this soup is ideal for a wholesome and warming dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Meat and Oil
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil (or olive oil)
- 1 pound 90/10 ground beef
Vegetables
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 large carrots, chopped
- 1 head green cabbage, chopped
- 2 fresh tomatoes, chopped (or two 14.5 oz cans diced tomatoes)
Liquids and Seasonings
- 6 cups chicken broth (bone broth preferred; vegetable or beef broth optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat the Oil and Sauté Aromatics: Add 1 tablespoon of avocado oil to a large thick-bottomed pot or Dutch oven and heat over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and carrots. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Push the sautéed vegetables to one side of the pot and add the ground beef. Let it brown undisturbed for 3 minutes, then flip and brown for another 2 to 3 minutes. Break the meat into smaller pieces with a spatula and stir into the vegetables.
- Add Liquids and Remaining Ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth and add the chopped tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine thoroughly.
- Incorporate the Cabbage: Add the chopped green cabbage on top of the soup mixture. At first, the pot will look full, but the cabbage will wilt and reduce in volume as it cooks.
- Simmer the Soup: Cover the pot and bring the soup to a full boil. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and wilted, about 30 minutes.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and add more sea salt if needed. Serve hot with crusty bread and a generous sprinkle of fresh grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
- You can add additional vegetables such as celery, potatoes, broccoli, green beans, bell peppers, or spinach for variety and extra nutrients.
- Beans like garbanzo, kidney, black, white, or cannellini can be added for more protein and fiber.
- For a smoky flavor, cook 4-6 strips of bacon first, use the rendered fat for sautéing the vegetables, and add the chopped bacon back into the soup before serving.
- Swap ground beef for ground Italian sausage for a different, bolder flavor.
- Enhance heat by adding red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to taste.
- Add 2-3 tablespoons of tomato paste to intensify the tomato flavor.
- A splash of lemon juice or zest can add brightness and vitamin C.
Keywords: ground beef cabbage soup, beef and cabbage soup, healthy cabbage soup, easy hearty soup, low fat soup, stovetop soup recipe

