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Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup Recipe

4.7 from 149 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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