Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Hearty and Filling: The beef and cabbage create a comforting, nutritious meal that is satisfying and filling.
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Loaded with Veggies: Packed with carrots, onions, and other vegetables, this soup is rich in vitamins and fiber.
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Easy to Make: With minimal prep and ingredients, this soup is a simple and satisfying dish that can be made in one pot.
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Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the refrigerator or freezer, making it a great option for meal prepping.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 lb ground beef (or stew beef, cut into cubes)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter version)
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1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
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4 cups cabbage, shredded or chopped
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2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
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2 medium potatoes, diced (optional)
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
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Brown the Beef: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or stew beef) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. If using stew beef, cook until browned on all sides. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
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Add Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.
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Simmer the Soup: Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, shredded cabbage, sliced carrots, and diced potatoes (if using). Stir in the dried thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors are well combined.
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Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce, if needed.
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Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot with a slice of crusty bread for dipping, if desired.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 6-8
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Preparation Time: 10 minutes
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Cooking Time: 45-60 minutes
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Total Time: 55-70 minutes
Variations
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Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with beans, lentils, or a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian or vegan version of this soup.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a bit of heat.
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Add More Veggies: You can add other vegetables like celery, parsnips, or green beans for extra flavor and nutrition.
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Use Different Meats: Try using turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative to ground beef.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
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Freezing: This soup freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
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Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cabbage?
Yes, you can use frozen cabbage, but fresh cabbage will provide a better texture. If using frozen cabbage, just add it directly to the soup without thawing.
Can I add other seasonings to this soup?
Yes, you can experiment with additional seasonings such as bay leaves, smoked paprika, or even a dash of hot sauce to add depth and flavor.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the onion and garlic in a skillet, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the vegetables are tender.
Can I add beans to the soup?
Absolutely! Beans like kidney beans, black beans, or white beans would make a great addition to this soup, making it even more hearty and filling.
How do I make the soup richer?
For a richer flavor, you can add a couple of tablespoons of tomato paste or a splash of red wine during the simmering process.
Conclusion
Best Ever Beef and Cabbage Soup is a deliciously hearty and comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich beefy flavor, tender vegetables, and savory broth, it’s a dish that will warm you up from the inside out. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, meal prep, or a potluck, this soup is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the wholesome goodness in every bowl!
Best Ever Beef and Cabbage Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
- Total Time: 55-65 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Best Ever Beef and Cabbage Soup is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal made with tender beef, shredded cabbage, carrots, and a savory broth. This comforting soup is loaded with nutrients, easy to make, and perfect for meal prep, making it a great option for family dinners or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
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1 lb ground beef (or stew beef, cut into cubes)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter version)
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1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
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4 cups cabbage, shredded or chopped
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2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
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2 medium potatoes, diced (optional)
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Brown the Beef:
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In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or stew beef) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. If using stew beef, cook until browned on all sides. Drain any excess fat.
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Add Vegetables:
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Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened.
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Simmer the Soup:
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Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, shredded cabbage, sliced carrots, and diced potatoes (if using). Stir in the dried thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
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Adjust Seasoning:
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Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce, if needed.
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Serve:
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Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve with crusty bread for dipping, if desired.
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Notes
Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with beans, lentils, or a plant-based meat substitute.Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the soup for some heat.Add More Veggies: Add other vegetables like celery, parsnips, or green beans for extra flavor and nutrition.Different Meats: Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
