Recipe

Comforting Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup

A warm, cozy one-pot cabbage and beef soup with tender veggies, tomato broth, and just enough garlic to make the whole kitchen smell like you tried harder than you did.

By Matt Campbell

•

4.8

A steaming bowl of ground beef cabbage soup with carrots and potatoes in a tomato broth on a wooden table with a spoon nearby

Jump to Recipe

When you want comfort food but also want to feel like a functioning adult afterward, this is the move. This healthy ground beef cabbage soup is warm, cozy, and low drama. It is loaded with vegetables, built on a savory tomato broth, and finished with a little acid so every bite tastes bright instead of flat.

It is the kind of dinner that shows up for you on a Tuesday. One pot. Affordable ingredients. Big flavor. And the leftovers somehow get even better, like they went to bed and woke up with their life together.

A large pot of cabbage soup simmering on a stovetop with a ladle resting on the rim

Why It Works

Deep, savory flavor without heaviness: Browning the beef first builds a rich base, then the tomatoes and spices do the cozy lifting.
Vegetables that actually taste good: The cabbage turns tender and sweet, the carrots mellow out, and the broth ties everything together.
Meal-prep friendly: This soup holds up beautifully in the fridge and freezer, making it a reliable make-once, eat-twice situation.
Easy to customize: Swap veggies, adjust heat, or add grains if you want it even heartier.

Pairs Well With

Toasted whole grain bread
Lemony green salad
Brown rice or quinoa
Greek yogurt dollop

Storage Tips

Storage Tips That Keep It Tasting Fresh

Refrigerator

Let the soup cool quickly, then store in airtight containers for up to 4 days. The cabbage will soften more over time, which is honestly a perk if you like extra cozy texture.

Freezer

Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months for best quality. Leave a little headspace since soup expands. Thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat straight from frozen over low heat with a splash of water or broth.

Reheating

Warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. If it thickens in the fridge, loosen with a bit of broth, water, or even tomato sauce if you want it richer.

Common Questions

What makes this ground beef soup “healthy”?

It is a balanced, nutrient-dense soup that can be lighter than many comfort-food dinners. You get protein from lean ground beef, lots of fiber and vitamins from cabbage and vegetables, and a broth base that keeps it satisfying without being heavy. Nutrition will vary based on the leanness of your beef and your serving size, so adjust accordingly. For an even lighter bowl, use 93% lean beef and skim the fat after browning.

Can I make it low carb?

Yes. Swap the potatoes for cauliflower florets or diced zucchini. Add them toward the end so they do not turn mushy.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes. Brown the beef first for better flavor, then add everything except the vinegar (or lemon) and spinach. Cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, or until the potatoes are tender. If you want firmer cabbage, stir it in for the last 60 to 90 minutes on LOW (or 30 to 45 minutes on HIGH). Stir in vinegar and spinach at the end.

My soup tastes bland. How do I fix it fast?

Add a pinch more salt, a little more vinegar or lemon, and a touch of smoked paprika. If you have Worcestershire or soy sauce, add a small splash for instant depth.

Can I use ground turkey instead?

Totally. Use dark meat turkey if possible for a richer result, and do not skip the aromatics and spices.

Matt Campbell

I have always had a huge passion for the culinary arts, people, working as a team, and so on. I wanted to pursue my love for cooking initially at Virginia Commonwealth University with a culinary arts degree; however, I instead decided to apply myself and acquire more practical skills. My end goal is to eventually open my own restaurant or similar establishment.

Kitchen Essentials

Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottom soup pot (6 to 7 quart preferred)
Wooden spoon or spatula
Chef’s knife and cutting board
Measuring spoons
Ladle

I started making versions of this soup when I was chasing that perfect overlap of comfort and “I should probably eat a vegetable today.” Ground beef was always in the fridge, cabbage was cheap, and the whole thing felt forgiving. The first time I nailed it, it was because I stopped treating it like diet food and started treating it like real food. Brown the beef hard, season with confidence, and finish with a little vinegar. That last step is the difference between decent and can I get another bowl.

Comforting Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup

(4.8 Reviews)

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes

Total Time 60 minutes

Servings 6

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil (optional if your beef has enough fat)
1 lb lean ground beef (90% or 93%)
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
1/2 tsp black pepper
4 cups low-sodium beef broth (or chicken broth)
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
2 medium carrots, sliced
2 medium Yukon gold potatoes, diced (optional but cozy)
4 cups green cabbage, chopped (about 1/2 small head)
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
2 cups baby spinach (optional)
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, plus more to taste (optional)

Instructions

Brown the beef. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add olive oil if needed, then add ground beef. Cook 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it up and letting it get some browned edges. If there is a lot of fat, spoon off excess, leaving a little for flavor.
Build the base. Add onion and cook 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Wake up the tomato paste. Stir in tomato paste, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook 1 to 2 minutes, stirring, until the paste darkens slightly and sticks to the bottom a bit.
Add liquids and vegetables. Pour in broth and diced tomatoes (with juices). Add carrots and potatoes if using. Bring to a gentle boil (this usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes).
Simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 15 minutes, or until potatoes are nearly tender.
Add cabbage. Stir in cabbage and simmer 10 to 12 minutes more until cabbage is tender but not falling apart.
Finish like a pro. Turn off heat. Stir in vinegar or lemon juice. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. If using spinach, stir it in and let it wilt for 1 minute.
Serve. Ladle into bowls. Optional but excellent: add a spoonful of Greek yogurt, a squeeze of lemon, or a sprinkle of parsley.

A ladle pouring ground beef cabbage soup into a bowl with steam rising

Nutrition information is estimated.

Did you make this? Tag @Mom's Best Recipes