A hearty, comforting soup loaded with tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and warm spices — simple, filling, and deeply satisfying. This Meaty Cabbage Soup is a one-pot classic that’s perfect for cold days, meal prep, or anytime you want a nourishing, protein-forward meal without fuss.
It’s budget-friendly, naturally low in carbs, and packed with flavor thanks to garlic, herbs, and a rich tomato-beef broth. Cozy, wholesome, and timeless.
🕒 Servings & Timing
Yield: 4–6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: ~50 minutes
Dietary Info: High-Protein | Low-Carb | Gluten-Free | Family-Friendly
🥗 Nutritional Info (Approx. per serving)
Calories: ~260
Protein: ~20 g
Fat: ~18 g
Carbohydrates: ~9 g
Fiber: ~3 g
(Values may vary based on beef fat content and portion size.)
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- ½ head green cabbage, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
🧰 Tools You’ll Need
- Large saucepan or Dutch oven
- Cutting board & knife
- Wooden spoon
⭐ How to Make Meaty Cabbage Soup
1. Brown the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Add the ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned.
Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Sauté Aromatics
Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef.
Sauté for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
3. Build the Flavor Base
Stir in:
- Tomato paste
- Paprika
- Dried thyme
- Dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper
Cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices and deepen flavor.
4. Add Liquids & Cabbage
Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes (with juices).
Add the chopped cabbage and stir well to combine.
5. Simmer
Bring the soup to a gentle boil.
Reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the cabbage is soft and tender.
6. Adjust & Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve hot, straight from the pot.
🔄 Variations & Add-Ins
- Extra Veggies: Add carrots, celery, or zucchini
- Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or smoked paprika
- Lean Option: Use ground turkey or chicken
- Richer Flavor: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce
- Soupier Version: Add 1–2 extra cups of broth
💡 Tips for Best Results
- Chop cabbage into bite-sized pieces for even cooking
- Let soup rest 10 minutes before serving — flavor improves
- This soup thickens slightly as it sits
- Tastes even better the next day
🧊 Storage Instructions
Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating:
Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until hot.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the beef first, then add everything to a slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours.
Is this keto-friendly?
Yes — it’s naturally low in carbs and keto-compatible.
Can I skip the tomatoes?
Yes. Replace with extra broth for a lighter, clear cabbage soup.
🍲 Conclusion
This Meaty Cabbage Soup is comfort food at its simplest and best — warming, filling, and deeply nourishing. It’s the kind of recipe you make once and keep coming back to, especially when you want something cozy without spending hours in the kitchen.
A true one-pot classic that never disappoints.
