There’s just something about a big pot of homemade soup, isn’t there? It’s like a warm hug on a chilly day. My family? They go absolutely bonkers for soup, especially when it’s got beef in it! I’ve been making this beef and cabbage soup for years, and it’s one of those recipes that’s so simple, even *I* can’t mess it up (and trust me, that’s saying something!). Plus, it’s surprisingly healthy, packed with veggies and protein. If you’re looking for a comforting, easy, and nutritious meal, you’ve gotta try this! It’s my go-to when I want something hearty but don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen. Seriously, this is comfort food at its finest!

Why You’ll Love This Beef and Cabbage Soup

Quick and Easy

Seriously, this beef and cabbage soup is a breeze! If you can chop veggies and brown ground beef, you’re golden. No fancy cooking skills needed here!

Hearty and Flavorful

Oh my goodness, the taste! The beef, cabbage, and tomatoes make this soup so rich and satisfying. It’s seriously the perfect comfort food.

Budget-Friendly

Let’s be real, groceries are expensive! But this recipe uses ingredients that are easy to find and won’t break the bank. A win-win, right?

Wholesome and Nutritious

This soup isn’t just tasty, it’s good for you too! Cabbage is packed with vitamins, and the beef gives you a good dose of protein. So you can feel good about eating it!

Ingredients for Beef and Cabbage Soup

Okay, let’s gather our goodies! You’ll need: 1 yellow onion, finely diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced (I *love* garlic!); 2 Tbsp olive oil; 1 lb. ground beef; 5 cups shredded cabbage (about 1 lb. – don’t stress too much about this); 2 15oz cans stewed tomatoes; ½ tsp each of dried oregano and basil; freshly cracked black pepper (don’t skimp!); 6 cups beef broth; 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 lemon; and a handful of fresh parsley. Got it all? Let’s go!

How to Make Beef and Cabbage Soup: Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics and Brown the Beef

First things first, grab a big pot – the kind you use for, well, soup! Heat up that olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until the onion turns all soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Your kitchen should already be smelling amazing! Now, add in the ground beef. Brown it up real good, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. If there’s a lot of fat, drain it off. Nobody wants greasy beef and cabbage soup, right?

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Add Vegetables and Seasonings for the Beef and Cabbage Soup

Okay, now for the good stuff! Dump in the shredded cabbage, stewed tomatoes (with all their juices!), dried oregano, dried basil, and a generous pinch of black pepper. Pour in the beef broth and add the Worcestershire sauce. Give it all a good stir to combine everything. Make sure nothing’s stuck to the bottom of the pot!

Simmer Until Tender

Bring the soup to a boil, then turn the heat down to low. Let it simmer, covered, for about 30 minutes, or until the cabbage is nice and soft. You’ll want the cabbage to be tender, not crunchy! This is where the magic happens and all those flavors meld together. Don’t rush this step!

Finish and Serve Your Beef and Cabbage Soup

Time to taste! Give the soup a good stir and then grab a spoon. Add salt, if needed. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away! If the stewed tomatoes are in big chunks, break them up a little with your spoon. Squeeze in the juice from the lemon – this brightens up the whole soup! Stir in the fresh parsley. Taste again and adjust seasonings as needed. Maybe it needs a little more pepper? More Worcestershire? It’s your soup, make it perfect! Serve it up hot and enjoy your amazing beef and cabbage soup!

Tips for the Best Beef and Cabbage Soup

Enhance the Broth Flavor of Your Beef and Cabbage Soup

Okay, wanna take your beef and cabbage soup to the next level? Use Better Than Bouillon instead of regular beef broth! Seriously, it makes *such* a difference. It’s like a flavor explosion in your mouth! I usually use the roasted beef flavor. Trust me on this one!

Adjust Seasonings to Taste for the Best Beef and Cabbage Soup

Seriously, this is *so* important! Don’t just blindly follow the recipe. Taste, taste, taste! Does it need more pepper? A pinch more salt? Maybe a little extra Worcestershire sauce? It’s your beef and cabbage soup, so make it perfect for *you*! Don’t be afraid to experiment!

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Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Beef and Cabbage Soup

Alright, let’s talk swapsies! Sometimes you don’t have everything on hand, and that’s totally okay. Here are a few things you can change up in this beef and cabbage soup without sacrificing too much flavor. We’re all about making it work, right?

Cabbage Variations for Beef and Cabbage Soup

Green cabbage is my go-to, but hey, get creative! Red cabbage will give your soup a beautiful color (just know it can bleed a bit!). Savoy cabbage is a bit milder and has a lovely crinkly texture. Honestly, any cabbage will work, so use what you’ve got!

Ground Beef Alternatives in Beef and Cabbage Soup

Feeling a little health-conscious? No problem! Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken. It’ll still be delicious, and a little lighter. Just make sure to brown it well, just like you would the beef!

Vegetarian Beef and Cabbage Soup Option

Okay, meat-free friends, I’ve got you! Just use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. And for the “beef,” try a plant-based ground beef substitute. There are some really good ones out there now! You might need to add a little extra seasoning to make up for the meaty flavor, but it’ll still be a totally yummy beef and cabbage soup (sort of!).

Serving Suggestions for Beef and Cabbage Soup

Okay, you’ve got your amazing beef and cabbage soup ready…but what do you serve with it? A crusty loaf of bread is *always* a good idea – perfect for dipping! A simple side salad adds a nice fresh crunch. Or, if you’re feeling extra healthy, steam some green beans or broccoli. Honestly, this soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but a little something extra never hurts!

How to Store and Reheat Beef and Cabbage Soup

Storing Leftover Beef and Cabbage Soup

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let the soup cool down a bit, then pop it into an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Want to freeze it? Go for it! Just make sure to leave a little room at the top of the container, since liquids expand when frozen.

Reheating Your Beef and Cabbage Soup

Reheating is super easy! Stovetop is my favorite – just heat it up over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s nice and hot. In a rush? Microwave it! Just nuke it in one-minute intervals, stirring in between, until it’s heated through. Careful, it can get *really* hot!

Nutritional Information for Beef and Cabbage Soup

Okay, so here’s the deal: I’m no nutritionist, and the nutrition information for this beef and cabbage soup can vary *a lot* depending on the exact ingredients you use (especially the brand of broth and the leanness of your ground beef!). So, I can’t give you precise numbers. Just keep in mind that this is a hearty and healthy soup, but it’s always a good idea to be mindful of what you’re eating!

Frequently Asked Questions About Beef and Cabbage Soup

Can I Freeze Beef and Cabbage Soup?

Absolutely! This beef and cabbage soup freezes like a dream. Just let it cool completely, then pop it into freezer-safe containers or bags. Lay the bags flat to freeze so they stack easily! When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge, or use the defrost setting on your microwave (but keep an eye on it!). Sometimes the texture changes a *tiny* bit after freezing, but the taste is still amazing.

How Long Does Beef and Cabbage Soup Last in the Refrigerator?

You can safely keep your leftover beef and cabbage soup in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Make sure it’s stored in an airtight container. After that, it’s best to freeze it or toss it. Honestly, it’s usually gone way before then in my house!

Can I Add Other Vegetables to My Beef and Cabbage Soup?

Oh, for sure! Feel free to get creative! Carrots, potatoes, and celery are all fantastic additions to cabbage soup. Just chop them up and toss them in with the cabbage and tomatoes. You might need to add a little extra broth if you add a lot of extra veggies, but otherwise, go wild!

Is Beef and Cabbage Soup Gluten-Free?

Good news! This beef and cabbage soup recipe is naturally gluten-free, *as long as* you use gluten-free beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Always double-check the labels on your ingredients to be sure, especially if you’re cooking for someone with a serious gluten allergy. But yeah, it *should* be totally safe!

Enjoy Your Homemade Beef and Cabbage Soup!

Yay, you did it! I hope you love this beef and cabbage soup as much as my family does. Seriously, let me know what you think! Leave a comment below, give the recipe a rating (pretty please!), or share a photo on social media. Thanks so much for giving my recipe a try – happy cooking!

If you like soup, you should try this cabbage soup recipe.