Cabbage Soup with Hamburger is a warm, hearty, and comforting meal that is perfect for busy weeknights, cold days, or whenever you want a filling homemade dinner. This delicious soup combines seasoned ground beef, tender cabbage, vegetables, and a rich broth to create a satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.
One of the reasons this soup is so popular is because it uses simple and affordable ingredients. Ground beef and cabbage are budget-friendly staples that come together to create a flavorful and nutritious soup. The ingredients are easy to find and often already available in many kitchens.
This soup is a wonderful choice for meal prep because it tastes even better the next day. As the soup sits, the flavors blend together and become richer and more delicious. Many people make a large pot and enjoy it for lunches and dinners throughout the week.
The combination of beef and cabbage creates a hearty texture that keeps you feeling full and satisfied. The vegetables add freshness, while the broth ties everything together into a comforting bowl of goodness.
This recipe can easily be customized to suit your family’s preferences. You can add extra vegetables, use different seasonings, or make it lower in carbohydrates by reducing starchy ingredients.
Whether you are looking for a simple weeknight dinner, a healthy meal-prep recipe, or a cozy comfort food dish, this cabbage soup with hamburger is an excellent choice.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Easy to Make
Simple ingredients and straightforward instructions.
One-Pot Meal
Minimal cleanup required.
Budget Friendly
Uses affordable everyday ingredients.
Family Friendly
A meal that both adults and children enjoy.
Great for Meal Prep
Stores and reheats beautifully.
Hearty and Filling
Packed with protein and vegetables.
Freezer Friendly
Perfect for preparing ahead.
Nutritious
Loaded with vegetables and protein.
What Makes This Soup Special?
Unlike many soups that rely mainly on broth, this cabbage soup is packed with substantial ingredients that make it a complete meal.
The ground beef provides protein and rich flavor.
The cabbage becomes tender while maintaining a pleasant texture.
The vegetables add color, nutrients, and freshness.
Together, these ingredients create a comforting soup that is both nourishing and satisfying.
Health Benefits of Cabbage
Cabbage is a nutritious vegetable that offers many benefits.
It contains:
- Fiber
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin K
- Folate
- Antioxidants
Cabbage is naturally low in calories while providing important nutrients that support overall health.
Benefits of Ground Beef
Ground beef provides:
- Protein
- Iron
- Zinc
- Vitamin B12
Protein helps support muscle maintenance and keeps you feeling full longer after meals.
Lean ground beef works especially well in this recipe.
Best Vegetables to Add
This soup is highly customizable.
Popular additions include:
Carrots
Add natural sweetness.
Celery
Provides flavor and texture.
Tomatoes
Create a richer broth.
Green Beans
Add extra vegetables.
Bell Peppers
Contribute color and sweetness.
Zucchini
Adds nutrients without overpowering the flavor.
Serving Ideas
Serve this soup with:
- Crusty bread
- Garlic bread
- Cornbread
- Side salad
- Crackers
For a lower-carb option, enjoy the soup on its own.
Storage Tips
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to:
4 days
Freezer
Freeze for up to:
3 months
Allow to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the Cabbage
Cook until tender but not mushy.
Not Browning the Beef
Proper browning adds flavor.
Adding Too Much Salt Early
Taste and adjust seasoning later.
Boiling Too Aggressively
A gentle simmer creates better flavor.
Tips & Tricks
- Use lean ground beef for less grease.
- Chop vegetables into similar sizes.
- Simmer slowly for deeper flavor.
- Make a double batch for meal prep.
- Add fresh herbs before serving.
- Taste before adding additional salt.
Nutrition Information
Approximate per serving:
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Potassium: 650mg
Nutrition values may vary depending on ingredients used.
Ingredients
Soup
- 1 pound (450g) lean ground beef (hamburger)
- 1 small head cabbage, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 6 cups beef broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional:
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat a large soup pot over medium heat.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
Drain excess grease if necessary.
Step 2: Add Vegetables
Add:
- Onion
- Carrots
- Celery
- Garlic
Cook for 4–5 minutes until slightly softened.
Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients
Stir in:
- Cabbage
- Diced tomatoes
- Beef broth
- Italian seasoning
- Paprika
Mix well.
Step 4: Simmer
Bring the soup to a gentle boil.
Reduce heat and simmer for:
30–40 minutes
until vegetables are tender.
Step 5: Season
Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
Step 6: Serve
Ladle into bowls.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Serve warm.
Tips & Tricks
- Use homemade broth for extra flavor.
- Add extra vegetables if desired.
- Simmer longer for deeper flavor.
- Freeze leftovers in individual portions.
Notes
- Great for meal prep.
- Freezer friendly.
- Naturally gluten-free when using gluten-free broth.
- Easy to customize with additional vegetables.
Cabbage Soup with Hamburger
Description
This Cabbage Soup with Hamburger is a hearty one-pot meal made with ground beef, cabbage, vegetables, and flavorful broth. Perfect for family dinners and meal prep.
Duration
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 small cabbage, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 6 cups beef broth
- 2 cloves garlic
- Italian seasoning
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a large pot.
- Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic.
- Stir in cabbage, tomatoes, broth, and seasonings.
- Simmer for 30–40 minutes.
- Season to taste.
- Serve warm.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 20g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Fat: 14g
Tips & Tricks
- Use lean beef.
- Simmer slowly for best flavor.
- Great for meal prep.
Notes
- Freezes well.
- Naturally gluten-free with gluten-free broth.
- Easy family-friendly comfort food.
