Hearty Beef Cabbage Soup Recipe

Introduction

Beef Cabbage Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly days. Packed with ground beef, cabbage, and flavorful herbs, this soup is both nourishing and easy to prepare using your stovetop, slow cooker, or Instant Pot.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp Avocado oil
• 1 large Onion, chopped
• 1 lb Ground beef
• 1 tsp Sea salt
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper
• 1 lb Shredded coleslaw mix or chopped cabbage
• 1 15-oz can Diced tomatoes with liquid
• 6 cups Beef bone broth or any broth (beef, chicken, or vegetable)
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp Garlic powder (or more if you love garlic)
• 2 medium Bay leaves (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions start to brown.
2. Step 2: Add the ground beef. Season with sea salt and black pepper. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook, breaking apart with a spatula, for 8-10 minutes until the beef is cooked through.
3. Step 3: Add the shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix, diced tomatoes with liquid, beef bone broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and bay leaves. Stir to combine and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
4. Step 4: Increase the heat and bring the soup to a boil. Then reduce heat and simmer for 30-60 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop fully.

You can also make this soup in a Crock Pot or Instant Pot using these steps:

1. Crock Pot Instructions: Sauté onions and ground beef as above in a pan, then transfer to the Crock Pot. Add cabbage, tomatoes, broth, and seasonings. Cook on Low for 5-6 hours or High for 2-3 hours. Remove bay leaves before serving.
2. Instant Pot Instructions: Use the Saute mode to cook onions and ground beef as above. Turn off heat and add the remaining ingredients. Seal the lid and cook on Manual for 20 minutes. Let pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick release. Remove bay leaves before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, use homemade beef bone broth.
• Add chopped carrots or celery for extra vegetables and texture.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• If you prefer a spicier soup, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until hot. This soup also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cabbage instead of shredded coleslaw mix?

Yes, fresh cabbage works perfectly. Just chop it finely to ensure it cooks evenly and becomes tender during simmering.

Is it necessary to use bay leaves?

Bay leaves are optional but recommended, as they add subtle depth to the soup’s flavor. Remember to remove them before serving, as they are tough and not meant to be eaten.

Hearty Beef Cabbage Soup Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 85 reviews

A hearty and nutritious Beef Cabbage Soup that combines tender ground beef, fresh cabbage, tomatoes, and flavorful herbs in a rich beef broth. This versatile soup can be prepared on the stovetop, in a Crock Pot, or with an Instant Pot, making it perfect for any cooking preference. It’s a comforting low-carb meal ideal for cozy dinners or meal prep.

• Author: Lila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes (stovetop), 5-6 hours (Crock Pot low), 20 minutes (Instant Pot, plus pressure release time)
• Total Time: 55 minutes (stovetop), 5-6 hours (Crock Pot), approximately 40 minutes (Instant Pot including pressure release)
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Carb

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Soup Base

• 1 tbsp Avocado oil
• 1 large Onion, chopped
• 1 lb Ground beef
• 1 tsp Sea salt
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper

Vegetables and Broth

• 1 lb Shredded coleslaw mix or chopped cabbage
• 1 (15-oz) can Diced tomatoes with liquid
• 6 cups Beef bone broth (or any broth: beef, chicken, or vegetable)

Seasonings

• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp Garlic powder (adjust to taste)
• 2 medium Bay leaves (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare Onions: Heat the avocado oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions start to brown and become fragrant.
2. Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot. Season with sea salt and black pepper. Increase heat to medium-high and cook for 8-10 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spatula until fully browned and cooked through.
3. Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Stir in shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix, diced tomatoes with liquid, beef bone broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and bay leaves. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
4. Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil over increased heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer for 30-60 minutes. This simmering allows flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften to your preferred texture. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Remove bay leaves before serving.
5. Crock Pot Alternative: For slow cooking, first sauté onions and ground beef in a pan as described. Then transfer to a Crock Pot and add remaining ingredients. Cook on Low for 5-6 hours or High for 2-3 hours. Remove bay leaves before serving.
6. Instant Pot Alternative: Use the Saute mode on high to cook onions and ground beef as above. Turn off Saute, add remaining ingredients, stirring well. Seal the Instant Pot and cook on Manual high pressure for 20 minutes. Allow a natural pressure release of 5 minutes, then quick release remaining pressure. Remove bay leaves before serving.

Notes

• You can substitute coleslaw mix with fresh chopped cabbage if preferred.
• The soup is flexible with broth type: beef, chicken, or vegetable broth all work well.
• Adjust garlic powder and Italian seasoning to your taste for a milder or stronger flavor.
• Removing bay leaves is important before serving to avoid an overpowering bitter taste.
• This soup freezes well for up to 3 months; cool completely before freezing.
• Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Keywords: beef cabbage soup, low carb soup, healthy beef soup, cozy winter soup, easy beef stew, pressure cooker soup, crock pot soup