Hearty Beef Cabbage Soup Recipe
Introduction
Beef Cabbage Soup is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for chilly days. Packed with ground beef, cabbage, and rich broth, it offers a flavorful, nourishing meal that’s easy to prepare. Whether made on the stovetop, slow cooker, or Instant Pot, this soup adapts well to your preferred cooking method.
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
- 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 they start to brown.
- Step 2: Add the ground beef. Season with sea salt and black pepper. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook for 8-10 minutes, breaking the beef apart until fully cooked.
- Step 3: Stir in the cabbage or coleslaw mix, diced tomatoes with liquid, beef broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and bay leaves. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Step 4: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30-60 minutes to develop flavors to your liking. Remove bay leaves before serving.
Slow Cooker Method: Follow steps 1 and 2 on the stovetop. Transfer cooked beef and onions to a slow cooker, then add the remaining ingredients. Cook on Low for 5-6 hours or on High for 2-3 hours. Remove bay leaves before serving.
Instant Pot Method: Use the Saute function to cook onions and beef as in steps 1 and 2. Add the rest of the ingredients, stir well, then seal the Instant Pot. Cook on Manual for 20 minutes. Allow natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then quick release. Remove bay leaves before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño.
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Add chopped carrots or celery for extra vegetables and crunch.
- Use fresh garlic instead of powder for a more robust garlic flavor.
- Serve with crusty bread or over cooked rice for a fuller meal.
Storage
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. This soup also freezes well; freeze in portions for up to 3 months and thaw overnight before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cabbage instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen cabbage works fine. Add it directly to the pot and adjust cooking time slightly, as frozen vegetables release water and may soften faster.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian-friendly version.
PrintHearty Beef Cabbage Soup Recipe
A hearty and flavorful Beef Cabbage Soup combining ground beef, shredded cabbage, and savory tomatoes in a rich beef bone broth. This versatile recipe offers multiple cooking methods including stovetop, Crock Pot, and Instant Pot, making it easy to prepare a comforting meal any way you prefer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes (stovetop), 5-6 hours (Crock Pot low), 20 minutes (Instant Pot)
- Total Time: 1 hour (stovetop), 5-6 hours (Crock Pot low), 40 minutes (Instant Pot including prep and release)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Main 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
- Prepare the Aromatics: Heat the avocado oil in a large pot, Dutch oven, sauté pan, Crock Pot insert, or Instant Pot on sauté mode over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to brown and become fragrant.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot with the onions. Season with sea salt and black pepper. Increase heat to medium-high and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, breaking the beef apart with a spatula until fully browned and cooked through.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Stir in the shredded coleslaw mix or chopped cabbage, canned diced tomatoes with their liquid, beef bone broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and bay leaves if using. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer (Stovetop Method): Bring the soup mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 30 to 60 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the cabbage to tenderize to your preference. Adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Slow Cooking (Crock Pot Method): Transfer the prepared beef and onion mixture to a Crock Pot if not already using the insert. Add the rest of the ingredients and stir well. Cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
- Pressure Cooking (Instant Pot Method): After sautéing the onions and browning the beef in the Instant Pot, add the remaining ingredients and stir. Seal the lid and set the Instant Pot to Manual/Pressure Cook mode for 20 minutes. When finished, allow 5 minutes of natural pressure release, then carefully perform a quick release. Discard bay leaves before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute coleslaw mix with fresh chopped green cabbage if preferred.
- If you want a spicier soup, add crushed red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning.
- Bone broth adds extra richness but any broth (beef, chicken, or vegetable) will work.
- For a thicker soup, simmer uncovered longer to reduce the liquid.
- Remove bay leaves before serving to avoid bitterness.
- Adjust garlic powder to taste or add fresh minced garlic if desired.
- This recipe freezes well, so make extra for future meals.
Keywords: beef cabbage soup, ground beef soup, low carb soup, healthy beef soup, easy cabbage soup, one pot soup
