Hearty Cabbage Beef Soup Recipe

Savory Cabbage Beef Delight Soup Recipe: A Comforting Bowl of Joy

Steaming bowls of hearty cabbage beef delight soup warm the soul on chilly evenings.

Tender beef chunks dance with crisp cabbage ribbons in this comforting one-pot wonder.

Packed with robust flavors and nourishing ingredients, this recipe bridges rustic tradition with modern taste.

Home cooks love how simple ingredients create such a satisfying meal.

The broth simmers with rich, deep notes that promise pure culinary comfort.

Protein-packed and loaded with vegetables, each spoonful delivers a perfect balance of taste and nutrition.

You’ll want to grab your largest pot and start cooking this delicious soup right away.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Calories: 230 kcal

Servings: 7

Cabbage Beef Soup: Prep List

For Protein Base:
  • Ground Beef: Delivers hearty flavor and rich protein, choose lean cuts for healthier option with less grease.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Adds deep umami complexity and enhances meat's natural savoriness.
For Aromatic Vegetables:
  • Onion, Bell Peppers: Create flavor foundation with sweet and slightly sharp undertones, select firm and vibrant peppers for maximum freshness.
  • Cabbage: Provides crisp texture and nutritional boost, pick compact heads with bright green leaves and no brown spots.
For Liquid and Seasoning Components:
  • Beef Stock: Builds robust soup foundation, opt for low-sodium versions to control salt levels.
  • Crushed Tomatoes: Contributes tangy richness and subtle acidity, choose high-quality canned varieties.
  • V8 Juice, Water: Help adjust soup's consistency and moisture balance.
  • Bay Leaf: Infuses subtle herbal essence, remove before serving.
  • Dill: Introduces delicate herbal notes, fresh is preferable over dried.
  • Paprika: Offers warm, slightly smoky undertone.
  • Rice: Adds hearty substance and helps thicken soup.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall flavor profile.

Tool To Make This Hearty Soup

  • Large Stockpot or Dutch Oven: Essential for cooking and combining all ingredients in one big, sturdy pot.
  • Cutting Board: Perfect for chopping vegetables like cabbage, onions, and bell peppers safely.
  • Sharp Chef's Knife: Crucial for precise vegetable and ingredient preparation.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.
  • Measuring Cups: Helpful for accurately measuring stock, rice, and other liquid ingredients.
  • Measuring Spoons: Useful for adding precise amounts of seasonings and spices.

How To Cook Beef & Cabbage Soup

  • Hearty Beef Prepping

Grab a large pot and warm up some oil. Toss in ground beef, chopped onions, and colorful bell peppers. Let everything sizzle and dance together until the meat turns a rich golden brown and the veggies soften up beautifully.

  • Cabbage and Flavor Explosion

Pour in fragrant crushed tomatoes, rich beef stock, and sprinkle in some magic with bay leaf, dill, and paprika. Splash a bit of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth. Let the soup bubble and simmer, allowing the cabbage to become tender and soak up all those incredible flavors.

  • Rice and Final Touch

Gently stir in uncooked rice and let the soup continue its slow dance on low heat. The rice will absorb the delicious broth and become perfectly plump. Give it a quick taste and season with salt and pepper until it sings with flavor. If the soup looks too thick, splash in some extra liquid to create the perfect consistency.

Optional Add-Ons To Amp It Up

  • Replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein alternative that keeps the soup's hearty essence intact.
  • Toss in extra vegetables like carrots, celery, or zucchini to increase nutritional value and add more depth to the soup's flavor profile.
  • Kick up the heat by adding red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or diced jalapeños for those who love a spicy twist on this classic comfort dish.
  • Substitute rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice to create a gluten-free version that's equally delicious and satisfying.
  • Store leftover soup in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator or freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring a quick and easy meal whenever hunger strikes.

Ways To Serve Thisfully Simple Soup

  • Serve with Crusty Bread: Pair this hearty soup with warm, rustic bread to soak up the rich, flavorful broth. The bread adds a delightful texture and helps make the meal more filling.
  • Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving to add a burst of fresh flavor and vibrant color. The herbs will brighten up the deep, comforting tones of the soup.
  • Create a Complete Meal: Complement the soup with a light side salad featuring crisp greens and a tangy vinaigrette. This will balance the heartiness of the beef and cabbage, creating a well-rounded dining experience.
  • Top with Sour Cream: Add a dollop of cool, creamy sour cream to each bowl for a luxurious finishing touch. The tang cuts through the richness of the beef and adds a smooth, velvety texture to the soup.

Tips To Store Your Soup Well

  • Store Smartly: Transfer leftover soup into airtight containers with tight-fitting lids, ensuring minimal air exposure to maintain freshness and prevent freezer burn.
  • Refrigerate Quickly: Cool the soup completely at room temperature within 2 hours, then refrigerate for up to 4 days. Always use clean utensils when serving to prevent bacterial contamination.
  • Freeze for Future Meals: Package soup in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving about an inch of space for expansion. Frozen soup stays delicious for 3-4 months, making meal prep a breeze.
  • Reheat with Care: Thaw refrigerated soup in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly. When reheating, bring the soup to a rolling boil for at least 1 minute to ensure food safety and restore its original flavor and texture.
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Hearty Cabbage Beef Soup Recipe

Hearty Cabbage Beef Soup Recipe


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4.8 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Hearty cabbage beef delight soup delivers comfort with rich, savory flavors from tender beef and garden-fresh vegetables. Polish culinary traditions inspire this warming bowl that satisfies hunger and warms souls.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (680 g) ground beef (85% lean recommended)
  • 6 cups (1.4 L) beef stock or broth
  • 1 28-oz (794 g) can of crushed tomatoes
  • 1 small head of cabbage, cored and coarsely chopped (or 2 bags of pre-shredded coleslaw)
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • ½ cup (120 ml) uncooked rice
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive or avocado oil
  • 2 tsps paprika
  • 1 tsp dried dill weed
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 dash Worcestershire sauce
  • V8 juice or water (for thinning soup, if necessary)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Sautéing Base: Heat olive oil in a large stockpot over medium flame. Crumble ground beef and add diced onion and bell pepper, searing until meat browns and vegetables soften, releasing aromatic flavors.
  2. Seasoning and Infusion: Introduce salt, black pepper, crushed tomatoes, beef stock, bay leaf, dried dill, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. Elevate heat to trigger a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer, allowing ingredients to meld and develop deep, complex flavors.
  3. Rice Integration and Reduction: Sprinkle uncooked white rice evenly across the simmering liquid. Continue cooking uncovered, stirring periodically to prevent scorching and ensure uniform texture. The soup will gradually thicken and rice will become tender, creating a hearty, satisfying consistency.
  4. Final Refinement: Assess soup density, using V8 juice or water to adjust viscosity if needed. Taste and calibrate seasoning with additional salt and pepper. Remove bay leaf to eliminate any potential bitterness.
  5. Presentation: Ladle the rich, aromatic soup into warm serving bowls. Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant, herbaceous finish that enhances visual appeal and adds a layer of fresh flavor.

Notes

  • Meat Browning Technique: Ensure ground beef is thoroughly browned to develop rich, deep flavors and eliminate raw meat texture.
  • Cabbage Cooking Tip: Chop cabbage uniformly for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
  • Rice Absorption Hack: Stir rice carefully to prevent clumping and achieve perfect tenderness without becoming mushy.
  • Liquid Adjustment Strategy: Keep extra V8 juice or water nearby to modify soup consistency, allowing for personalized thickness preference.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 230
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 16 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Sophie Reynolds

Sophie Reynolds

Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Home Cooking Innovation & Comfort Recipes
  • Flavor Development & Ingredient Pairing
  • Seasonal Produce Integration
  • Recipe Testing & Instructional Clarity
  • Culinary Education & Community Workshops

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO

  • Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.

Oregon State University

  • Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
  • Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.

Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café. 

Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.

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