Cozy Hearty Cabbage Soup With Hamburger Recipe for Chilly Days

Steaming with rich flavors, this hearty cabbage soup with hamburger brings comfort to your dinner table.

Robust ground beef mingles perfectly with tender cabbage chunks, creating a delightful one-pot meal.

Packed with nutritious vegetables and savory seasonings, the soup offers warmth and satisfaction in every spoonful.

Cold evenings call for this classic recipe that stretches your budget without compromising taste.

Lean hamburger adds protein while cabbage provides a satisfying crunch and subtle sweetness.

Simple ingredients transform into a memorable meal that fills hungry bellies and warms weary souls.

You’ll love how quickly this soup comes together with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 6

Ingredients That Make Cabbage Soup With Hamburger Shine

• Ground Beef: Rich, hearty base that adds depth and satisfying texture to the soup, choose lean meat for less grease and better health.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that create a robust flavor profile, select fresh firm onions and plump garlic cloves for maximum taste.

• Cabbage, Carrots, Celery: Nutritious vegetables that provide crunch, sweetness, and earthy undertones, pick crisp and vibrant produce for best results.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Paste, Beef Broth, Water: Liquid elements that create the soup's body and enhance overall flavor, opt for low-sodium broth for better control of salt content.

• Thyme, Basil, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper: Aromatic herbs and spices that elevate the soup's complexity, use fresh herbs when possible for more intense flavor.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh finishing touch that adds color and subtle herbal notes, chop right before serving to maintain maximum freshness.

Tools for Cabbage Soup Prep

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Essential for cooking ground beef and building soup base.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for breaking up beef and stirring ingredients.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping vegetables like onions, cabbage, and carrots.
• Sharp knife: Required for precise vegetable and herb cutting.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps accurately add broth, seasonings, and ingredients.
• Colander: Useful for draining excess grease from cooked ground beef.

How to Cook Hamburger Cabbage Soup With Flavor

• Brown The Meat

Sizzle ground beef in a hefty pot over medium heat, crumbling it into tiny pieces until perfectly cooked. Drain any extra fat for a leaner soup.

• Wake Up The Aromatics

Toss in chopped onions and minced garlic, letting them dance and release their rich fragrance until soft and translucent.

• Introduce The Veggies

Tumble cabbage, carrots, and celery into the pot. Stir and let them soften slightly, creating a colorful vegetable medley.

• Pour In The Liquid Magic

Splash in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, and water. Stir everything together to create a harmonious base.

• Spice It Up

Sprinkle in thyme, basil, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let the herbs and spices mingle and bring the soup to a rolling boil.

• Let It Simmer

Lower the heat, cover the pot, and let the soup gently bubble for 30-35 minutes until vegetables become tender and flavors meld beautifully.

• Final Touches

Give the soup a taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Seasoning Tips and Tweaks for Cabbage Soup

• Low-Carb Hero: Swap out potatoes or rice with cauliflower rice for a lighter, keto-friendly version that keeps all the hearty flavor.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This soup tastes even better the next day, so prepare it in advance and let the flavors develop overnight in the refrigerator for an incredibly rich taste.
• Veggie Boost: Experiment by adding zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach to increase the nutritional value and create more depth in the soup's texture and flavor profile.
• Protein Power Options: For vegetarian friends, replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles, lentils, or extra firm tofu to maintain the protein content while keeping the soup deliciously satisfying.
• Spice It Up: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or cayenne for those who love a little heat, transforming the soup from comforting to slightly adventurous with minimal effort.

Serving Hamburger Cabbage Soup With Hearty Sides

• Hearty Meal Pairing: Serve alongside crusty sourdough bread or warm garlic toast to soak up the delicious broth and add extra texture to your meal.
• Protein Power-Up: Top with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese or crumbled feta to boost protein and add a creamy, tangy flavor profile.
• Freshness Boost: Garnish with chopped green onions, fresh parsley, or a dollop of sour cream to brighten the soup's rich flavors and add a fresh, cool contrast.
• Wholesome Side Option: Pair with a light mixed green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette to create a balanced, nutritious dinner that feels satisfying and complete.

Store and Reheat Cabbage Soup the Right Way

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the soup fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to maintain flavor and prevent contamination.
• Freezing Magic: This hearty soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Portion into freezer-safe containers, leaving slight space for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
• Reheat with Care: Warm soup slowly on stovetop, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly. Add splash of beef broth if soup seems thick after refrigeration. Avoid microwave for best texture preservation.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare soup in large batches for quick weeknight dinners. Divide into single-serving containers for grab-and-go lunches. Label containers with date and contents for easy tracking.

Hearty Cabbage Soup With Hamburger Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty cabbage soup with hamburger delights home cooks seeking comfort and nutrition. German-inspired ingredients combine in a simple, satisfying meal perfect for chilly evenings you’ll savor to the last spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (0.45 kg) ground beef (lean or extra-lean)
• ½ head green cabbage, chopped (about 4 cups)
• 4 cups (950 ml) beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter flavor)
• 2 cups (475 ml) water
• 1 can (14.5 oz or 411 g) diced tomatoes, with juice
• 1 can (6 oz or 170 g) tomato paste
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 stalks celery, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Meat Preparation: Sear ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat, breaking it into fine crumbles until fully cooked and golden brown.
2. Aromatic Base: Drain excess fat, then sauté onions and garlic until translucent and fragrant, releasing their deep, savory essence.
3. Vegetable Integration: Add cabbage, carrots, and celery to the pot, stirring to create a robust vegetable foundation that softens and melds together.
4. Liquid Composition: Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, and water, blending the ingredients to create a harmonious liquid base.
5. Seasoning Elevation: Sprinkle thyme, basil, paprika, salt, and black pepper, infusing the soup with a complex layers of herbal and warming flavors.
6. Simmering Process: Bring to a quick boil, then reduce heat and cover, allowing the soup to simmer gently for 30 minutes, enabling ingredients to tenderize and develop deep, rich flavors.
7. Final Touch: Taste and adjust seasonings, then serve hot, garnishing with fresh parsley for a bright, fresh finish.

Notes

• Beef Browning Precision: Cook ground beef completely and break into fine crumbles to ensure even texture and prevent large meat chunks that disrupt soup consistency.
• Fat Management Strategy: Drain excess beef fat thoroughly to prevent greasy soup and maintain a clean, balanced flavor profile without compromising meat’s richness.
• Vegetable Cutting Technique: Slice vegetables uniformly for consistent cooking and even softening, ensuring each spoonful delivers balanced texture and flavor distribution.
• Simmering Sweet Spot: Control heat during simmering to prevent overcooking; low and gentle heat allows ingredients to develop deep flavors without losing vegetable structure or meat tenderness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg