Hamburger Cabbage Soup

If you’re looking for a cozy, hearty, and easy soup recipe that can be made in one pot, this Hamburger Cabbage Soup is a perfect choice. Made with ground beef, tender cabbage, carrots, celery, tomatoes, and a rich beef broth, this comforting soup delivers plenty of flavor without requiring complicated ingredients or a long cooking process.

This classic-style cabbage soup is especially satisfying on a chilly evening, but it is simple enough to make any day of the week. The ground beef adds savory richness, while the cabbage and vegetables create a delicious balance of texture and flavor. Tomatoes and beef broth bring everything together into a flavorful soup that tastes like it has been simmering all day.

One of the best things about this easy Hamburger Cabbage Soup is how convenient it is. Everything cooks together in one large pot or Dutch oven, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy dinner. It is also a budget-friendly family meal, making it a great option when you want something filling without spending a fortune on groceries.

Whether you call it hamburger cabbage soup, ground beef cabbage soup, or simply cabbage soup with beef, this recipe is sure to become a comforting addition to your weekly dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Hamburger Cabbage Soup

There are plenty of reasons to keep this recipe on hand. First, it uses simple ingredients that are easy to find at any American grocery store. You do not need specialty spices, unusual vegetables, or complicated cooking techniques.

The combination of ground beef and cabbage makes the soup especially hearty. The beef provides protein and a rich savory flavor, while cabbage, carrots, celery, and tomatoes add color, texture, and freshness.

This is also a true one-pot meal. The ground beef is browned directly in the same pot used to cook the soup, allowing all those flavorful browned bits to become part of the broth. Once the vegetables and liquids are added, everything simmers together until the cabbage and carrots are tender.

Another advantage is how quickly this recipe comes together. After browning the beef and onion, the remaining ingredients are simply added to the pot. In about 20 minutes of simmering, you can have a warm, satisfying homemade soup ready to serve.

Ingredients

For this Hamburger Cabbage Soup recipe, you will need a handful of simple ingredients.

Ground beef: Use 1 pound of 85/15 ground beef. This blend has enough fat to provide flavor while still keeping the soup from becoming overly greasy.

Olive oil: One tablespoon of olive oil helps start the cooking process and prevents the ingredients from sticking to the pot.

Yellow onion: Chopped yellow onion adds sweetness and savory depth to the soup.

Kosher salt: Two teaspoons of kosher salt season the beef and vegetables and help bring out their natural flavors.

Coarse ground black pepper: One teaspoon adds a mild peppery kick and complements the beef beautifully.

Tomato sauce: Eight ounces of tomato sauce give the broth a rich tomato base and add body to the soup.

Beef broth: Four cups of beef broth create the savory liquid that ties all the ingredients together.

Cabbage: Use 4 cups of cabbage cut into approximately 1-inch chunks. Green cabbage works especially well because it becomes tender while still maintaining some texture.

Carrots: Two sliced carrots add natural sweetness, color, and a pleasant tender bite.

Celery: Two sliced celery stalks contribute freshness and classic soup flavor.

Canned diced tomatoes: One 14-ounce can of diced tomatoes adds acidity, texture, and additional tomato flavor. Be sure not to drain the tomatoes before adding them to the pot.

How to Make Hamburger Cabbage Soup

1. Heat the Pot

Start by placing a large pot or Dutch oven over high heat. Add the olive oil and allow it to heat for a moment.

Using a large pot is important because the soup contains several cups of vegetables and liquid. A Dutch oven is particularly useful because it distributes heat evenly and provides plenty of room for the ingredients.

2. Brown the Ground Beef and Onion

Add the ground beef, chopped yellow onion, kosher salt, and coarse ground black pepper to the hot pot.

Cook the mixture for approximately 6 to 8 minutes, breaking the ground beef apart with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is browned and the onion begins to soften.

Browning the beef is an important step because it creates a deeper, richer flavor. Take your time breaking the meat into small pieces so the beef is evenly distributed throughout the finished soup.

3. Add the Tomatoes, Broth, and Vegetables

Once the ground beef is browned, add the tomato sauce, beef broth, cabbage, sliced carrots, sliced celery, and undrained canned diced tomatoes.

Stir everything together thoroughly. Make sure the cabbage and vegetables are well distributed throughout the broth.

The undrained diced tomatoes are especially useful because their juices become part of the soup. They add both flavor and liquid, helping create a rich tomato-based broth.

4. Bring the Soup to a Boil

Increase the heat if necessary and bring the soup to a boil.

Once the soup reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low. This gentle simmer allows the vegetables to cook without making the broth evaporate too quickly.

5. Simmer Until the Vegetables Are Tender

Cover the pot if desired and let the soup simmer gently for about 20 minutes.

The soup is ready when the cabbage and carrots are tender and the flavors have had a chance to come together. If you prefer softer cabbage, you can allow the soup to simmer a few minutes longer.

Before serving, taste the broth and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Tips for the Best Hamburger Cabbage Soup

For the best results, use fresh vegetables whenever possible. Fresh cabbage, carrots, celery, and onion provide better texture and flavor than vegetables that have been sitting in the refrigerator for too long.

Cut the cabbage into relatively uniform 1-inch pieces so it cooks evenly. Smaller pieces may become very soft, while larger pieces can take longer to become tender.

When browning the ground beef, avoid stirring constantly. Allowing the meat to make contact with the hot pot helps it develop flavorful browned edges.

If your ground beef releases a large amount of fat, you can carefully drain some of it before adding the remaining ingredients. With 85/15 ground beef, however, you generally get a good balance of flavor without excessive grease.

Do not drain the canned diced tomatoes. Their juices add flavor and liquid to the soup and help create the rich tomato-beef broth.

For a more flavorful soup, let it simmer gently rather than boiling aggressively. A low simmer gives the vegetables time to become tender while allowing the flavors to blend.

What to Serve With Hamburger Cabbage Soup

This hearty cabbage soup can easily be served as a complete meal, but adding a simple side can make dinner even more satisfying.

A slice of crusty French bread or warm dinner rolls is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth. Garlic bread also pairs wonderfully with the tomato and beef flavors.

For a lighter option, serve the soup with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The fresh greens provide a nice contrast to the warm, hearty soup.

You can also serve it with crackers for an easy weeknight dinner. Because this soup already contains beef and several vegetables, you do not need many additional side dishes.

How to Store Leftover Cabbage Soup

One of the great things about this ground beef cabbage soup is that leftovers are easy to store and reheat.

Allow the soup to cool before transferring it to airtight containers. Store it in the refrigerator and enjoy it within a few days.

When reheating, place the desired amount in a saucepan and warm it gently over medium-low heat until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

The flavors often become even more developed after the soup sits overnight, making this recipe an excellent choice for meal prep and make-ahead dinners.

If you are preparing the soup ahead of time, keep in mind that the cabbage may continue to soften as it sits. If you prefer cabbage with more texture, avoid overcooking it initially.

Can You Freeze Hamburger Cabbage Soup?

Yes, this soup can be frozen for a convenient future meal. Allow the cooked soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion.

For the best quality, use airtight containers or freezer bags designed for storing soup. Label the container with the date so you can easily keep track of it.

When you are ready to enjoy the soup, thaw it safely in the refrigerator and reheat it gently on the stovetop.

Easy Variations

This recipe is delicious as written, but it is also flexible enough to customize based on what you have available.

For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce when serving.

You can also add additional vegetables such as zucchini, green beans, or potatoes. If adding potatoes, cut them into small, evenly sized pieces so they have enough time to become tender.

For extra richness, use a combination of beef broth and additional tomato sauce. If you prefer a lighter soup, add more broth and increase the amount of vegetables.

You can also experiment with different types of ground meat, although ground beef provides the classic hearty flavor that makes this recipe so satisfying.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hamburger Cabbage Soup?

Hamburger Cabbage Soup is a hearty soup made with ground beef, cabbage, vegetables, tomatoes, and beef broth. It is an easy one-pot meal that combines savory beef with tender vegetables in a flavorful tomato-based broth.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes. Ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef if you prefer a leaner option. Keep in mind that the flavor will be milder than the original beef version.

How long does cabbage take to cook in soup?

Cabbage generally becomes tender fairly quickly. In this recipe, approximately 20 minutes of gentle simmering is enough to cook the cabbage and carrots until tender while maintaining a pleasant texture.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely. This soup is a great make-ahead meal. Store it in the refrigerator and gently reheat it when you are ready to serve.

Is Hamburger Cabbage Soup good for meal prep?

Yes. Because it stores and reheats well, this recipe is convenient for preparing several portions at once. Divide the cooled soup into individual containers for easy lunches or dinners during the week.

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over high heat.
2. Add the ground beef, chopped yellow onion, kosher salt, and coarse ground black pepper.
3. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking the beef apart as it browns.
4. Add the tomato sauce, beef broth, cabbage, carrots, celery, and undrained diced tomatoes.
5. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
6. Bring the soup to a boil.
7. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the cabbage and carrots are tender.
8. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
9. Serve hot with crusty bread, dinner rolls, or crackers.

Final Thoughts

This easy Hamburger Cabbage Soup is the kind of comforting recipe that belongs in every home cook’s collection. It combines affordable ingredients, simple preparation, and hearty flavors in one satisfying pot.

With tender cabbage, sweet carrots, crisp celery, juicy tomatoes, and flavorful ground beef simmered in a savory beef broth, every spoonful is warm and comforting. Best of all, you can have this homemade soup on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.

If you love cabbage recipes, you may also enjoy these Cheesy Baked Cabbage Steaks, a simple and flavorful way to turn fresh cabbage into a delicious side dish. For another comforting homemade option, explore our easy dinner recipes for more family-friendly meal ideas.

For helpful food-safety guidance when storing and reheating leftovers, the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service offers reliable recommendations for keeping cooked foods safe.

You can also find useful nutrition and healthy-eating information through MyPlate, the USDA’s guide to building balanced meals.

Whether you are searching for an easy weeknight dinner, a cozy cold-weather meal, a budget-friendly family recipe, or a simple make-ahead lunch, this Hamburger Cabbage Soup is an excellent choice.

Serve it with warm bread, save the leftovers for tomorrow, and enjoy a comforting homemade meal that is simple, filling, and full of flavor.

Hamburger Cabbage Soup

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A hearty one-pot hamburger cabbage soup made with ground beef, tender cabbage, carrots, celery, tomatoes, and savory beef broth.

• Author: Luna
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 26 minutes
• Total Time: 36 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 lb ground beef (85/15)

1 tbsp olive oil

2 tsp kosher salt

1 tsp coarse ground black pepper

1 yellow onion, chopped

8 oz tomato sauce

4 cups beef broth

4 cups cabbage, cut into 1-inch chunks

2 carrots, sliced

2 stalks celery, sliced

14 oz canned diced tomatoes, undrained

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven.

2. Brown ground beef and onion with salt and pepper, breaking up the beef.

3. Add tomato sauce, beef broth, cabbage, carrots, celery, and diced tomatoes.

4. Stir well and bring to a boil.

5. Reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes until vegetables are tender.

6. Serve hot.

Notes

Use 85/15 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and texture.

Do not drain the canned diced tomatoes.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

This soup can also be frozen for a convenient make-ahead meal.