Get ready for a warm, comforting, and incredibly flavorful meal with this amazing Cabbage Soup! This hearty soup is packed with tender chopped cabbage, savory ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and a rich, seasoned tomato broth. It’s a fuss-free, one-pot wonder that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner, especially on a chilly evening, and it’s surprisingly easy to make.
Why I Love This Recipe
This Cabbage Soup recipe is a true go-to in my kitchen, and I absolutely adore it for its simplicity and incredible depth of flavor! What I love most is how effortlessly it creates a wholesome, satisfying meal. The combination of tender cabbage, sweet onions, and crisp celery simmers down beautifully, absorbing all the rich flavors. The savory ground beef, seasoned with that classic Lipton Onion Soup Mix, adds a hearty, umami punch, while the stewed tomatoesprovide a rich, sweet, and tangy base. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious, vegetable-packed meal that feels deeply comforting and tastes like it simmered all day, with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Cabbage Soup:
- 1 large cabbage, chopped (about 8-10 cups)
- 2 small onions, diced (about 1 cup)
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) stewed tomatoes, undrained
- 1 pouch (about 1 oz) Lipton Onion Soup Mix
- 1 large celery stalk, chopped finely (about 1 cup)
- Ground beef (1-2 pounds, lean recommended)
- Oil for browning beef (about 1-2 tablespoons, if needed)
- Favorite spices for beef (e.g., salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika)
Swaps and Notes
- Cabbage: Green cabbage is typical. Chop it into bite-sized pieces.
- Onions & Celery: Finely chopping these helps them soften quickly and blend well into the soup.
- Stewed Tomatoes: Adds a chunky tomato base. You can break them up with a spoon as they simmer if you prefer. Diced tomatoes (canned) can also be used.
- Lipton Onion Soup Mix: This dry mix is crucial for the signature savory, oniony flavor of this soup.
- Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is recommended to prevent excess grease. You can use 1 pound for a lighter soup or 2 pounds for a very hearty one. Ground turkey can be substituted.
- Favorite Spices for Beef: The recipe calls for “favorite spices.” Good choices include salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Adjust quantities to your taste.
- Water: The initial water is for boiling the vegetables. You can use chicken or beef broth for extra flavor if preferred, but the Lipton mix adds plenty of savory depth.
- Optional Additions: You can add other vegetables like sliced carrots, diced bell peppers, or frozen corn/peas (add towards the end).
Instructions
Let’s get this delicious Cabbage Soup simmering!
- Prepare Vegetables: Fill a large saucepan or Dutch oven halfway with water (about 6-8 cups) and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the chopped 1 large cabbage, diced 2 small onions, and finely chopped 1 large celery stalk to the boiling water. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 10-15 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Cook Ground Beef: While the vegetables are simmering, in a separate large skillet, cook the 1-2 pounds ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat thoroughly.
- Season Beef: Stir in your favorite spices (e.g., about 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp paprika) along with the 1 pouch Lipton Onion Soup Mix into the cooked beef. Stir well to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes to allow the spices to bloom.
- Combine & Simmer: Add the seasoned beef and the 2 cans of stewed tomatoes (undrained) to the simmering vegetables in the large saucepan. Stir everything well to combine. Continue to simmer the mixture for a few more minutes (about 10-15 minutes), or until all the vegetables have reached your desired tenderness. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld.
- Taste & Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or other spices as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the hot Cabbage Soup into bowls and serve immediately.
Tips for Success
- Drain Beef Well: Removing excess grease from the browned beef will prevent your soup from being oily.
- Don’t Overcook Cabbage: Cook until tender, but avoid making it mushy, especially if you prefer a slight bite.
- Season Beef Separately: Seasoning the ground beef before adding it to the soup ensures it has its own robust flavor base.
- Adjust Liquid: The initial water amount is a guideline. You can adjust the final consistency of the soup by adding more water or broth if you prefer it thinner, or simmering longer uncovered if you prefer it thicker.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste the soup before serving and adjust salt and pepper. The Lipton Onion Soup Mix and stewed tomatoes contribute salt, so add carefully.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Cabbage Soup is a complete and incredibly satisfying meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:
- Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls: Perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth.
- Cornbread: A warm slice of cornbread is a classic and comforting accompaniment.
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.
- For other incredibly popular, crowd-pleasing meals, consider our This Mexican Chicken And Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always A Hit or our This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This Cabbage Soup makes fantastic leftovers, and the flavors often deepen overnight!
- Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The soup will thicken considerably as it cools.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of water or beef broth to thin the soup back to a desirable consistency. Avoid boiling rapidly. You can also reheat in the microwave.
- Freezing: This soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3-4 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as directed above.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the hearty, comforting, and deeply flavorful nature of this soup, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic, fuss-free recipes that bring warmth and satisfaction to your table:
- For another rich and comforting bowl of goodness, our This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl Of Southern Comfort is a must-try.
- If you’re a fan of satisfying slow-cooked dishes, our Simple Chuck Roast is a fantastic option.
- And for a quick and flavorful skillet meal, don’t miss This Tomato Skillet With Okra And Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed With Southern Flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Cabbage Soup Recipe is a brilliant solution for bringing a truly comforting, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meal to your table with ease. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner, promising a pot full of rich, savory, and hearty goodness that will make everyone happy!
Give this recipe a try and let the delicious aromas fill your kitchen! What’s your favorite vegetable-packed soup to make? Share your ideas and feedback in the comments below!
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