If you’re looking for a dish that warms your soul and fills your belly, the Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef and Tomatoes Recipe is an absolute gem. This comforting soup brings together tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and rich stewed tomatoes in a flavorful broth, creating a perfect balance between freshness and heartiness. It’s simple to prepare, packed with nutritious ingredients, and delivers a cozy, satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Whether you’re cooking for family or craving some wholesome comfort food, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s a beauty in simplicity with this Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef and Tomatoes Recipe. Each ingredient adds a specific note of flavor, texture, or color that brings this soup to life without complicating the cooking process.
- 1 large cabbage: Adds a subtle sweetness and hearty texture while providing a wonderful base for the soup.
- 2 small onions, diced: Infuse the soup with aromatic depth and a touch of natural sweetness.
- 2 cans of stewed tomatoes: Bring vibrant color and a rich, tangy flavor to the broth.
- 1 pouch of Lipton Onion Soup Mix (any flavor): A secret ingredient that layers in savory, savory complexity without extra effort.
- 1 large celery stalk, chopped very small: Adds a gentle crunch and subtle earthiness that balances the soup.
- 1–2 pounds ground beef: Provides the soul of the soup with its meaty, satisfying presence.
- Water: The canvas that allows these ingredients to meld together beautifully.
- Spices of your choice: Customize the soup to your taste and elevate every spoonful.
How to Make Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef and Tomatoes Recipe
Step 1: Bring Water to a Boil
Start by filling a large saucepan halfway with water. Bringing it to a rolling boil is essential as this will be the base that softens the vegetables and blends all the flavors together beautifully.
Step 2: Add Cabbage, Onions, and Celery
Once the water is boiling, toss in the chopped cabbage, diced onions, and finely chopped celery. Let these simmer gently until they begin to soften. This step is key to creating that tender yet slightly crisp texture that cabbage soup is known for.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
While the veggies simmer, heat a separate skillet and cook the ground beef until it’s nicely browned. Browning not only adds flavor but also texture to the soup. Be sure to drain any excess fat for a cleaner taste and healthier dish.
Step 4: Combine Tomatoes and Onion Soup Mix
Next, stir in the stewed tomatoes and the Lipton Onion Soup Mix into the simmering saucepan. This combination infuses the broth with robust flavor, making every spoonful deeply satisfying and rich.
Step 5: Add Cooked Ground Beef to the Pot
Now, it’s time to bring in the browned beef. Adding it to the pot allows the flavors to meld and the meat to warm through, enriching the soup with its hearty goodness.
Step 6: Season to Taste
Season your soup with your favorite spices. Whether that’s a sprinkle of black pepper, some smoked paprika, or a pinch of thyme, this step is all about personalization—making the soup truly yours.
Step 7: Simmer and Serve
Let the soup simmer for a few more minutes so the flavors harmonize wonderfully. Then ladle it into bowls and get ready to enjoy a warm, nourishing meal that combines comfort and nutrition in every bite.
How to Serve Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef and Tomatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a fresh garnish can elevate this soup from lovely to downright irresistible. Try topping your bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and freshness. A dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese can add creamy richness, perfect for balancing the tangy tomatoes.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls that you can dip right into the flavorful broth. For a lighter option, a simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or make it feel extra special, serve the soup in individual bread bowls. You can also garnish with a swirl of pesto or a few roasted pumpkin seeds for a surprising twist on presentation and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Be sure to cool the soup completely before refrigerating to keep it fresh and safe.
Freezing
Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef and Tomatoes Recipe freezes wonderfully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to three months. Just remember to leave some space at the top of the container as the soup will expand when frozen.
Reheating
To reheat, slowly warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. This gentle reheating keeps the beef tender and the cabbage from becoming mushy. Alternatively, microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a lighter alternative and works nicely in the soup. Just be sure to brown it well to preserve flavor and texture.
Is this soup spicy?
The Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef and Tomatoes Recipe is naturally mild, but you can easily add heat by incorporating chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce during the seasoning step.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
To adapt the recipe for vegetarians, simply omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of water. You might want to add beans or lentils for protein and texture.
How do I know when the cabbage is perfectly cooked?
The cabbage should be tender but still slightly crisp, not mushy. It typically softens after about 10–15 minutes of simmering in the boiling broth.
What spices work best in this soup?
Classic options like garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and thyme complement the flavors beautifully. Feel free to experiment with herbs like rosemary or oregano for your own twist.
Final Thoughts
If you want a meal that’s both comforting and nutritious, the Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef and Tomatoes Recipe is here to be your new go-to. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for those moments when you crave a warm bowl of wholesome goodness. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this delightful soup as much as I do!
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Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef and Tomatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and comforting cabbage soup recipe that combines tender cabbage, onions, celery, stewed tomatoes, and seasoned ground beef simmered to perfection. This easy-to-make soup is perfect for a nutritious family meal, packed with flavor and warmth.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 large cabbage, chopped
- 2 small onions, diced
- 1 large celery stalk, chopped very small
Meat
- 1 to 2 pounds ground beef
Other Ingredients
- 2 cans stewed tomatoes (about 29 oz total)
- 1 pouch Lipton Onion Soup Mix (any flavor)
- Water (enough to fill saucepan halfway)
- Spices of your choice (such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika)
Instructions
- Prepare the broth: Begin by filling a large saucepan halfway with water and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Add vegetables: Add the chopped cabbage, diced onions, and finely chopped celery to the boiling water. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until the vegetables start to soften, about 10-15 minutes.
- Cook the ground beef: While the vegetables cook, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, cook until browned throughout, breaking it apart with a spoon. Once cooked, drain excess fat carefully.
- Combine ingredients: Add the two cans of stewed tomatoes along with the Lipton Onion Soup Mix directly into the saucepan with the vegetables. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
- Add cooked beef: Transfer the browned ground beef into the saucepan with the vegetables and tomatoes. Stir to incorporate evenly.
- Simmer the soup: Allow the soup to simmer on low heat for an additional 10-15 minutes so the flavors meld together and the soup thickens slightly.
- Season to taste: Add your preferred spices such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, or paprika. Adjust seasoning according to your taste preferences.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and enjoy immediately for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For a leaner option, choose lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey.
- You can add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
- The Lipton Onion Soup Mix adds a flavorful base, but you can substitute with homemade onion soup seasoning if preferred.
- Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated well before serving.
- This soup freezes well—store in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
