This hearty Hamburger Cabbage Soup is a comforting, flavorful one-pot meal made with ground beef, tender cabbage, carrots, tomatoes, onion, garlic, and savory beef broth. It is simple to prepare, budget-friendly, and perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Recipe Overview
| Category | Details |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 45 minutes |
| Servings | 6 |
| Cuisine | American-inspired |
| Cooking Method | Stovetop |
| Difficulty | Easy |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This hamburger cabbage soup is packed with tender vegetables and savory ground beef, making it satisfying without requiring complicated ingredients.
Everything cooks together in one pot, which means less cleanup and an easy weeknight dinner.
The combination of beef, tomatoes, cabbage, carrots, garlic, and herbs creates a rich, comforting broth with plenty of flavor.
It is also easy to customize with your favorite vegetables, seasonings, or additional ingredients.
Ingredients
For the Soup
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Ground beef | 500 g (1.1 lb) |
| Green cabbage | 1/2 head, chopped |
| Carrots | 3, sliced |
| Yellow onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
| Crushed or diced tomatoes | 1 can (400 g / 14 oz) |
| Beef broth | 6 cups (1.5 L) |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Italian seasoning or dried oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Ground Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook for about 6–8 minutes, breaking the beef apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
Continue cooking until the beef is nicely browned and the onion has softened.
If there is a large amount of excess fat, carefully drain some of it from the pot.
2. Add the Garlic and Seasonings
Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning or oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Stir well and cook for about 1 minute, just until the garlic becomes fragrant.
3. Add the Vegetables
Add the sliced carrots, chopped cabbage, and canned tomatoes to the pot.
Stir everything together so the vegetables are evenly distributed with the beef.
4. Add the Beef Broth
Pour in the beef broth and stir gently.
The liquid should cover most of the ingredients. If necessary, add a little extra broth or water.
Bring the soup to a gentle boil.
5. Simmer
Once the soup reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low.
Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 25–30 minutes.
Stir occasionally and continue cooking until the cabbage and carrots are tender.
6. Adjust the Seasoning
Taste the soup and adjust the salt and black pepper according to your preference.
For a richer flavor, you can add a little more dried oregano or Italian seasoning.
7. Serve
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately.
For an extra comforting meal, serve it with crusty bread, dinner rolls, or a simple green salad.
Best Tips
Brown the ground beef well before adding the broth. This helps develop a deeper savory flavor in the finished soup.
Cut the carrots into reasonably thin slices so they become tender at approximately the same time as the cabbage.
Do not overcook the cabbage. It should become tender while still retaining some texture.
If you prefer a thicker soup, use slightly less broth. For a more brothy soup, add additional beef broth toward the end of cooking.
Letting the soup rest for 5–10 minutes before serving can help the flavors come together.
Best Ingredient Options
For the beef, lean or medium ground beef works well. Medium ground beef provides additional richness, while lean ground beef creates a lighter soup.
Fresh green cabbage gives the best texture, but savoy cabbage can also be used.
For the tomatoes, diced tomatoes provide small pieces throughout the soup, while crushed tomatoes create a smoother tomato-based broth.
Low-sodium beef broth is a good choice if you want more control over the amount of salt.
Recipe Variations
Add diced potatoes for a heartier version with extra carbohydrates and a more substantial texture.
For additional vegetables, add celery, zucchini, green beans, or bell peppers.
For a slightly spicy soup, add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a pinch of chili powder.
For a richer tomato flavor, add 1–2 tablespoons of tomato paste along with the tomatoes.
You can also add cooked rice toward the end of cooking to turn the soup into an even more filling meal.
What to Serve With
Crusty French bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful beef and tomato broth.
Warm dinner rolls make an easy side for a family-style meal.
A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a crisp contrast to the warm soup.
For a complete comfort-food dinner, serve the soup with toasted garlic bread.
Make-Ahead Instructions
This soup is excellent for meal preparation because the flavors become even more developed after resting.
Prepare the soup completely, allow it to cool, and refrigerate it in an airtight container.
When ready to serve, gently reheat it on the stovetop until steaming hot.
Storage
Allow leftover soup to cool before transferring it to airtight containers.
Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Keep the soup refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave until thoroughly hot, stirring halfway through.
For larger portions, reheat the soup gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
Add a splash of beef broth or water if the soup has thickened during refrigeration.
Freezing
This soup can be frozen for convenient future meals.
Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags.
Leave a little space for expansion and freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not skip browning the beef. Cooking it until lightly browned adds much more flavor to the soup.
Avoid cutting the carrots into very large pieces because they may remain firm while the cabbage becomes soft.
Do not add excessive salt at the beginning. Beef broth and canned tomatoes may already contain sodium, so taste the soup before adding more.
Avoid boiling the soup aggressively for the entire cooking time. A gentle simmer helps the vegetables cook evenly while keeping the broth flavorful.
Nutrition Estimate
Approximate values per serving:
| Nutrient | Estimated Amount |
| Calories | 300–350 kcal |
| Protein | 23–27 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18–22 g |
| Fat | 16–20 g |
| Fiber | 5–6 g |
| Sodium | Varies by broth |
Nutrition information is an estimate and can vary depending on the ground beef, broth, canned tomatoes, and serving size used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cabbage?
Yes. Frozen cabbage can be used, although fresh cabbage generally provides a firmer texture. Add frozen cabbage directly to the soup and allow a few extra minutes of cooking if needed.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the ground beef and onion first, then transfer them to a slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on LOW for approximately 6–7 hours or HIGH for approximately 3–4 hours, until the vegetables are tender.
Can I add potatoes?
Absolutely. Diced potatoes are a delicious addition. Cut them into small, evenly sized pieces so they cook thoroughly.
Can I make this soup spicy?
Yes. Add red pepper flakes, chili powder, cayenne pepper, or your favorite hot sauce according to taste.
Is this soup good for meal prep?
Yes. It stores well in the refrigerator and can also be frozen in individual portions for quick meals.
How can I make the soup more flavorful?
Browning the beef, using a flavorful beef broth, and seasoning gradually are simple ways to build more flavor. You can also add tomato paste, garlic, oregano, or Italian seasoning.
Final Thoughts
Hamburger Cabbage Soup is a simple, satisfying one-pot meal that brings together ground beef, tender vegetables, tomatoes, and a savory broth. With minimal preparation and everyday ingredients, it is an excellent option for busy weeknights, family dinners, and make-ahead meals.
⚠️ This recipe may not be suitable for everyone, so it is advisable to consult a doctor if you have specific dietary or medical concerns.