Hearty Cabbage Soup with Hamburger Recipe for Chilly Days

Memories of hearty vegetable hamburger cabbage soup waft through my kitchen, bringing comfort on chilly evenings.

Fragrant herbs dance around tender meat and crisp vegetables.

Rustic ingredients combine in a single pot, creating a meal that speaks to home-cooked simplicity.

Robust flavors build layers of satisfaction with every spoonful.

Nutritious and filling, this recipe transforms basic ingredients into something extraordinary.

Lean ground beef and vibrant vegetables make this soup a perfect weeknight solution.

Warm up and savor every delicious bite of this soul-warming creation.

What Makes Cabbage Soup with Hamburger a Go-To Comfort Meal

• This cabbage soup with hamburger comes together in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners when time is tight.
• Ground beef and simple vegetables create an economical one-pot meal that delivers maximum flavor without breaking the bank, satisfying hungry families with minimal ingredients.
• Packed with lean protein from beef and fiber-rich vegetables like cabbage and carrots, this soup delivers balanced nutrition in every delicious spoonful, supporting healthy eating goals.
• Ideal for cold evenings, this soup offers customizable options where home cooks can easily swap ingredients or add extra spices to match personal taste preferences and kitchen inventory.

Ingredients Breakdown for Cabbage Soup with Hamburger

• Ground Beef: Rich protein source that adds hearty flavor and texture to the soup.
• Beef Broth: Deep meaty foundation providing rich background flavor for the soup.

• Cabbage, Carrots, Celery: Classic soup vegetable blend offering crunch, sweetness, and aromatic base.
• Onion, Garlic: Traditional aromatics that build complex flavor profile and enhance overall taste.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Paste: Provide tangy acidity, natural sweetness, and smooth thickness to the soup.

• Thyme, Basil: Classic herb combination adding earthy and slightly peppery undertones.
• Smoked Paprika: Optional ingredient for deeper smoky dimension.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning for balancing and enhancing overall taste.

• Water: Helps adjust soup consistency and volume.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb for fresh visual and flavor accent.

Simmering Instructions for Savory Cabbage Soup

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Grab your large pot and heat it over medium flame. Toss in ground beef and break it down into tiny crumbles. Cook until the meat transforms into a beautiful golden brown color. If you see excess fat pooling, carefully drain it away.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

Introduce diced onions and minced garlic to the beef. Let them dance together until the onions become translucent and release their irresistible fragrance, which typically takes about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Vegetable Party

• Shredded cabbage
• Sliced carrots
• Chopped celery

Stir and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly and mingle with the beef.

Step 4: Create the Liquid Base

• Diced tomatoes with their juice
• Tomato paste
• Beef broth
• Water

Stir everything until well combined and harmonious.

Step 5: Spice It Up

• Dried thyme
• Dried basil
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Bring the entire mixture to a rolling boil.

Step 6: Gentle Simmer

Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer peacefully for 30-35 minutes. The vegetables will become tender and the flavors will meld beautifully.

Step 7: Final Touches

Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Ladle into bowls and optionally garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Best Cooking Tips for This Hearty Soup

• Drain Ground Beef Thoroughly: Remove excess fat completely to prevent a greasy soup and ensure a cleaner, healthier dish.
• Chop Vegetables Uniformly: Cut cabbage, carrots, and celery into similar-sized pieces for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or red wine while cooking beef to enhance the overall richness and complexity of the soup.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version without compromising taste.
• Control Soup Consistency: Adjust liquid by adding more broth if soup becomes too thick during simmering, ensuring the perfect soupy texture every time.

Save and Store Your Cabbage Soup Correctly

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months, leaving some space for expansion. Label with the date.
• Pour soup into a pot and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if the soup seems too thick. Heat until steaming and reaching 165°F.
• Place soup in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals. Stir between intervals to ensure even heating. Check temperature before serving.

Sides That Pair Well with Cabbage Hamburger Soup

• Grab a thick slice of crusty sourdough or rustic whole wheat bread to soak up the rich, savory broth, adding delightful texture and absorbing the soup's deep flavors.
• Select a medium-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, which complements the beef's robust profile and cuts through the soup's hearty nature with smooth tannins.
• Prepare a light green salad with tangy vinaigrette dressing to balance the soup's warmth, adding fresh, zesty notes that contrast the soup's rich and meaty characteristics.
• Sprinkle sharp cheddar or crumbled feta cheese on top, melting slightly into the hot soup and providing an extra layer of creamy, salty goodness that enhances the overall taste experience.

Cabbage Soup Customization Tips

• Vegetarian Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a meat-free version that maintains protein content and hearty texture.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute cabbage with cauliflower and zucchini to reduce carbohydrate intake while keeping the soup's nutritional profile intact.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all ingredients like beef broth and tomato paste are certified gluten-free, making the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to increase heat and provide a more intense flavor profile for those who enjoy spicier dishes.

FAQs for Your Hamburger Cabbage Soup Questions

• Is this soup nutritious?

Yes, it’s packed with protein from ground beef and loaded with vitamins from cabbage, carrots, and celery. It’s a balanced one-pot meal that provides essential nutrients.

• Can I make this soup low-fat?

Absolutely! Use lean ground beef or ground turkey, and drain all excess fat after browning the meat. This helps reduce overall calories and fat content.

• How can I make the soup more filling?

Add a small amount of cooked rice or small pasta during the last 10 minutes of simmering. This will increase the heartiness and make the soup more substantial.

• Is this soup good for meal prep?

Definitely! The soup stores well in the refrigerator for 35 days and often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop and blend together.

Cabbage Soup With Hamburger Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty German-inspired cabbage soup blends robust ground beef with tender vegetables in a savory broth. Nourishing comfort meets home-style cooking, promising warmth and satisfaction with each spoonful you savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef (lean or extra-lean)

Vegetables:

• ½ head green cabbage, chopped (about 4 cups)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 stalks celery, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter flavor)
• 2 cups water
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juice
• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Initiate by browning ground beef in a spacious pot over medium-high heat, methodically breaking it into delicate crumbles while ensuring complete cooking.
2. Eliminate excess fat, then introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they release their aromatic essence and transform into a translucent foundation.
3. Incorporate shredded cabbage, diced carrots, and sliced celery, allowing these robust vegetables to soften and meld together, creating a textural landscape.
4. Pour in diced tomatoes with their vibrant juices, rich tomato paste, hearty beef broth, and complementary water, stirring thoroughly to harmonize the emerging flavor profile.
5. Elevate the soup’s complexity by sprinkling thyme, basil, smoky paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, creating a symphonic blend of herbaceous and warming notes.
6. Trigger a brief boiling moment, then reduce to a gentle simmer, covering the pot to allow ingredients to tenderize and intermingle their essences for approximately 30 minutes.
7. Conduct a final seasoning assessment, adjusting flavors as needed, and ladle the steaming soup into waiting bowls, optionally adorning with feathery fresh parsley for a verdant finish.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a lighter soup.
• Chop vegetables uniformly for consistent cooking and better texture throughout the dish.
• Consider adding a splash of red wine during beef browning to enhance overall flavor complexity.
• Easily transform this recipe into a low-carb meal by replacing regular carrots with lower-carb alternatives like zucchini or turnips.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg