Cabbage Soup With Hamburger Recipe

The Hearty Cabbage Soup with Hamburger Recipe You’ll Love

Hearty cabbage soup with hamburger promises a comforting meal that warms you from the inside out.

Winter nights call for something substantial and nourishing.

A steaming bowl filled with tender meat and perfectly cooked vegetables.

Chopped cabbage adds a delightful crunch and subtle sweetness to this classic dish.

Rich broth mingles with savory ground beef, creating layers of incredible flavor.

Simple ingredients combine to make an incredibly satisfying meal.

The aroma will draw everyone to the kitchen, eager to sample this delicious creation.

Grab a spoon and get ready to savor every delectable bite.

Steps To Make Cabbage Soup With Hamburger

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat a large pot over medium flame. Crumble ground beef into the pot, breaking it into tiny pieces. Cook until the meat turns a rich golden brown. Tip out any extra grease to keep the soup light and clean.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

Sprinkle in:
  • Diced onions
  • Minced garlic

Sauté these flavor-packed ingredients until they become soft and release their magical fragrance, transforming the kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Step 3: Welcome the Veggie Squad

Toss in:
  • Shredded cabbage
  • Chopped carrots
  • Sliced celery

Stir and cook these crisp vegetables for a few minutes, letting them soften and mingle with the beef.

Step 4: Create the Liquid Base

Pour into the pot:
  • Diced tomatoes with their juicy liquid
  • Tomato paste
  • Beef broth
  • Water

Blend everything together, creating a rich, vibrant foundation for your soup.

Step 5: Spice It Up

Sprinkle in your flavor heroes:
  • Dried thyme
  • Fresh basil
  • Smoked paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir thoroughly and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

Step 6: Let the Magic Simmer

Lower the heat, cover the pot, and let the soup gently bubble. This slow dance of ingredients will soften the vegetables and marry all the flavors together. Wait about 30-35 minutes.

Step 7: Final Touches

Give the soup a taste test. Adjust seasonings if needed. Ladle into warm bowls and crown with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Serving Suggestion: Pair with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls for a complete meal that hugs you from the inside out!

Tips For Flavorful Cabbage Soup With Hamburger

  • Drain Excess Fat Effectively: Use a colander or paper towels to remove grease from ground beef, ensuring a lighter, healthier soup without compromising flavor.
  • Maximize Vegetable Tenderness: Cut cabbage and other vegetables into uniform, bite-sized pieces to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
  • Boost Flavor Depth: Consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or red wine vinegar during seasoning to enhance the overall taste profile and provide a subtle complexity.
  • Customize Dietary Needs: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for lighter protein options, making the soup adaptable for different dietary preferences.
  • Storage and Reheating Pro Tip: This soup tastes even better the next day, so store leftovers in an airtight container and gently reheat on the stovetop to maintain optimal texture and taste.

How To Store Cabbage Soup With Hamburger The Right Way

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover cabbage soup in an airtight container, keeping it fresh for 35 days in the refrigerator. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Freeze: Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining great flavor and texture.
  • Reheat on Stovetop: Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight, then warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
  • Microwave Option: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Add a splash of broth if the soup seems too thick.

Side Dishes That Work With Cabbage Soup With Hamburger

  • Rustic Red Wine Match: Pair this hearty cabbage soup with a medium-bodied red wine like Cabernet Franc or Merlot, which complement the rich beef and tomato flavors while cutting through the soup's robust profile.
  • Fresh Bread Companion: Serve alongside crusty sourdough or rustic whole wheat bread to soak up the delicious broth and add a wonderful textural contrast to the tender vegetables and ground beef.
  • Crisp Green Salad Sidekick: Balance the soup's warmth with a light, tangy green salad featuring mixed greens, cucumber slices, and a zesty vinaigrette to refresh the palate between spoonfuls.
  • Hearty Beer Pairing: Enjoy with a malty amber ale or German-style lager that echoes the soup's robust character and stands up to the savory meat and vegetable elements.

Variations Of Cabbage Soup With Hamburger To Try

  • Spicy Southwest Cabbage Soup: Transform the classic recipe by adding diced green chilies, jalapeños, and a dash of cumin for a zesty Mexican-inspired flavor profile.
  • Mediterranean Herb Cabbage Soup: Incorporate fresh oregano, rosemary, and a splash of red wine to create a robust European-style variation with rich, complex flavors.
  • Low-Carb Lean Protein Version: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken, and increase the vegetable content for a lighter, healthier alternative that maintains hearty texture.
  • Vegetarian Garden Soup: Substitute hamburger with plant-based protein like lentils or crumbled tofu, and use vegetable broth to create a nourishing meatless option packed with vegetables and protein.

Cabbage Soup With Hamburger FAQs You’ll Appreciate

  • Is cabbage soup healthy?

Absolutely! This soup is packed with nutrients from lean ground beef, fiber-rich cabbage, and low-calorie vegetables. It’s a nutritious, low-fat meal that supports weight management and provides essential vitamins.

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Replace ground beef with plant-based alternatives like lentils, mushrooms, or meat substitutes. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to maintain a similar flavor profile.

  • How can I make the soup more protein-rich?

Add beans like kidney or white beans, increase the amount of ground beef, or stir in some cooked quinoa. These options boost protein content and make the soup more filling.

  • What are some tips for enhancing the soup's flavor?

Experiment with additional herbs like rosemary or oregano. Roast vegetables before adding them to the pot for deeper flavor. A splash of Worcestershire sauce can also add rich, umami notes to the soup.

Why Cabbage Soup With Hamburger Feels Hearty And Cozy

  • Savor Hearty Comfort: This cabbage soup delivers a warm, satisfying meal packed with tender ground beef and colorful vegetables that hug your taste buds with every spoonful.
  • Quick and Easy Weeknight Winner: Prepare this delicious soup in under an hour, making it perfect for busy families craving a nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Nutrient-Packed One-Pot Wonder: Loaded with protein from beef, vitamins from fresh vegetables, and a rich broth, this soup provides a balanced meal that fills you up and nourishes your body in a single pot.
  • Budget-Friendly Crowd Pleaser: Using affordable ingredients like cabbage, ground beef, and basic pantry staples, this recipe offers maximum flavor without breaking the bank, making it ideal for large families or meal prepping.

Ingredients For Cabbage Soup With Hamburger

Protein Base:
  • Ground Beef: Rich and hearty meat that adds substantial protein and deep flavor to the soup. Choose lean beef for less grease.
  • Beef Broth: Provides a robust, meaty base for the soup's liquid component. Low-sodium options work well for better control of salt.
Vegetables:
  • Cabbage, Carrots, Celery: Classic soup vegetables that offer wonderful texture and nutritional balance. Fresh, crisp vegetables make the best soup. Chop into uniform pieces for even cooking.
  • Onion, Garlic: Essential aromatics that build a flavor foundation. Fresh garlic cloves provide more intense taste than pre-minced options.
Seasoning and Liquid Components:
  • Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Paste: Adds tangy richness and helps thicken the soup. Canned varieties work perfectly.
  • Thyme, Basil: Dried herbs that contribute earthy and slightly sweet undertones. Fresh herbs can be substituted for brighter flavor.
  • Smoked Paprika: Optional spice that introduces a subtle smoky depth.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings for enhancing overall taste. Adjust according to personal preference.
  • Water: Helps adjust the soup's consistency and volume.
  • Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that adds a fresh, bright finish to the dish.
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Cabbage Soup With Hamburger Recipe

Cabbage Soup With Hamburger Recipe


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4.9 from 18 reviews

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

Description

Hearty “Cabbage Soup with Hamburger” delivers comfort in a bowl, blending rustic charm with satisfying flavors. Robust ingredients merge into a soul-warming meal that welcomes you home with rich, savory goodness.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (lean or extra-lean)

Vegetables:

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

Liquid and Seasoning:

  • 4 cups (960 milliliters) beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter flavor)
  • 2 cups (480 milliliters) water
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces or 411 grams) diced tomatoes, with juice
  • 1 can (6 ounces or 170 grams) 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 (15 grams) chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the protein foundation by sautéing ground beef in a spacious cooking vessel over medium heat, methodically breaking down the meat into delicate crumbles and eliminating any surplus fat.
  2. Introduce aromatic elements like finely diced onions and minced garlic, allowing them to soften and release their robust essence, creating a flavorful base for the soup.
  3. Layer in chopped cabbage, sliced carrots, and diced celery, gently stirring and permitting the vegetables to slightly wilt and release their natural moisture.
  4. Incorporate diced tomatoes with their inherent juices, tomato paste, rich beef broth, and additional water, thoroughly blending the components to establish a harmonious liquid landscape.
  5. Elevate the flavor profile by seasoning with fragrant thyme, aromatic basil, smoky paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, then escalate the temperature to initiate a vigorous boil.
  6. Transition the soup to a gentle simmer, covering the pot and allowing the ingredients to meld and soften, typically requiring 30-40 minutes of patient cooking.
  7. Conduct a final flavor assessment, calibrating seasonings as necessary, and present the steaming soup adorned with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

  • Drain the beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy soup, using a colander or paper towels to remove excess fat for a lighter, cleaner-tasting dish.
  • Slice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
  • Boost protein content by adding beans like kidney or white beans for a more filling meal that keeps you satisfied longer.
  • Opt for lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) to reduce overall fat while maintaining rich, meaty flavor in the soup.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
James Mitchell

James Mitchell

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Creation and Testing​, Fusion Cuisine​, Food Styling and Photography​, Culinary Education​

Education

Kendall College, Chicago, IL

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classic and modern cooking techniques, with a specialization in international cuisines.​

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Advanced Certificate in Gastronomy
  • Focus: In-depth studies of global food cultures, flavor profiling, and innovative recipe development.​

James Mitchell is the founder and fearless flavor explorer at Cooking Crusade. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and advanced training in global gastronomy from The Culinary Institute of America, James has spent over a decade perfecting the art of recipe creation. 

His background includes fine dining, private cheffing, and food styling, but his true joy comes from turning big ideas into doable recipes for home cooks. Every dish he shares is a mix of creativity, culture, and a little kitchen magic, built to bring excitement back to everyday meals.

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