If you’re craving a soup that warms your soul and fills your belly with comforting flavors, the Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef and Tomatoes Recipe is exactly what you need. This recipe brings together tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and rich stewed tomatoes in a simple yet satisfying dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s both hearty and fresh, perfect for cozy dinners or meal prepping for the week. Plus, it’s easy to make with everyday ingredients, making it a reliable go-to that never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because it relies on straightforward ingredients that each play an important role in the final flavor and texture. From the sweetness of onions to the robust tang of stewed tomatoes, every component adds depth and balance, resulting in a deliciously rich soup.
- Large cabbage: The star vegetable, providing a satisfying crunch and subtle sweetness when cooked.
- Diced onions: They lend a fragrant base and natural sweetness that enhances the soup’s flavor.
- Stewed tomatoes (2 cans): Bring a bright, tangy tomato flavor and a lovely texture.
- Lipton Onion Soup Mix pouch: A secret weapon to add a punch of savory depth with minimal effort.
- Celery stalk, finely chopped: Adds a mild peppery crunch and freshness.
- Ground beef (1-2 pounds): Provides rich, meaty heartiness and protein that makes this soup truly filling.
- Water: The cooking liquid that allows all the flavors to marry perfectly.
- Spices of your choice: Customize the seasoning to your taste, whether you prefer a little heat, herbaceous notes, or classic salt and pepper.
How to Make Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef and Tomatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Base Vegetables
Start by filling a large saucepan halfway with water and bring it to a gentle boil. This will be the starting point for cooking your cabbage and softening the flavors. Once boiling, add the cabbage, diced onions, and finely chopped celery. Let the vegetables simmer until they begin to soften, releasing their natural sweetness and aroma that will form the heart of the soup.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
While your vegetables simmer, grab a skillet and brown the ground beef over medium heat. Break it apart as it cooks to ensure even browning. Once fully cooked and no longer pink, drain any excess fat for a leaner soup. This step builds a rich, meaty flavor that is essential in the Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef and Tomatoes Recipe.
Step 3: Combine Tomatoes and Soup Mix
Back at the saucepan, add the two cans of stewed tomatoes along with the Lipton Onion Soup Mix pouch. Stir everything thoroughly to combine. This mixture infuses the soup with tangy tomato goodness and a savory kick that the soup mix effortlessly delivers.
Step 4: Add Cooked Ground Beef and Simmer
Next, add the browned ground beef to the saucepan, folding it gently into the vegetable and tomato base. Let the whole pot simmer for a few more minutes, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully. This simmering step is where the soup truly comes together, developing depth and richness.
Step 5: Season to Taste
Finally, season the soup with your favorite spices. This is your chance to give the soup a personal touch — whether that’s a pinch of black pepper, smoky paprika, or a sprinkle of dried herbs like thyme or oregano. Taste as you go, aiming for a perfectly balanced and flavorful soup that invites spoonful after spoonful.
How to Serve Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef and Tomatoes Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your bowl of Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef and Tomatoes Recipe, consider garnishing with fresh parsley or chopped green onions. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan can add creaminess and a slight tang that complements the robust soup flavors.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls—perfect for dipping and soaking up every last bit of broth. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette also balances the heartiness of the soup, creating a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in bread bowls, turning your humble soup into an eye-catching and edible presentation. You can also top it with crunchy croutons or sprinkle some toasted seeds for an unexpected texture contrast that makes each spoonful delightful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef and Tomatoes Recipe, let any leftovers cool completely before transferring them to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, your soup will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for next-day meals.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully. Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. When stored in the freezer, it can last up to 3 months without losing its delicious flavor or texture.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup is too thick after chilling or freezing, add a little water or broth to loosen it to your desired consistency. Avoid using the microwave for large quantities to maintain the best flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or even ground chicken can be a leaner alternative. Just keep in mind the flavor will be milder, so you might want to adjust the seasoning to boost the taste.
Is this soup spicy?
The classic recipe isn’t spicy, but you can easily add spice by including crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne, or a dash of hot sauce when seasoning.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the ground beef and replace it with plant-based protein or extra beans. Adding mushrooms can also give it a nice meaty texture and earthy flavor.
Do I need to peel the cabbage?
No peeling necessary! Simply remove any wilted outer leaves, then core and chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces for the soup.
How thick should the soup be?
This soup has a broth-based consistency but with plenty of chunky vegetables and beef, making it hearty without being heavy. If you prefer it thicker, simmer it longer or mash some of the cabbage to thicken the broth naturally.
Final Thoughts
This Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef and Tomatoes Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a timeless classic. It’s simple to make, nourishing, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for your family or prepping meals ahead, this soup hits all the right notes. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try—it might just become your new favorite comfort food!
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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 featuring tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and flavorful stewed tomatoes, enhanced with Lipton Onion Soup Mix and aromatic spices. Perfect for a warming meal that’s easy to prepare and serves the whole family.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 large cabbage, chopped
- 2 small onions, diced
- 1 large celery stalk, chopped very small
Meat
- 1–2 pounds ground beef
Other Ingredients
- 2 cans stewed tomatoes
- 1 pouch Lipton Onion Soup Mix (any flavor)
- Water (enough to fill saucepan halfway)
- Spices of your choice (such as salt, pepper, paprika, or bay leaves)
Instructions
- Boil Water and Prepare Vegetables: Begin by filling a large saucepan halfway with water and bringing it to a boil. Once boiling, add the chopped cabbage, diced onions, and finely chopped celery to the saucepan and allow them to simmer until they start to soften, about 10-15 minutes.
- Cook Ground Beef: While the vegetables are simmering, heat a separate skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned throughout, breaking it up as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
- Add Tomatoes and Soup Mix: Once the vegetables have softened, add the two cans of stewed tomatoes along with the entire pouch of Lipton Onion Soup Mix into the boiling vegetable mixture. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Combine Meat and Simmer: Add the cooked ground beef into the saucepan with the vegetables and tomato mixture. Stir everything together and let the soup simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Season to Taste: Add your preferred spices to the soup according to your taste preferences. Common choices include salt, pepper, paprika, or a bay leaf. Stir well and let simmer another few minutes if needed.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the soup is hot and seasoned to your liking, ladle it into bowls and serve immediately for a comforting and nutritious meal.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of ground beef according to your preference or omit it for a vegetarian option.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or green beans to enhance flavor and nutrition.
- The Lipton Onion Soup Mix adds a unique savory depth but can be replaced with homemade onion soup seasoning if desired.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of water or cook uncovered to let excess liquid evaporate.
