Easy Cabbage and Hamburger Soup Recipe | Classic Comfort Food

This classic cabbage and hamburger soup recipe combines ground beef, fresh cabbage, carrots, and onions in a savory broth with simple seasonings. Ready in 45 minutes with 10 minutes of prep time, this hearty soup serves 6 and costs approximately $8-10 to make. The perfect economical weeknight meal uses common pantry ingredients and delivers comforting flavors with minimal effort.

If you're searching for a satisfying, budget-friendly meal that uses simple ingredients, this cabbage and hamburger soup recipe delivers exactly that. This traditional comfort food combines lean ground beef with crisp cabbage, creating a nourishing soup that's been passed down through generations. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—no fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients required.

Why This Cabbage and Hamburger Soup Works

The magic happens when the natural sweetness of slowly cooked cabbage balances the savory richness of browned ground beef. Unlike many easy cabbage and hamburger soup recipes that skip proper browning, taking time to sear the meat creates fond (those delicious browned bits) that builds incredible depth of flavor. The cabbage doesn't turn mushy when added at the right stage—it maintains texture while absorbing the savory broth.

Complete Ingredient List

Here's everything you'll need for this homemade cabbage and hamburger soup that serves six:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Lean ground beef	1 pound	85% lean works best
Green cabbage	1 small head (about 2 lbs)	Chopped into 1-inch pieces
Yellow onion	1 large	Diced
Carrots	2 medium	Sliced thin
Garlic	3 cloves	Minced
Beef broth	6 cups	Low-sodium
Tomato paste	2 tablespoons
Diced tomatoes	1 (14.5 oz) can	With juices
Dried thyme	1 teaspoon
Bay leaf	1
Salt and pepper	To taste

Step-by-Step Preparation

Follow these ground beef cabbage soup instructions for perfect results every time:

1. Brown the meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with diced onion until no pink remains, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat but don't wipe the pot clean—those browned bits add flavor.
2. Build flavor base: Return the pot to medium heat. Add tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. This "cooks out" the raw tomato flavor and deepens the taste.
3. Add liquids: Pour in beef broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.
4. Add vegetables: Stir in chopped cabbage and sliced carrots. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until cabbage is tender but still has some texture.
5. Final seasoning: Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. For extra flavor, stir in 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar just before serving.

Pro Tips for Success

Avoid these common mistakes when making your classic cabbage hamburger soup:

• Don't overcook the cabbage: Add it after the meat is browned but before long simmering. Overcooked cabbage becomes mushy and loses nutritional value.
• Use fresh garlic: Jarred minced garlic creates a different flavor profile. Freshly minced delivers the best taste.
• Don't skip the tomato paste step: Cooking it for 2 minutes removes acidity and creates rich umami notes.
• Season in layers: Add some salt when browning meat, more when adding liquids, and final adjustment at the end.

Variations and Substitutions

This traditional cabbage hamburger soup adapts well to different preferences:

• Low-carb version: Omit carrots and add chopped celery instead
• Spicy kick: Add 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes with the thyme
• Extra protein: Stir in 1 cup cooked white beans during the last 10 minutes
• Gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free—just verify your broth label
• Veggie swap: Try adding chopped kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking

Storage and Reheating Instructions

This quick weeknight cabbage soup with ground beef actually improves in flavor after sitting. Store properly for best results:

• Refrigeration: Cool completely and store in airtight container for up to 5 days
• Freezing: Portion into freezer bags (lay flat to save space) for up to 3 months
• Reheating: Warm gently on stove over medium-low heat. Add a splash of broth if needed as cabbage absorbs liquid when stored
• Flavor boost: Add fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice when reheating

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of hamburger in this soup?

Yes, ground turkey works well as a substitute. Use 93% lean for best results as very lean turkey can become dry. You may want to add 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning to enhance the flavor profile when using turkey instead of beef.

How do I prevent cabbage from becoming too soft in the soup?

Add the cabbage during the last 25-30 minutes of cooking rather than at the beginning. For even better texture control, you can add half the cabbage at the 20-minute mark and the remaining half at 25 minutes. This creates layers of texture in your cabbage and hamburger soup recipe.

What's the best way to make this soup more filling?

To make your cabbage hamburger soup more substantial, add 1/2 cup small pasta (like ditalini) during the last 10 minutes of cooking, or stir in 1 cup cooked lentils. You can also serve with crusty bread on the side for a complete meal that satisfies hunger longer.

Can I make this cabbage and ground beef soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely. Brown the meat and onions first, then transfer to slow cooker with all ingredients except cabbage. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, then add cabbage and cook 1 more hour. This slow cooker method for cabbage and hamburger soup maintains perfect cabbage texture while developing deep flavors.

How can I add more vegetables to this traditional recipe?

This flexible recipe welcomes additional vegetables. Consider adding 1 diced zucchini during the last 15 minutes, 1 cup chopped green beans at the 20-minute mark, or 1 diced potato at the beginning (adjust broth by 1/2 cup). For extra nutrition in your cabbage and hamburger soup recipe, stir in a handful of fresh spinach just before serving.