Cabbage Soup with Hamburger Meat: Complete Recipe Guide

Cabbage soup with hamburger meat is a hearty, budget-friendly dish made by browning ground beef, then simmering it with fresh cabbage, onions, carrots, tomatoes, and seasonings for 30-45 minutes. This simple recipe yields a nutritious soup high in protein and fiber, perfect for meal prep with approximately 250 calories per serving.

Looking for a satisfying meal that combines lean protein with nutrient-rich vegetables? Cabbage soup with hamburger meat delivers exactly that. This traditional comfort food recipe transforms basic pantry staples into a flavorful, wholesome dish ready in under an hour. Unlike fad diet versions, our approach focuses on balanced nutrition without compromising taste.

Why This Cabbage Soup Recipe Works

The magic happens when ground beef's rich umami meets cabbage's natural sweetness during simmering. Browning the meat properly creates fond—the flavorful browned bits stuck to the pot—that forms the soup's flavor foundation. Using fresh vegetables instead of canned ensures vibrant texture and maximum nutrient retention. This easy cabbage soup recipe with ground beef maintains the perfect broth-to-solid ratio, avoiding the watery consistency that plagues many versions.

Complete Ingredient List

Ingredient	Quantity	Preparation Notes
Lean ground beef (hamburger meat)	1 pound	85% lean for best flavor balance
Green cabbage	1 medium head (about 2 lbs)	Shredded, core removed
Yellow onion	1 large	Diced
Carrots	2 medium	Peeled and sliced
Garlic	3 cloves	Minced
Crushed tomatoes	1 (28-ounce) can	No salt added preferred
Beef broth	6 cups	Low sodium
Diced potatoes	2 cups	Optional for heartier version
Worcestershire sauce	2 tablespoons	For depth of flavor

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

1. Brown the meat: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a 6-quart pot over medium-high heat. Add hamburger meat, breaking into small pieces. Cook until no pink remains (about 8 minutes). Drain excess fat.
2. Build flavor base: Add onions and carrots to the pot with the browned meat. Cook 5 minutes until vegetables soften. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in beef broth, crushed tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon dried thyme. Stir well to combine.
4. Incorporate cabbage: Add shredded cabbage and optional potatoes. Bring to a gentle boil.
5. Simmer to perfection: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 30-45 minutes until cabbage reaches desired tenderness. Stir occasionally.
6. Final seasoning: Taste and adjust salt if needed (remember broth contains sodium). Add fresh parsley before serving.

Pro Tips for the Best Cabbage Soup with Hamburger Meat

• Don't skip the browning step: Properly seared meat creates complex flavors through the Maillard reaction—essential for hamburger meat cabbage soup preparation.
• Cabbage selection matters: Use firm, heavy heads with crisp leaves. Avoid wilted or discolored cabbage which affects texture.
• Timing is crucial: Add cabbage later in cooking to prevent mushiness. For cabbage soup with ground beef and vegetables, add delicate veggies last.
• Acid balance: A splash of apple cider vinegar (1-2 teaspoons) brightens flavors if soup tastes flat.
• Make it ahead: This healthy cabbage soup with ground beef tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.

Nutritional Benefits and Meal Planning

Each 1.5-cup serving provides approximately 250 calories, 18g protein, 8g fiber, and significant vitamin C and K. The combination of lean beef and cabbage creates a balanced meal that keeps you full for hours. This quick cabbage soup recipe using hamburger is naturally gluten-free and can be made low-carb by omitting potatoes.

For meal prep, store cooled soup in airtight containers for up to 5 days in the refrigerator or freeze portions for 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth to restore ideal consistency. The cabbage soup with hamburger meat cooking time makes it perfect for weekly planning—prepare a large batch on Sunday for effortless weekday lunches.

Common Variations to Try

• Spicy version: Add 1 diced jalapeño with onions and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Smoky twist: Include 2 chopped bacon strips cooked before the hamburger meat
• Vegetable boost: Stir in 1 cup chopped zucchini during the last 15 minutes
• International flair: Add 1 teaspoon caraway seeds for a German-inspired variation

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cabbage in this hamburger meat cabbage soup recipe?

While fresh cabbage yields the best texture, you can substitute frozen shredded cabbage. Add it directly to the simmering soup without thawing, but reduce cooking time by 10-15 minutes since frozen cabbage cooks faster. Expect slightly softer texture but similar flavor.

How do I prevent my cabbage soup from becoming too watery?

Cabbage releases significant liquid as it cooks. To maintain ideal consistency in your cabbage soup with ground beef, avoid adding extra water beyond the recipe's broth requirement. If soup seems too thin after cooking, simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes to reduce, or create a slurry with 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water.

What's the best way to store leftovers of cabbage soup with hamburger meat?

Cool the soup completely within 2 hours of cooking. Store in airtight containers for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers with 1-inch headspace for expansion. Properly stored cabbage soup with hamburger meat maintains quality for 3 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can I make this cabbage soup recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely. Brown the hamburger meat and vegetables first, then transfer to your slow cooker. Add remaining ingredients except cabbage. Cook on low for 6-7 hours, then stir in shredded cabbage and cook 1 more hour. This slow cooker method for best cabbage soup recipe with ground beef develops deep flavors with minimal hands-on time.

How can I increase the protein content in this cabbage soup?

To boost protein in your healthy cabbage soup with ground beef, consider adding 1 cup rinsed white beans during the last 15 minutes of cooking, or stir in 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor with added protein. You could also top servings with a poached egg for an extra 6g protein per serving.