This easy hamburger cabbage soup recipe combines ground beef, fresh cabbage, tomatoes, and simple seasonings for a hearty meal ready in just 30 minutes. With only 8 basic ingredients and one pot required, this budget-friendly soup serves 6 and offers approximately 280 calories per serving. The perfect weeknight dinner solution that's both nutritious and satisfying.
Looking for a comforting meal that won't break the bank or take all day to prepare? This hamburger cabbage soup recipe delivers exactly that. As one of the most economical comfort foods you can make, it transforms humble ingredients into a satisfying dinner that everyone in your family will enjoy. The beauty of this ground beef cabbage soup recipe lies in its simplicity—no fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients required.
What makes this particular hamburger cabbage soup with tomato stand out from other versions is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The ground beef provides rich umami notes while the cabbage adds a subtle sweetness that mellows during cooking. The tomatoes create a light broth that's substantial without being heavy, making it ideal for any season.
Why This Hamburger Cabbage Soup Recipe Works
This one-pot hamburger cabbage soup has earned its place as a weeknight staple for several reasons. First, it requires minimal prep time—most ingredients go straight into the pot with little chopping needed. Second, it's incredibly versatile; you can easily adapt it to what's in your pantry. Third, it reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep throughout the week.
Unlike many soup recipes that require hours of simmering, this quick hamburger cabbage soup develops deep flavors in just 30 minutes. The key is browning the ground beef properly and allowing the cabbage to soften while maintaining some texture. Many recipes overcook the cabbage, resulting in a mushy consistency, but this method preserves the perfect bite.
Ingredients for Hamburger Cabbage Soup
These simple ingredients create a flavorful soup without unnecessary complexity. All measurements are precise for best results.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef (85% lean) | 1 pound | 90% lean works but may be drier |
| Green cabbage | 4 cups, chopped | About half a medium head |
| Yellow onion | 1 medium, diced | White onion works too |
| Carrots | 2 medium, sliced | For added sweetness and texture |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced | Fresh is best for flavor |
| Crushed tomatoes | 1 (28-ounce) can | Fire-roasted adds depth |
| Beef broth | 4 cups | Low-sodium preferred |
| Dried thyme | 1 teaspoon | Rub between fingers to release oils |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the ground beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with diced onion until no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. Break into small pieces as it cooks. Drain excess fat if desired.
- Add aromatics: Stir in minced garlic and dried thyme, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add vegetables: Add chopped cabbage, sliced carrots, crushed tomatoes, and beef broth to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is tender but still has some texture.
- Season: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Pro Tips for the Best Hamburger Cabbage Soup
- Don't skip the browning: Properly browning the ground beef creates fond (those browned bits on the bottom of the pot) which adds incredible depth of flavor to your hamburger cabbage soup recipe.
- Cabbage preparation: Remove the tough core and outer leaves first. Chop cabbage into uniform 1-inch pieces for even cooking in your quick hamburger cabbage soup.
- Acidity balance: If the soup tastes flat, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to brighten the flavors in your ground beef cabbage soup.
- Texture control: For a thicker broth, mash some of the softened vegetables against the side of the pot with your spoon.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
This hamburger cabbage soup for meal prep stores exceptionally well. Cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
When reheating hamburger cabbage soup storage tips include: gently warming on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to restore consistency. Avoid boiling vigorously as this can make the cabbage too soft. For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Delicious Variations to Try
Once you've mastered the basic hamburger cabbage soup with tomato, experiment with these tasty adaptations:
- Spicy version: Add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes with the garlic for a kick
- Italian twist: Stir in 1/4 cup tomato paste and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Creamy option: Add 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for richness
- Extra protein: Mix in 1 cup cooked lentils or white beans
- Low-carb adaptation: Omit carrots and increase cabbage to 6 cups
Nutritional Information
Per serving (1.5 cups): Approximately 280 calories, 18g protein, 25g carbohydrates, 12g fat, 6g fiber, 8g sugar. This healthy hamburger cabbage soup provides vitamin C from the cabbage and tomatoes, plus iron and zinc from the ground beef.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cabbage in hamburger cabbage soup?
Yes, you can use frozen cabbage, but expect a softer texture. Add it directly to the soup without thawing and reduce simmering time by 5 minutes to prevent overcooking. Fresh cabbage generally provides better texture in this quick hamburger cabbage soup recipe.
How do I prevent cabbage from becoming too mushy?
Add the cabbage after browning the meat and cook for only 15-20 minutes. Overcooking is the main culprit for mushy cabbage in hamburger cabbage soup. The cabbage should be tender but still have some bite when done.
What are good side dishes to serve with hamburger cabbage soup?
This one-pot hamburger cabbage soup pairs well with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a simple green salad. For a complete meal, serve with a side of cornbread or roasted potatoes. The soup's light broth makes it versatile for pairing with various sides.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Brown the ground beef and onions first, then transfer to your slow cooker with all other ingredients. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add the cabbage during the last 2 hours to maintain texture in your slow cooker hamburger cabbage soup recipe.
Is hamburger cabbage soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, this hamburger cabbage soup for meal prep freezes exceptionally well. Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch headspace. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop.
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