If you’re looking for a cozy, stick-to-your-ribs type of meal, you’ve got to try this Hearty Beef and Cabbage Soup Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day — packed with rich flavors, tender beef, and fresh veggies all simmered into a satisfying bowl. I’ve made this recipe countless times and honestly, it never fails to impress. Stick around and I’ll walk you through how to make it just right, with some tips I’ve picked up along the way so your soup turns out amazing every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort in a bowl: This soup is rich, filling, and perfect for warming up on cold days or when you need some serious comfort food.
Nutritious ingredients: Lean ground beef combined with cabbage, carrots, and beans makes it hearty but healthy.
Super versatile: You can tweak the veggies or spices easily to fit your flavor preferences and pantry staples.
Minimal fuss, maximum flavor: This one-pot meal is straightforward to make, so you’ll have dinner on the table in under an hour without much cleanup.

Hearty Beef and Cabbage Soup, beef and cabbage soup, comforting vegetable soup, easy beef soup recipe, nutritious hearty soup - A ladle full of thick soup showing many layers: soft light brown meat pieces, bright orange carrot slices, green celery bits, deep red kidney beans, and pale yellow cabbage pieces, all mixed in a rich reddish broth with small green herbs sprinkled on top. The scoop is held over a bigger pot full of the same soup, resting on a white marbled surface. The colors and textures of the vegetables and meat are clear and fresh, with visible black pepper specks on the cabbage and broth photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Hearty Beef and Cabbage Soup Recipe balances tender ground beef, fresh vegetables, and savory broth beautifully. Each ingredient gives the soup its depth, texture, and heartiness, making every spoonful packed with flavor. When shopping, focus on fresh veggies and good-quality beef for the best outcomes.

Hearty Beef and Cabbage Soup, beef and cabbage soup, comforting vegetable soup, easy beef soup recipe, nutritious hearty soup - Flat lay of fresh lean ground beef shaped loosely, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden olive oil, a small white bowl containing finely minced garlic, half a fresh green cabbage chopped into quarters, a simple white bowl with bright red diced tomatoes, two fresh celery stalks with leaves, two peeled and chopped vibrant orange carrots, a small white bowl filled with glossy red kidney beans, a small white bowl holding rich brown beef broth, a small white bowl with mixed dried Italian seasoning herbs, scattered salt and black peppercorns on the white marble surface, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Lean Ground Beef: Provides the savory, meaty base without too much fat, keeping the soup hearty but not greasy.
Olive Oil: Helps brown the beef evenly and adds a mild richness.
Minced Garlic: Infuses aromatic warmth—a must-have for flavorful soups.
Cabbage: Adds a subtle sweetness and bulk that softens perfectly when simmered.
Diced Tomatoes: Bring acidity and a fresh, tangy undertone to balance the richness.
Celery: Offers a slight crunch and a lovely herbal note.
Carrots: Sweetness and color that brighten up the dish.
Kidney Beans: Add protein, texture, and make the soup even more filling.
Beef Broth: The flavorful liquid base that ties all ingredients together.
Italian Seasoning: Blends of herbs that enhance the overall taste without overpowering it.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

I love to keep this soup pretty classic, but it’s a flexible recipe you can easily personalize. Swap in your favorite beans or leafy greens, adjust the seasoning for more heat or herbs, or even add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for an umami kick. Trust me, this soup turns out great with whatever you’ve got on hand.

Variation: Once, I added a touch of smoked paprika and a pinch of chili flakes — it totally warmed things up and gave it a lovely smoky depth.
Vegetarian twist: You can skip the beef and use vegetable broth plus extra beans for a meatless version that still feels hearty.
Seasonal tweaks: In the fall, I like adding diced butternut squash or sweet potatoes to change up the flavor profile.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Hearty Beef and Cabbage Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef with Love

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook it, breaking it apart with your spoon or spatula until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. Browning properly is key because it builds that deep, savory flavor base that makes this soup so comforting. Once cooked, drain any excess fat if you see a lot – lean beef usually doesn’t need much draining.

Step 2: Garlic Magic

Lower the heat to medium and toss in the minced garlic along with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for just about 30 seconds, stirring, until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt—this step wakes up all the flavors and is super important!

Step 3: Veggies, Beans & Broth Join the Party

Add the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes (with their juice), chopped celery, chopped carrots, drained kidney beans, beef broth, and Italian seasoning to the pot. Give everything a good stir to mix those ingredients so each spoonful will be loaded with goodness.

Step 4: Simmer and Let It Get Cozy

Turn the heat up and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Then lower it to a simmer and cover the pot, letting everything cook for about an hour. This slow simmer softens the veggies, melds flavors, and thickens the broth just right. Give it an occasional stir to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom.

Step 5: Serve & Garnish

Once your soup is finished simmering, taste for seasoning and add a little more salt or pepper if needed. I love to sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and brightness, but it’s totally optional. Then, ladle into bowls and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Hearty Beef and Cabbage Soup Recipe

Brown the Beef Thoroughly: Browning the beef well adds rich flavor, so don’t rush this step or crowd the pan.
Don’t Overdo the Garlic: Garlic turns bitter if burned, so keep it moving in the pan and don’t cook longer than 30 seconds before adding liquid.
Simmer Slowly: Low and slow simmering helps flavors blend perfectly and softens tough veggies without turning mushy.
Check Seasoning at the End: Soup flavors deepen during cooking, so wait to add extra salt until right before serving.

How to Serve Hearty Beef and Cabbage Soup Recipe

Hearty Beef and Cabbage Soup, beef and cabbage soup, comforting vegetable soup, easy beef soup recipe, nutritious hearty soup - A large white pot filled with thick vegetable and meat soup showing about five main layers: a rich dark brown and reddish broth base, chunks of green celery, bright orange carrot slices, deep red kidney beans, soft light yellow cabbage pieces, and browned small bits of ground meat, all mixed and floating evenly. A metal ladle scoops a rounded serving in the center, highlighting the mix of soft cabbage, bright carrot, dark beans, and meat. Small flecks of green herbs are sprinkled throughout, adding a fresh touch. The inside edge of the pot shows some broth splatters and seasoning. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually garnish my soup with fresh parsley because it brightens up the rich broth, but you could also use a dollop of sour cream—or even shredded cheddar for some extra indulgence. A squeeze of lemon juice stirred in right before eating adds a nice tangy lift, especially if your cabbage feels a bit dense.

Side Dishes

Crusty bread or garlic toast is my go-to for dunking into this soup. Sometimes, I toss a simple green salad on the side for freshness and crunch. If you want to keep it cozy, buttered dinner rolls or even a baked potato on the side work nicely to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Once for a little family gathering, I served this soup in hollowed-out bread bowls—everyone loved it! It makes the presentation fun and adds an edible bowl to the meal. For a weeknight dinner, I just ladle it into colorful, oversized mugs; it feels casual but homey and perfect for spooning up while cozying on the couch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the soup cools, I pour leftovers into airtight containers and stash them in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for about 3 to 4 days and the flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers are often better the next day. Just give it a good stir before reheating.

Freezing

This soup freezes really well, which is a lifesaver on busy days. I transfer cooled soup into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove. Just know cabbage can get a bit softer after freezing, but the flavor stays fantastic.

Reheating

I like to reheat soup slowly over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. This helps prevent sticking and maintains a velvety texture. Adding a splash of broth or water if it seems too thick refreshes the consistency perfectly.

FAQs

Can I make this Hearty Beef and Cabbage Soup Recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the beef first as directed, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Slow cooking yields tender veggies and rich flavors with minimal hands-on time.
What can I substitute for kidney beans?

If you’re not a fan of kidney beans or can’t find them, black beans or cannellini beans work beautifully in this soup. They add similar texture and protein without changing the overall flavor much.
Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes! As long as your beef broth and Italian seasoning blend are gluten-free (which many brands are), this soup is naturally gluten-free and a great option for those avoiding gluten.
Can I use other types of cabbage?

Definitely! Green cabbage is typical and what I use, but napa or savoy cabbage adds a slightly different texture and flavor if you want to switch things up.

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Beef and Cabbage Soup Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites for cold nights and easy dinners alike. It’s hearty without being heavy and packs in both flavor and nutrition in one pot. I love how forgiving and adaptable it is — once you’ve nailed the basic method, feel free to make it your own. I hope you’ll enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do; nothing beats cozying up with a warm bowl of homemade soup that tastes like it’s made with care.