Hearty Cabbage Hamburger Soup

Servings: 6–8

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35–45 minutes

Total Time: About 1 hour

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Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef (90% lean)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small head green cabbage, chopped (about 8 cups)
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 6 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Step 1

Heat a large soup pot over medium-high heat.

Step 2

Add ground beef and cook until browned.

Break it into small crumbles.

Drain excess grease if necessary.

Step 3

Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic.

Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.

Step 4

Stir in:

• Tomato paste
• Paprika
• Italian seasoning

Cook 1 minute.

Step 5

Add:

• Cabbage
• Tomatoes
• Beef broth
• Worcestershire sauce
• Bay leaves

Bring to a boil.

Step 6

Reduce heat.

Simmer 30–40 minutes until cabbage is tender.

Step 7

Taste and adjust seasoning.

Remove bay leaves before serving.

Garnish with parsley.

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Optional Add-Ins

• Potatoes
• Rice
• Barley
• Bell peppers
• Green beans
• Corn
• Mushrooms
• Kidney beans
• Cannellini beans
• Zucchini

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Storage

Refrigerator

4 days in an airtight container.

Freezer

Up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight before reheating.

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Serving Suggestions

• Crusty bread
• Cornbread
• Garlic toast
• Grilled cheese
• Side salad

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Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Per serving (8 servings)

*Varies depending on broth and canned tomatoes used.

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Make It Healthier

• Use 93–96% lean ground beef or ground turkey.
• Choose low-sodium broth.
• Add extra vegetables.
• Skip added salt if using salted broth.
• Use lean ground chicken for a lighter version.

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Variations

Keto

• Omit carrots.
• Add extra cabbage and mushrooms.

Low-Carb

• No potatoes or rice.

High-Protein

• Use 1½ pounds lean beef.
• Add white beans if desired.

Spicy

• Add:
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Jalapeños
  • Hot sauce

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey?

Yes. Ground turkey or chicken works well and lowers the fat content.

Can I make it in a slow cooker?

Yes.

• Brown the beef first.
• Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.
• Cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours.

Can I make it in an Instant Pot?

Yes.

1. Sauté the beef and vegetables.
2. Add remaining ingredients.
3. Pressure cook for 10 minutes.
4. Allow a 10-minute natural release.

Does cabbage get mushy?

It softens but still has texture. For firmer cabbage, add it during the last 15–20 minutes of cooking.

Can I freeze it?

Yes. It freezes very well for up to 3 months.

What if my soup is too thin?

Simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes, or stir in a little instant mashed potato flakes for a thicker consistency.

What if it’s too thick?

Add more beef broth or water until it reaches your preferred consistency.

Can I use pre-shredded coleslaw mix?

Yes. It saves time and works well in this recipe.

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Tips for the Best Soup

• Brown the beef well for deeper flavor.
• Cook the tomato paste for 1 minute before adding broth.
• Simmer gently instead of boiling hard.
• Taste before adding extra salt, as broth can be salty.
• The soup often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.