The Heartiest Cabbage Soup Recipe to Warm Your Soul

My favorite winter comfort food involves a hearty cabbage soup that promises warmth and nourishment on chilly nights.

Nutritionists often recommend this recipe for its incredible health benefits and low-calorie profile.

Packed with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs, each spoonful delivers a delightful blend of flavors and textures.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly, creating a satisfying meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Chopping crisp vegetables and simmering them slowly fills your kitchen with an inviting aroma that draws everyone closer.

Gentle seasoning and a splash of love make this soup more than just a meal, it’s a healing experience.

One taste will convince you that wholesome cooking can be both easy and incredibly delicious.

Why You’ll Love Cabbage Soup

• Boost Nutrition Fast: Pack your bowl with a powerhouse of vegetables, ground beef, and essential nutrients that support a balanced diet.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily personalize the soup by adding your favorite spices or extra ingredients to match your taste preferences and mood.
• Quick Family Dinner Solution: Prepare a satisfying meal in minimal time that appeals to both adults and kids, making mealtime stress-free and delicious.
• Budget-Friendly Cooking: Create a hearty soup using affordable ingredients like cabbage, ground beef, and basic pantry staples that won't break the bank.

Ingredients for Cabbage Soup

• Cabbage: A nutritious and low-calorie vegetable that adds bulk and texture to the soup.
• Ground Beef: A protein-rich meat that provides hearty flavor and substance to the dish.
• Onions: A flavorful base ingredient that adds depth and sweetness to the soup.
• Celery: A fresh vegetable that contributes a light, crisp texture and subtle flavor.

• Stewed Tomatoes: A rich and tangy ingredient that provides a robust base for the soup.

• Lipton Onion Soup Mix, Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder: Classic seasonings that boost the overall taste and aroma of the soup.

• Water: The primary liquid that helps cook and blend all the ingredients together.

How to Make Cabbage Soup

Step 1: Chop and Prep Veggies

Grab your cutting board and sharpen those knife skills. Dice the onions into tiny pieces, slice the celery into thin strips, and roughly chop the cabbage into bite-sized chunks. The goal is to create veggie pieces that’ll dance deliciously in your soup pot.

• Onions
• Celery
• Cabbage

Fill a large saucepan with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Toss in your prepped vegetables and lower the heat to create a gentle simmer.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Heat up a separate skillet and crumble the ground beef into the pan. Cook the meat until it turns a beautiful golden brown, making sure to break it into small pieces. Drain away any extra fat to keep your soup light and delicious.

Step 3: Create the Soup Base

Pour the stewed tomatoes into the simmering vegetable pot. Sprinkle in the Lipton Onion Soup Mix, stirring to blend all the flavors together. The mixture will start to look and smell amazing!

Step 4: Marry the Ingredients

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder

Let everything bubble and mingle for a few more minutes to develop those deep, comforting flavors.

Step 5: Final Flavor Check

Give the soup a taste test. Need more punch? Add a pinch more seasoning. Want it a bit more robust? Let it simmer a few minutes longer.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. This hearty creation is perfect for warming up on chilly days or satisfying a serious comfort food craving. Grab a spoon and dig in!

Pro Tips for Cabbage Soup

• Drain Beef Thoroughly: Remove as much fat as possible from ground beef to keep the soup light and prevent a greasy texture.
• Chop Veggies Uniformly: Cut vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent flavor in every bite.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Enhance the soup's taste by adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a beef bouillon cube for extra richness.
• Freeze for Later: This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it an excellent meal prep option for busy weeks.
• Adapt for Dietary Needs: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or mushrooms for a vegetarian version that's equally delicious and satisfying.

Variation Ideas for Cabbage Soup

• Vegetarian Cabbage Soup: Replace ground beef with plant-based protein like lentils, beans, or tofu crumbles for a meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Cabbage Soup: Swap stewed tomatoes with fresh diced tomatoes and reduce onion quantity to lower carbohydrate content.
• Spicy Mexican-Style Soup: Add jalapeños, cumin, chili powder, and top with cilantro for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Keto-Friendly Cabbage Soup: Use cauliflower as a base, incorporate high-fat ingredients like heavy cream, and eliminate onion soup mix to maintain low-carb requirements.

Pairing Suggestions for Cabbage Soup

• Elevate Cabbage Soup Pairings
• Complement with Crusty Bread: Grab a warm, rustic sourdough or hearty rye bread to soak up the rich, savory broth. The crispy exterior and soft interior perfectly balance the soup's texture.
• Match with Robust Red Wine: Pour a glass of medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to enhance the beef's depth and cut through the soup's hearty flavors. The wine's tannins will beautifully complement the robust ingredients.
• Serve with Fresh Side Salad: Prepare a crisp green salad with light vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast. The salad's brightness will counterbalance the soup's richness and add a zesty, clean element to your meal.

Storage Tips for Cabbage Soup

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring soup remains fresh and safe to consume.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags. Label with date and contents. Freeze up to 3 months for later enjoyment.
• Pour desired portion into microwave-safe bowl. Cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Pour soup into saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of water if soup seems too thick. Heat until steaming and temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

FAQs About Cabbage Soup

• Is cabbage soup healthy?

Yes, cabbage soup is nutrient-dense and low in calories. It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber from vegetables, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a nutritious meal.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef and replace it with plant-based protein like beans, lentils, or tofu. The soup will still be flavorful and filling.

• How can I add more protein to the soup?

You can increase protein by adding cooked chicken, turkey, beans, quinoa, or even a handful of chopped nuts. These additions will make the soup more substantial and satisfying.

• Is this soup good for weight loss?

This soup is low in calories and high in nutrients, which can support weight loss goals. Its high fiber content helps you feel full, potentially reducing overall calorie intake.

Cabbage Soup Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty Polish Cabbage Soup warms winter kitchens with robust flavors and comfort. Simmering with tender vegetables and savory broth, this classic dish invites you to savor traditional Eastern European culinary heritage.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 12 pounds ground beef

Vegetables:

• 1 large cabbage, chopped
• 2 small onions, diced
• 1 large celery, chopped very small

Canned and Packaged Ingredients:

• 2 cans stewed tomatoes
• 1 pouch Lipton Onion Soup Mix (any flavor)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Initiate by heating a large saucepan filled halfway with water until boiling, creating a foundational liquid base for the soup.
2. Introduce diced onions, chopped celery, and shredded cabbage into the bubbling water, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
3. While vegetables are softening, prepare ground beef in a separate skillet, cooking thoroughly and eliminating excess grease through careful draining.
4. Incorporate stewed tomatoes and Lipton Onion Soup Mix into the simmering vegetable mixture, stirring to ensure comprehensive blending of flavors.
5. Transfer the completely cooked ground beef into the soup, integrating the protein with the vegetable medley.
6. Enhance the soup’s profile by seasoning with complementary spices like salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, allowing the ingredients to meld together for 5-7 minutes.
7. Conduct a final taste evaluation, making subtle seasoning adjustments to achieve optimal flavor balance.
8. Ladle the hearty soup into serving bowls, presenting a warm, nutritious meal perfect for chilly evenings or when craving substantial comfort food.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a vegetarian version that keeps protein levels high.
• Enhance soup’s nutrition by adding extra vegetables like carrots or bell peppers during initial simmering stage.
• Reduce sodium content by using low-sodium tomatoes and homemade vegetable broth instead of packaged soup mix.
• Prep ingredients ahead and store in refrigerator for quick weeknight meal assembly, with soup tasting even better the next day as flavors meld together.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 1933 kcal
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 2500 mg
• Fat: 128 g
• Saturated Fat: 50 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 78 g
• Trans Fat: 6 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 140 g
• Cholesterol: 480 mg