If you’re searching for a hearty, comforting dish that is both wholesome and bursting with flavor, this Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef and Tomatoes Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. Imagine tender cabbage mingling with savory ground beef and rich, tangy stewed tomatoes, all brought together with a hint of aromatic onion soup mix. This recipe is a delightful blend of simple ingredients that transforms into a satisfying meal perfect for any time of year, especially when you want something easy to prepare yet deeply nourishing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward ingredients is the first step toward making a flavorful and vibrant soup. Each component plays a crucial role, from the crisp texture of fresh cabbage to the rich depth of ground beef, while the stewed tomatoes add a lovely color and subtle sweetness. The Lipton Onion Soup Mix brings that little punch of seasoning that elevates the whole pot.
- Large cabbage: The star of the soup, providing body and a slightly sweet crunch.
- Two small onions, diced: Adds a soft, fragrant base that complements the beef perfectly.
- Two cans of stewed tomatoes: These bring acidity and a hearty tomato flavor with bits of softened tomato and spices.
- One pouch of Lipton Onion Soup Mix: A secret weapon that layers in savory complexity without extra effort.
- One large celery stalk, finely chopped: Offers subtle freshness and crunch for balance.
- Ground beef (1 to 2 pounds): The protein powerhouse that makes this soup filling and satisfying.
- Water: The soup base that ties all flavors together into a soothing broth.
- Spices of your choice: Customize to your liking for a personal touch — think black pepper, paprika, or dried herbs.
How to Make Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef and Tomatoes Recipe
Step 1: Bringing the Base to Life
Start by filling a large saucepan halfway with water and bringing it to a rolling boil. This is where the magic begins, as your soup base will gently soften the vegetables while keeping everything light and fresh.
Step 2: Cooking the Vegetables
Add the roughly chopped cabbage, diced onions, and finely chopped celery to the boiling water. Let these simmer just until they start to soften, which releases their natural sweetness and makes the soup more comforting.
Step 3: Searing the Ground Beef
While your vegetables are simmering, heat a skillet and cook your ground beef until it’s nicely browned all over. Browning the beef develops a rich flavor, and don’t forget to drain any excess fat to keep the soup from getting greasy.
Step 4: Building the Soup’s Flavor
Pour the stewed tomatoes and the entire Lipton Onion Soup Mix into the saucepan with the softened veggies. Give everything a good stir to blend those deep, oniony flavors throughout the pot.
Step 5: Bringing It All Together
Add the cooked ground beef to your soup base, allowing all ingredients to marry over a gentle simmer. This step lets the flavors grow richer and ensures every spoonful bursts with meaty goodness.
Step 6: Season to Perfection
Finally, add your preferred spices to tailor the soup to your taste. Whether you lean toward a smoky paprika warmth or fresh herb brightness, this step puts the finishing personal touch on your creation.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle the soup into bowls while it’s piping hot and get ready to dive into a bowl of cozy, satisfying nourishment.
How to Serve Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef and Tomatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Top your soup with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a handful of grated Parmesan cheese to add color and a burst of flavor. A dollop of sour cream can add a creamy contrast that balances the acidity of the tomatoes beautifully.
Side Dishes
This soup shines best alongside warm crusty bread or garlic toast, perfect for dipping and soaking up the delicious broth. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can also provide a refreshing counterpoint.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your soup in hollowed-out bread bowls to make it a true meal experience. Alternatively, use vibrant bowls and colorful napkins to emphasize the bright tones of the cabbage and tomato base for an inviting table presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover soup in an airtight container and refrigerate it within two hours of cooking. Properly stored, it will stay fresh for up to three days, making it a great option for easy lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef and Tomatoes Recipe freezes well, allowing you to prepare it ahead of time in larger batches. Freeze in portioned freezer-safe containers, and it will keep its flavor and texture for up to three months.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy again, thaw the soup overnight in the fridge and gently reheat over medium heat on the stove. Stir occasionally to warm evenly, and add a splash of water or broth if the soup feels too thick.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative that blends nicely with the flavors of this soup, maintaining that satisfying protein element while reducing fat.
Is this soup spicy?
The base recipe is mild, but you can easily add spice by including chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce during the seasoning step if you want a little heat.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or add extra beans and lentils for protein, and skip the Lipton Onion Soup Mix if it contains animal-derived ingredients.
What type of cabbage works best for this soup?
Green cabbage is traditional and widely available, but you can experiment with savoy or even Napa cabbage for slightly different textures and flavors.
How thick should the soup be?
This soup is meant to be hearty but still brothy, so aim for a slightly thickened consistency where the vegetables and beef are abundant but swimming in flavorful broth.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about a bowl of Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef and Tomatoes Recipe that feels like a warm hug on a busy day. It’s a recipe that’s easy to make, flexible, and packed with taste — a true kitchen winner you’ll want to keep coming back to. Give it a try soon and enjoy the cozy satisfaction of homemade goodness!
Print
Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef and Tomatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty cabbage soup recipe combines tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and flavorful stewed tomatoes simmered together with a touch of Lipton Onion Soup Mix and your favorite spices. Perfect for a comforting and nutritious meal that serves 6 to 8 people, this soup is easy to prepare and cooks in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 large cabbage, chopped
- 2 small onions, diced
- 1 large celery stalk, chopped very small
Meat
- 1–2 pounds ground beef
Other Ingredients
- 2 cans of stewed tomatoes (approximately 14.5 oz each)
- 1 pouch of Lipton Onion Soup Mix (any flavor)
- Water (about 4-5 cups or enough to fill saucepan halfway)
- Spices of your choice (e.g., salt, pepper, paprika, thyme)
Instructions
- Boil water: Begin by filling a large saucepan halfway with water and bringing it to a boil, providing the base for the soup.
- Add vegetables: Add the chopped cabbage, diced onions, and finely chopped celery to the boiling water and let them simmer until they begin to soften, roughly 10 minutes.
- Cook ground beef: In a separate skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Combine tomatoes and soup mix: Add the two cans of stewed tomatoes along with the Lipton Onion Soup Mix to the saucepan containing the vegetables, stirring well to combine all ingredients.
- Add beef to soup: Transfer the cooked ground beef into the saucepan and stir to integrate the meat evenly throughout the soup. Allow it to simmer for a few more minutes so flavors meld.
- Season: Season the soup with your choice of spices to taste, enhancing the flavor profile as desired.
- Serve: Once the soup has simmered and all flavors are combined, serve hot and enjoy your comforting cabbage soup.
Notes
- Adjust water quantity based on desired soup thickness.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Add additional vegetables like carrots or potatoes for extra heartiness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- This soup freezes well; reheat thoroughly before serving.
