Hearty Cabbage Soup With Hamburger Recipe

Soul-Warming Cabbage Soup with Hamburger Recipe for Cozy Nights

Hearty and comforting, this cabbage soup with hamburger recipe delivers pure warmth in every spoonful.

Robust ground beef blends seamlessly with tender cabbage chunks, creating a satisfying meal that speaks to classic home cooking.

Packed with savory flavors and nutritious ingredients, the soup promises to fill hungry bellies and warm chilly evenings.

The simple yet delicious combination of meat and vegetables makes this dish a reliable go-to for quick weeknight dinners.

Each bite carries rich, meaty undertones that dance perfectly with soft cabbage pieces.

Affordable and easy to prepare, this soup transforms basic ingredients into a memorable meal.

You won’t be able to resist seconds of this delightful, soul-warming dish.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 5

Everything That Goes Into Cabbage Soup With Hamburger

For Protein Base:
  • Ground Beef: Delivers hearty flavor and substantial texture, choose lean cuts for better health benefits.
  • Beef Broth: Provides deep, rich underlying flavor profile, select low-sodium versions for controlled seasoning.
For Vegetable Components:
  • Cabbage, Carrots, Celery: Create robust vegetable foundation with complementary crunch and nutritional density, select fresh, firm produce for maximum flavor.
  • Onion, Garlic: Develop aromatic base with intense savory undertones, choose firm bulbs without blemishes.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Paste: Build complex tangy foundation with vibrant depth, opt for high-quality canned varieties.
  • Thyme, Basil, Smoked Paprika: Contribute layered herbal and smoky notes, use dried herbs for consistent flavor intensity.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Balance and elevate overall taste profile, select freshly ground options for maximum potency.
  • Fresh Parsley: Provides bright finishing garnish with fresh herbal accent, choose crisp, green leaves.
  • Water: Helps create desired soup consistency, use filtered water for cleanest taste.

Tools For Making Cabbage Soup With Hamburger

  • Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Your main cooking vessel for creating this hearty soup, perfect for browning beef and simmering all ingredients together.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Essential for breaking up ground beef and stirring ingredients while cooking.
  • Knife: Sharp tool for chopping onions, garlic, cabbage, carrots, and celery into uniform pieces.
  • Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for safe and easy vegetable preparation.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helpful for adding precise amounts of herbs and spices.
  • Colander: Optional tool for draining excess grease from cooked ground beef.

How To Cook Cabbage Soup With Hamburger Hearty And Warm

  • Meat Foundation

Brown ground beef in a large pot, breaking it into tiny crumbles and removing any extra fat for a clean, rich base.

  • Aromatic Layer

Introduce diced onions and minced garlic, letting them dance and release their deep, warming flavors into the meat.

  • Vegetable Harmony

Fold in shredded cabbage, crisp carrots, and tender celery, creating a colorful landscape of textures and nutrients.

  • Liquid Transformation

Pour in juicy tomatoes, robust beef broth, and a whisper of tomato paste, blending everything into a hearty symphony.

  • Seasoning Magic

Sprinkle thyme, basil, a hint of smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to elevate the soup’s complex flavor profile.

  • Gentle Simmering

Lower the heat, cover the pot, and let the ingredients meld together, softening vegetables and deepening tastes for 30 magical minutes.

  • Final Touch

Sample and adjust seasonings, then ladle into bowls, optionally crowning with fresh parsley for a burst of brightness.

Tips To Add More Flavor To Cabbage Soup With Hamburger

  • Hearty Beef-Boosting Tricks
  • Meat Mastery: Brown the ground beef on high heat for deeper flavor development, creating delicious caramelized bits that enhance the soup's overall taste profile.
  • Veggie Power Boost: Slice cabbage and vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
  • Low-Carb Transformation: Replace traditional beef broth with bone broth for added nutrition and swap carrots with low-carb alternatives like turnips or zucchini to make the recipe more keto-friendly.
  • Freezer-Friendly Hack: This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers, leaving slight space for expansion, and reheat slowly to maintain vegetable integrity.
  • Protein-Packed Alternative: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or lean ground chicken for a lighter version without compromising the soup's robust flavor profile.

Serving Ideas For Cabbage Soup With Hamburger

  • Hearty Meal Companion: Pair this robust cabbage soup with crusty sourdough bread for dipping and soaking up the flavorful broth.
  • Protein Power-Up: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or parmesan cheese on top to add extra protein and create a rich, melty layer.
  • Zesty Fresh Finish: Garnish with chopped green onions or chives to bring a bright, crisp contrast to the warm, comforting soup.
  • Complete Plate Pairing: Serve alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the hearty soup and create a well-rounded meal.

How To Store Cabbage Soup With Hamburger The Right Way

  • Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare double the recipe and divide into portion-sized containers for quick weeknight meals. Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months, ensuring convenient future dining.
  • Vegetable Freshness Tip: Chop extra cabbage and carrots in advance, storing in sealed containers within the refrigerator. These prepped ingredients stay crisp for 3-5 days, reducing meal preparation time.
  • Smart Reheating Strategy: Warm refrigerated soup slowly in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add small splashes of broth if needed to maintain desired consistency and prevent scorching.
  • Flavor Enhancement Trick: Allow leftover soup to rest overnight in the refrigerator, letting ingredients meld together. Next-day servings often taste richer and more developed, with deeper, more complex flavor profiles.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Hearty Cabbage Soup With Hamburger Recipe

Hearty Cabbage Soup With Hamburger Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Polish cabbage soup with hamburger combines hearty ingredients in a classic comfort dish. Savory meat and vegetables simmer together, creating a satisfying meal that connects generations of home cooks.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) ground beef (lean or extra-lean)
  • ½ head green cabbage, chopped (about 4 cups)
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 stalks celery, sliced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 cups (960 ml) beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter flavor)
  • 2 cups (480 ml) water
  • 1 can (14.5 oz or 411 g) diced tomatoes, with juice
  • 1 can (6 oz or 170 g) tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
  • ¼ cup (15 g) chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Meat Preparation: Brown ground beef in a large pot over medium heat, crumbling thoroughly and draining excess grease to create a robust protein foundation.
  2. Aromatic Base Development: Sauté onions and garlic until translucent, infusing the meat with deep, complex flavors and releasing their fragrant essence.
  3. Vegetable Integration: Add chopped cabbage, carrots, and celery to the pot, stirring to incorporate and allow vegetables to soften and release natural moisture, creating a textural medley.
  4. Liquid Foundation: Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, and water, thoroughly blending to create a harmonious, rich liquid base that will support the soup’s overall structure.
  5. Seasoning Elevation: Introduce thyme, basil, paprika, salt, and black pepper, stirring to distribute seasonings evenly and maximize flavor penetration throughout the soup.
  6. Simmering Process: Bring mixture to a robust boil, then reduce heat and cover, allowing ingredients to meld and tenderize for 30-40 minutes, developing a deep, cohesive flavor profile.
  7. Final Refinement: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, then garnish with fresh parsley to add a bright, herbaceous note and visual appeal before serving hot.

Notes

  • Meat Browning Technique: Ensure ground beef is thoroughly browned and crumbled to develop deep, rich flavor and prevent clumping during cooking.
  • Vegetable Preparation Tip: Chop vegetables uniformly to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
  • Fat Management Strategy: Drain excess beef fat after browning to reduce overall calorie content and prevent greasy soup consistency.
  • Simmering Secret: Cook soup on low heat with lid on to allow ingredients to slowly release flavors and tenderize, creating a more complex taste profile.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Marcus Foley

Marcus Foley

Food Critic & Kitchen Coach

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Troubleshooting; Time-Saving Kitchen Hacks; Global Flavor Exploration; Engaging Food Writing and Honest Reviews.

Education

Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), New York, NY

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in foundational techniques, flavor development, recipe creation, and kitchen efficiency, with an emphasis on real-world application and storytelling through food.

Marcus Foley, based in Atlanta, GA, is a friendly food expert who makes cooking fun and simple.

With hands-on training from the Institute of Culinary Education and years of tasting everything from street food to fine dining, he shares easy kitchen hacks, global flavor ideas, and step-by-step recipes that turn kitchen mishaps into delicious surprises.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star