Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef: A Nutritious, Low-Calorie Meal for Any Day

Estimated Calories:
A serving of this hearty cabbage soup with ground beef contains approximately 220–250 calories (based on 6 servings). This makes it a light yet satisfying meal, ideal for lunch or dinner, especially when you’re watching your calorie intake but want something warm and filling.

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Why You Should Try This Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef

If you're looking for a comforting, nutritious, and affordable homemade soup, this cabbage soup with ground beef should be your go-to. With tender cabbage, seasoned ground beef, and a rich tomato-based broth, it's a flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for batch cooking. Not only is it incredibly satisfying, but it’s also packed with essential nutrients and is highly customizable to suit your taste and dietary needs.

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Top Reasons to Love This Cabbage and Beef Soup

✅ Comfort in Every Spoonful

The warm broth, soft cabbage, and savory beef bring cozy, home-cooked comfort to any day of the week.

✅ Easy on the Wallet

This dish is made using inexpensive ingredients—like ground beef, cabbage, and carrots—making it budget-friendly for families and meal preppers alike.

✅ Packed with Nutrition

This soup is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, fiber, and lean protein, supporting immune health, digestion, and muscle repair.

✅ Versatile and Customizable

Add potatoes, peas, or even pasta. Adjust spices to match your preferences. You can also swap beef for ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives.

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Full Ingredients List (Serves 6–8)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)

• 1 large onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 medium head green cabbage, shredded (6–8 cups)

• 2 medium carrots, sliced

• 2 stalks celery, chopped

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)

• 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp paprika (smoked paprika preferred)

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• Salt to taste

Optional Add-Ins:

• Diced potatoes

• Frozen peas

• 1–2 bay leaves

Optional Toppings:

• Fresh parsley or cilantro

• Serve with crusty sourdough bread or whole-grain crackers

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How to Make Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef

1. Sauté Aromatics:
   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft (about 3 minutes). Add garlic and stir for another 30 seconds.

2. Brown the Meat:
   Add the ground beef and cook until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.

3. Add Vegetables:
   Stir in cabbage, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes, allowing veggies to soften slightly.

4. Build the Broth:
   Add diced tomatoes with juice, beef broth, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.

5. Simmer:
   Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 30–40 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and flavors meld together.

6. Serve & Garnish:
   Ladle into bowls and top with fresh herbs. Pair with bread or crackers if desired.

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Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Eat This Soup?

✅ Great For:

• People managing weight: Low in calories and high in volume, helping you feel full without overeating.

• Those with diabetes or prediabetes: Low in simple carbs, with high fiber and protein for blood sugar control.

• Busy individuals or families: Easy to meal prep and store for up to 4 days.

❌ Caution For:

• People on low-sodium diets: Broth and canned tomatoes can contain added salt. Opt for low-sodium versions and reduce added salt.

• Those with IBS or sensitivity to cruciferous vegetables: Cabbage can cause gas or bloating in some people.

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Best Appliance to Save Energy While Cooking This Soup

For energy efficiency and convenience, consider making this cabbage soup in a slow cooker (crockpot) or Instant Pot.

• Slow Cooker Method: Add all ingredients and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

• Instant Pot Method: Use the sauté function for browning the meat and aromatics, then switch to pressure cook for 15 minutes.

These appliances not only consume less electricity than stovetops, but also help retain more nutrients and require less hands-on time.

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Final Thoughts

Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef is a flavorful, filling, and flexible dish that fits into nearly any meal plan. Whether you’re looking to save money, eat healthier, or just warm up with something cozy, this soup checks all the boxes. Make a big pot and enjoy the comfort of home-cooked goodness—without breaking the bank or your diet.