If you’re craving something hearty, comforting, and absolutely packed with flavor, this Cabbage Soup Recipe is going to sweep you off your feet. Imagine tender cabbage mingling with savory ground beef, the rich tang of stewed tomatoes, and that unmistakable warmth from Lipton onion soup mix—an effortless combination that comes together in just about 40 minutes. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a nutritious dish that fills the belly without weighing you down, this soup delivers on all fronts with minimal fuss and maximum satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. They’re simple, accessible, and come together to create a dish that feels both fresh and nourishing with every spoonful.
- 1 large cabbage, chopped: The star vegetable that gives the soup its signature heartiness and subtle sweetness.
- 2 small onions, diced: Adds a natural depth of flavor and a touch of aromatic sharpness.
- 2 cans of stewed tomatoes: Bring acidity and a lovely, chunky texture that brightens the soup.
- 1 pouch Lipton Onion Soup Mix (any flavor): A secret weapon for infusing rich savory notes effortlessly.
- 1 large celery stalk, chopped very small: Offers a subtle crunch and fresh earthiness.
- 1-2 pounds ground beef (cooked and drained): Packed with protein and adds satisfying meatiness.
- Spices (to taste): Customize with your favorites—black pepper, paprika, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for some kick.
How to Make Cabbage Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Broth
Start by filling a large saucepan halfway with water and bringing it to a boil. This water will become the flavorful base of your soup as it cooks the vegetables just right.
Step 2: Add the Veggies to Simmer
Once the water is boiling, toss in the chopped cabbage, diced onions, stewed tomatoes, and finely chopped celery. Lower the heat to bring everything to a gentle simmer. This allows all those fresh vegetable flavors to meld together beautifully without losing their texture.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef
While the veggies simmer, heat a separate pan to brown your ground beef. Cooking the meat separately ensures it gets a nice color and texture. After it’s fully browned, drain off any excess fat to keep the soup balanced and not greasy.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients and Add Soup Mix
Carefully add the cooked ground beef into your vegetable pot. Sprinkle in the Lipton onion soup mix, which will elevate the overall taste with its rich, savory notes—making this a truly comforting bowl of goodness.
Step 5: Season and Simmer
Season the soup with your chosen spices—black pepper, a dash of salt, or something bold like paprika all work beautifully. Let it all simmer together for a few more minutes so the flavors have time to get to know each other.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust
Always finish by tasting! Adjust the seasoning to your liking. Maybe a little more pepper or a pinch of herbs. Then, serve the soup warm and prepare to enjoy.
How to Serve Cabbage Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a dollop of sour cream adds freshness and creaminess, lifting the bowl from good to unforgettable. For a touch of tang and color, a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the whole experience.
Side Dishes
This cabbage soup pairs beautifully with a slice of crusty bread or a warm cornbread muffin, perfect for dipping into the savory broth. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can add a refreshing balance on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your cabbage soup in hollowed-out bread bowls. Or, ladle it over cooked rice or egg noodles for a comforting, filling meal. Garnishing with crunchy croutons or shredded cheese can also add exciting texture contrasts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cabbage soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain its flavor and freshness, so you can enjoy a warm bowl any time without starting from scratch.
Freezing
This Cabbage Soup Recipe freezes wonderfully! Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. It will keep well for up to 3 months, making it a perfect meal prep option for those busy weeks.
Reheating
To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat. Stir occasionally to heat evenly, and add a splash of water or broth if it feels too thick. Enjoy just like freshly made!
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef and consider adding beans or mushrooms for an earthy protein boost. The onion soup mix will still bring plenty of flavor to your vegetarian version.
What if I don’t have Lipton Onion Soup Mix?
No worries! You can substitute with a homemade blend of dried onion flakes, beef or vegetable bouillon, garlic powder, and herbs. It won’t be the exact same, but it will still be delicious and full of savory goodness.
Is this soup spicy?
By default, it’s mildly seasoned, focusing on comforting savory notes. You can easily add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper to spice it up according to your taste.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Fresh tomatoes can work, but canned stewed tomatoes add a thicker, richer texture and a deeper flavor since they’re already cooked and seasoned. If using fresh, consider cooking them down first for best results.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields about 6 hearty servings, perfect for a family dinner or for meal prepping throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to warm your soul with a dish that’s both simple and satisfying, give this Cabbage Soup Recipe a try. It’s a delicious journey back to basics with a punch of flavor, guaranteed to become one of your favorite go-to recipes when you crave something wholesome. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
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Cabbage Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and comforting cabbage soup recipe featuring a blend of fresh vegetables, flavorful ground beef, and a savory Lipton onion soup mix, perfect for a wholesome family meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 large cabbage, chopped
- 2 small onions, diced
- 2 cans of stewed tomatoes
- 1 large celery stalk, chopped very small
- 1–2 pounds ground beef (cooked and drained)
- 1 pouch Lipton Onion Soup Mix (any flavor)
Spices
- Spices to taste (such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, or paprika)
Instructions
- Boil Water: Fill a large saucepan halfway with water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat to prepare the cooking base for the soup.
- Add Vegetables: Add the chopped cabbage, diced onions, stewed tomatoes (with their juices), and chopped celery to the boiling water. Reduce the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a separate pan over medium-high heat, cook 1 to 2 pounds of ground beef until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess fat thoroughly to avoid greasiness in the soup.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked and drained ground beef into the simmering vegetable mixture in the saucepan, then stir in the entire pouch of Lipton onion soup mix, ensuring it dissolves and evenly flavors the soup.
- Simmer and Season: Continue to simmer the combined mixture for a few more minutes to meld flavors together. Season with any additional spices you prefer to enhance the taste according to your preference.
- Taste and Serve: Carefully taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Once satisfied with the flavor, serve the soup warm for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Drain the ground beef fat well to keep the soup from becoming oily.
- You can add more or less ground beef depending on your preference for meatiness.
- Optional spices like garlic powder, black pepper, or smoked paprika can add an extra depth of flavor.
- This soup reheats well and tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.
- Use low-sodium canned tomatoes and soup mix if you want to reduce salt content.
