If you’re yearning for a cozy, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug, this Beef Cabbage Soup is exactly what you need. Bursting with savory beef, tender cabbage (thanks to the coleslaw mix for a speedy twist), and a tangy touch from tomatoes, it’s the kind of weeknight wonder you’ll crave all year round. Whether you simmer it on the stovetop, set it and forget it in the Crock Pot, or whip it up in the Instant Pot, this soup is packed with flavor and comfort in every spoonful. Come along as I walk you through creating Beef Cabbage Soup that’s deeply satisfying, surprisingly easy, and makes leftovers you’ll look forward to.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the loveliest things about Beef Cabbage Soup is how its simple, honest ingredients all work together to build irresistible flavor. Each item on this list brings its own magic, from the rich bone broth base to the bright tomatoes and gentle herbs.

Avocado oil: This healthy oil’s high smoke point makes it ideal for sautéing the onions and beef, lending richness to the base.
Onion (chopped): The starting point for almost any great soup, onion brings depth, sweetness, and a luscious aroma.
Ground beef: Opt for a leaner blend or your favorite fattiness; beef makes the soup hearty and protein-rich.
Sea salt: Essential for drawing out the best in every ingredient—start taste-testing early!
Black pepper: Adds just the right bite to balance the soup’s earthiness.
Shredded coleslaw mix or chopped cabbage: For ultra ease, grab a bagged mix—no chopping or crying required! Pure cabbage works just as well for those who prefer a more traditional approach.
Diced tomatoes with liquid (15 oz can): These bring a welcome brightness and a bit of tang to break up the richness.
Beef bone broth (or any broth): The soul of the soup—stock up for extra depth, or substitute chicken or veggie broth as needed.
Italian seasoning: This handy blend of herbs effortlessly delivers a medley of flavor in every sip.
Garlic powder: Feel free to go heavy if you’re a garlic lover; it adds warmth and umami without overpowering.
Bay leaves (optional): They infuse subtle undertones, making the finished Beef Cabbage Soup taste like it simmered all day.

How to Make Beef Cabbage Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Onions

Start by heating avocado oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they’re beautifully golden and fragrant—about 5 to 10 minutes. This first step guarantees a deep, savory base for your Beef Cabbage Soup.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Next, add the ground beef right in with the onions. Sprinkle generously with sea salt and black pepper. Bump the heat up to medium-high and cook, breaking the beef apart with a spatula, until it’s no longer pink and nicely browned—about 8 to 10 minutes. This is where those irresistible meaty flavors develop.

Step 3: Build the Soup

Time to bring it all together. Stir in your cabbage or coleslaw mix, pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, and follow with the beef bone broth. Add the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and bay leaves if you’re using them. Mix well, and season once more with salt and pepper to suit your taste. The pot should look colorful and full of promise!

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Increase the heat and let your Beef Cabbage Soup come to a gentle boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for at least 30 minutes (though an hour is even better). This mellow heat melds all the flavors and softens the cabbage until it practically melts in your mouth.

Step 5: Slow Cooker & Instant Pot Methods (Options!)

If you love set-it-and-forget-it meals, Brown the onions and beef on the stove first, then transfer them to your Crock Pot with all the other ingredients. Slow cook on Low for 5–6 hours or High for 2–3 hours. For Instant Pot users, sauté directly in the pot, then add the remaining ingredients, seal, and cook on Manual for 20 minutes. Either way, you’ll end up with incredibly flavorful Beef Cabbage Soup that’s ready for the table whenever you are.

How to Serve Beef Cabbage Soup

Garnishes

Garnishing adds personality and freshness to every bowl. I love a sprinkle of chopped parsley or dill for a bright, herbal zing. If you like a little heat, a dash of crushed red pepper or a turn of fresh black pepper does wonders. Feeling extra? Shredded cheddar or a tiny dollop of sour cream takes this soup in a cozy, creamy direction.

Side Dishes

Beef Cabbage Soup is filling on its own, but a slice of rustic bread or a side of crusty rolls is perfect for sopping up broth. For a lighter companion, pair with a crisp green salad dressed simply, or some roasted root veggies for color and crunch. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, a side of buttery mashed potatoes will make the meal truly unforgettable.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Beef Cabbage Soup in bread bowls for a fun, rustic touch. It’s also beautiful poured over a small heap of cooked rice or quinoa in the bowl (great for big appetites!). To make it extra special for guests, set up a DIY soup bar with assorted toppings and let everyone customize their serving just the way they like.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup makes fantastic leftovers! Simply let any remaining Beef Cabbage Soup cool to room temperature, then ladle it into airtight containers. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and the flavors actually deepen with time, offering even more savory goodness the next day.

Freezing

For longer storage, Beef Cabbage Soup freezes incredibly well. Divide it into freezer-safe containers or heavy zip-top bags (laying them flat saves precious freezer space). It’ll be ready and delicious for up to three months. Just remember to label and date your containers so you know when it’s time to enjoy that handy meal in your freezer!

Reheating

Thaw frozen Beef Cabbage Soup in the fridge overnight if you have time, or use the microwave for a gentle defrost. Warm the soup over medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through. If you’re reheating just a bowlful, the microwave works too—cover loosely and use short bursts to prevent splattering. Taste and adjust seasonings after reheating as needed.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! The soup will be a touch lighter, but still delicious. Ground turkey or chicken are excellent alternatives for anyone looking to mix things up or keep things lean—just adjust salt and seasonings to bring out their best flavor.

Is there a difference in taste using chopped cabbage versus coleslaw mix?

There’s only a small difference! Coleslaw mix often includes a bit of carrot, adding subtle sweetness and extra color. Chopped cabbage delivers a slightly more traditional texture. Either one works beautifully, so go with what’s convenient or what’s already in your fridge.

Can I make this Beef Cabbage Soup vegetarian?

Definitely! For a vegetarian version, swap ground beef for browned mushrooms or a plant-based ground “meat” alternative. Use vegetable broth and skip the bone broth. The result is still hearty and full of robust flavor.

What’s the best way to add extra veggies?

You’ve got plenty of options! Try dicing up celery, bell peppers, or carrots and sautéing them with the onion, or stir in baby spinach or kale toward the end of cooking. This is a great way to use up little odds and ends from your crisper drawer—and sneak in more nutrition.

Will the soup get better if I make it ahead?

Yes, yes, yes—Beef Cabbage Soup is even better the next day! Letting it rest in the fridge allows the flavors to mingle and meld, resulting in an even cozier, more balanced bowl. It’s the classic “next-day soup is the best soup” phenomenon at its finest.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to whip up a big pot of Beef Cabbage Soup as I always am! This is a soup that brings friends and family to the table with smiles and leaves everyone feeling satisfied and cared for. Give it a try—you might just find it becomes your go-to bowl of comfort from now on.

Beef Cabbage Soup Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 13 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

A hearty and flavorful Beef Cabbage Soup recipe that is easy to make on the stovetop, in a Crock Pot, or using an Instant Pot. Packed with ground beef, cabbage, tomatoes, and warm spices, this soup is perfect for a comforting meal.

Instructions

Stovetop Instructions: Heat the oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions. Cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions start to brown.
Add the ground beef. Season with sea salt and black pepper. Increase the heat to medium-high. Cook, breaking apart with a spatula, for 8-10 minutes, until the beef is cooked through.
Add the cabbage or coleslaw mix, diced tomatoes, bone broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and bay leaves. Stir to combine. Season with more salt and/or pepper to taste.
Increase the heat and bring the beef cabbage soup to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 30-60 minutes, until the flavors develop to your liking.
Crock Pot Instructions: Heat the oil in a large saute pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions. Cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions start to brown.
Add the ground beef. Season with sea salt and black pepper. Increase the heat to medium-high. Cook, breaking apart with a spatula, for 8-10 minutes, until the beef is cooked through.
Transfer the beef and onion mixture to a Crock Pot. Add the cabbage or coleslaw mix, diced tomatoes, bone broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and bay leaves. Stir to combine. Season with more salt and/or pepper to taste.
Cook for 5-6 hours on Low or 2-3 hours on High. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
Instant Pot Instructions: Press the Saute button on the Instant Pot. Add the oil and chopped onions. Cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions start to brown.
Add the ground beef. Season with sea salt and black pepper. Increase the saute temperature to ‘High’. Cook, breaking apart with a spatula, for 8-10 minutes, until the beef is cooked through.
Turn off heat. Add the cabbage or coleslaw mix, diced tomatoes, bone broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and bay leaves. Stir to combine. Season with more salt and/or pepper to taste.
Cover and seal the Instant Pot. Press the Manual button and adjust the time to 20 minutes. When cooking is complete, let pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then use quick release. Remove the bay leaves before serving.

Notes

You can customize this soup by adding other vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers.
This soup freezes well, so it’s great for meal prep or making ahead for busy days.
Adjust the seasonings to your preference, adding more garlic, herbs, or spices as desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop, Crock Pot, Instant Pot
Cuisine: American