Ahhh yes 😌 meaty cabbage soup — hearty, cozy, deeply flavorful, and one of those dishes that somehow tastes even better the next day.
Here’s a rich, comforting version that’s filling and satisfying (not the sad “diet soup” kind).
This Meaty Cabbage Soup
Ingredients (serves 4–6)
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500 g (1 lb) ground beef or beef chunks
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 large onion, chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 small green cabbage, chopped
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2 carrots, sliced
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2 celery stalks, chopped
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2 tbsp tomato paste
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1 can (400 g / 14 oz) diced tomatoes
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5–6 cups beef broth
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1 tsp paprika
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1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
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1 bay leaf
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
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Optional: chili flakes or smoked paprika
Instructions
1️⃣ Brown the meat
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Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
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Add beef and cook until browned.
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Season lightly with salt and pepper.
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Remove excess fat if needed.
2️⃣ Build flavor
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Add onion, carrot, and celery. Cook 5–7 minutes until softened.
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Stir in garlic and tomato paste. Cook 1 minute to deepen flavor.
3️⃣ Add cabbage & liquids
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Add chopped cabbage and stir until slightly wilted.
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Pour in diced tomatoes and beef broth.
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Add paprika, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
4️⃣ Simmer
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Bring to a boil, then reduce heat.
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Simmer uncovered 30–40 minutes, until cabbage is tender and soup is rich.
5️⃣ Finish
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Remove bay leaf.
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Taste and adjust seasoning.
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Optional: drizzle of olive oil or sprinkle of parsley.
Chef Tips
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🥩 Beef chunks make it stew-like and extra hearty
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🌶️ A pinch of chili flakes gives gentle warmth
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🧄 Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for depth
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🕒 Tastes even better after resting overnight
Serving Ideas
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With crusty bread 🥖
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Over rice or mashed potatoes
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With a dollop of sour cream
If you want, I can also give you:
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Old-fashioned Eastern European cabbage soup
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Low-carb / keto version
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Slow cooker meaty cabbage soup