Sometimes the best recipes aren’t found in cookbooks — they’re born from a winter night, an empty fridge, and a craving for something warm and satisfying.
That’s exactly how this Healthy Cabbage Ground Beef Soup came to be.
Simple. Nutritious. Packed with flavor.
Tender ground beef, sweet onions, garlic, crisp cabbage, juicy tomatoes, and warming spices simmered in rich broth until every spoonful tastes like comfort.
And now?
It’s on regular rotation in homes just like yours — because it’s hearty without being heavy, nourishing without being complicated, and delicious enough that everyone asks for seconds.
Let’s make something humble, healing, and deeply satisfying. 💛
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Soup
✅ Ready in 30 minutes – Perfect for busy weeknights
✅ High-protein, low-carb friendly – Great for keto, paleo, or clean eating
✅ Packed with veggies – Sneaks in nutrients without sacrificing flavor
✅ Meal-prep superstar – Tastes even better the next day
✅ Budget-friendly & freezer-safe – Feed the family for pennies per serving
This isn’t just soup — it’s real food, made simple.Groceries
🍅 Healthy Cabbage Ground Beef Soup
Serves 6 | Prep: 10 min | Cook: 25–30 min | Total: ~40 min
🛒 Ingredients:
🛒 Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil or butter (cold-pressed or real butter recommended)
1 lb (450g) 80/20 ground beef (freshly ground if possible)
1 medium onion, diced (yellow or white for savory depth)
3 cloves garlic, minced (firm, no green sprouts)
2 cups celery, diced (optional but adds crunch)
4 cups (about ½ small head) green cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces
(crisp, tight leaves, no brown spots)
1 medium zucchini, diced (optional — great for extra veggie boost)
2 tbsp tomato paste (high-quality for richer taste)
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, no sugar added
6 cups low-sodium beef broth or bone broth (homemade or trusted brand)
1 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika + pinch of cayenne)
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried thyme (crush between fingers to activate oils)
Salt & freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional — for gentle heat)
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, raw & unfiltered (the magic splash!)
Water, as needed (to adjust consistency)
🔥 Pro Tip: Use grass-fed beef and organic produce when possible for maximum nutrition.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Sauté Aromatics
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
Add onion and cook 3–4 mins until soft.
Stir in garlic, celery, and zucchini (if using). Cook 5 mins more.
2️⃣ Brown the Beef
Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon.
Cook until browned and no pink remains (~6–8 mins).
Drain excess fat if desired.
3️⃣ Build Flavor
Stir in tomato paste and cook 1–2 mins — deepens color and richness.
Add paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes — stir to coat.
4️⃣ Add Liquids & Veggies
Pour in diced tomatoes (with juice) and beef broth.
Stir in chopped cabbage.
Bring to a gentle boil.
5️⃣ Simmer Until Tender
Reduce heat to medium-low.
Simmer 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is tender but still has a slight bite.
6️⃣ Finish & Serve
Remove from heat.
Stir in apple cider vinegar — this brightens all the flavors and ties everything together.
Taste and adjust seasoning.
🍽️ Serving Ideas:
see next page
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