Cabbage Soup

There’s something timeless and comforting about a pot of cabbage soup simmering on the stove. It’s humble, wholesome, and packed with flavor — a perfect balance of nourishment and nostalgia. This easy Cabbage Soup recipe combines fresh vegetables, ground beef, and the rich, savory boost of Lipton Onion Soup Mix to create a bowl that feels like a warm hug from Grandma’s kitchen.

Whether you’re chasing away a chill on a rainy day or looking for a low-carb, veggie-loaded meal that’s easy on the waistline, this soup delivers every time. Let’s dive into why this cabbage soup deserves a spot in your weekly rotation.

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is wonderfully simple, using everyday ingredients you likely already have in your pantry or fridge:

1 large cabbage, chopped – Cabbage is the star here. It’s loaded with fiber, vitamin C, and low in calories.

2 small onions, diced – For that natural sweetness and depth of flavor.

2 cans stewed tomatoes – Adds acidity and a touch of natural sweetness to balance the broth.

1 pouch Lipton Onion Soup Mix (any flavor) – This secret weapon infuses the soup with an instant savory depth.

1 large celery stalk, chopped very small – For freshness, crunch, and a subtle herbal note.

1–2 lbs ground beef – Adds protein and makes the soup extra hearty.

Water – Used as the soup base, though you can use broth for even more flavor.

Spices of your choice – Think garlic powder, black pepper, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, or bay leaves.

🥄 How to Make Cabbage Soup

One of the best things about this soup is how forgiving and flexible it is. Here’s how to make it step-by-step:

Step 1: Boil the Vegetables

Fill a large saucepan or stockpot halfway with water and bring it to a boil. Add the chopped cabbage, onions, celery, and stewed tomatoes. Stir and reduce heat to a simmer, letting the vegetables soften and flavors meld.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

While the vegetables simmer, cook 1–2 pounds of ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Break it up as it browns. Once cooked through, drain the excess fat for a lighter soup.

Step 3: Add Flavor

Stir in your Lipton Onion Soup Mix and any additional seasonings you like. Garlic powder, dried thyme, Italian herbs, or a splash of hot sauce all work great.

Step 4: Combine & Simmer

Add the cooked ground beef to the simmering vegetables. Let everything simmer together for 15–20 minutes, giving time for the flavors to deepen. Taste and adjust your seasonings before serving.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Ladle hot cabbage soup into bowls. Serve with crusty bread, cornbread, or on its own for a lighter meal.

🧄 Why This Recipe Works

Incredibly Nutritious: Cabbage, tomatoes, onions, and celery are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber. It’s a great way to get your veggies in.

Low-Carb & Filling: Perfect for those watching their carbs but still wanting a satisfying meal.

Budget-Friendly: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples or inexpensive produce.

Customizable: You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or sausage, or skip the meat for a vegetarian version.

Easy to Make in Big Batches: Great for meal prepping, freezing, or feeding a crowd.

🥰 A Soup for All Seasons

While this cabbage soup is perfect for a rainy day, it’s also a great year-round dish:

In winter, it’s comforting and cozy.

In spring, it’s light and bright.

In summer, serve it slightly cooler for a refreshing twist.

In fall, add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon for warmth.

It’s also perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or when you want to use up veggies in your fridge.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This soup is delicious on its own, but you can make it a complete meal with:

Crusty artisan bread or garlic toast

A simple side salad

Grated parmesan or shredded cheddar sprinkled on top

A dollop of sour cream for creaminess

Hot sauce for those who like a kick

Make it your own by experimenting with what you serve it with!

❄️ Storage & Freezing Tips

One of the best things about this cabbage soup is that it stores and freezes beautifully.

To Store: Let it cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

To Freeze: Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the consistency.

🔄 Variations & Add-Ins

This soup is wonderfully flexible. Here are some fun ideas to change it up:

Make it vegetarian: Skip the meat and add canned beans (like kidney, black, or cannellini) or lentils.

Try sausage instead of ground beef: Adds a little spice and different texture.

Add more veggies: Zucchini, bell peppers, carrots, green beans, or spinach all fit perfectly.

Use broth instead of water: For an even deeper flavor.

Make it spicy: Add cayenne, chili flakes, or diced jalapeño for a kick.

❤️ Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love It

This Cabbage Soup is more than just healthy—it’s comfort food that hugs you from the inside out. It’s hearty enough to satisfy your hunger but light enough to help you feel good afterward. Whether you’re watching your waistline, trying to eat more vegetables, or just want a flavorful bowl of homemade goodness, this recipe will be one you come back to again and again.

Make a big pot, invite your family over, or portion it out for easy weekday lunches. Either way, you’ll be glad you did!

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