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Hearty Beef and Cabbage Soup Recipe for Cozy Weeknight Meals

#18 in my “100 30 Minute Meals” series: a warm, cozy Beef Cabbage Soup. Ground beef is browned and combined with sliced onion, cabbage, garlic, tangy Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and short-cut pasta, all simmered in savory beef broth for a comforting weeknight meal.

beef cabbage soup

Why you’ll love this beef and cabbage soup

  • Ready in about 30 minutes with minimal prep.
  • One-pot comfort—easy cleanup and full flavor.
  • Savory, tangy, and satisfying thanks to Dijon and Worcestershire.
beef and cabbage soup

Key ingredients

  • Ground beef: browned and crumbled for a meaty base.
  • Cabbage, onion & garlic: the aromatic, tender vegetable base.
  • Dijon mustard & Worcestershire sauce: add brightness and umami.
  • Beef broth & short-cut pasta: pasta simmers in the broth alongside the vegetables for a cozy texture.
  • Nutmeg: a pinch at the end brings subtle warmth.
sliced cabbage and onions for soup

Dietary swaps

  • Gluten-free: Use gluten-free short-cut pasta and confirm the broth is gluten-free. Watch cooking time—some GF pastas soften quickly.
  • Dairy-free: Replace butter with a plant-based alternative or a splash of oil.
  • Lower carb: Omit the pasta and add extra cabbage or other vegetables.
simmered cabbage and onions in broth

Recipe variations

  • Add white beans: Stir in a drained can of butter or cannellini beans for creaminess and extra protein.
  • Make it spicy: Add hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños to taste.
  • Swap the protein: Use ground sausage, ground chicken, or shredded rotisserie chicken for a different flavor profile.
cabbage and beef soup

Tips & notes

  • Season the beef: Salt and pepper while browning add depth.
  • Keep a little beef grease: A bit left in the pot combined with butter boosts flavor for the cabbage.
  • Don’t skip the nutmeg: It’s subtle but gives a warm finishing note.

Storage & reheating

  • Store: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Pasta absorbs liquid: Add a splash of broth or water when reheating if needed.
  • Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring until hot.
cabbage and ground beef soup

More 30-minute meals you will love

  • Tuscan Bean Soup
  • Chicken White Bean Soup
  • Creamy Sausage and Kale Soup
  • Easy Wonton Soup
  • Cozy Beef & Rice Soup
  • One-Pot Pesto Kielbasa Soup with Kale and Rice

Recipe

beef cabbage soup

Beef Cabbage Soup

Made with browned ground beef, sliced onion, cabbage, garlic, tangy Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and short-cut pasta simmered in savory beef broth.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 5
Cook Time 25
Total Time 30
Course Soup
Servings 4
Calories 355 kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 tablespoon butter
  • ½ white or yellow onion sliced
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • ⅓ head cabbage sliced
  • 1½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 6 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup short-cut pasta
  • Pinch ground nutmeg
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Prep the onion and cabbage; set aside.
  • In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat a touch of olive oil over medium-high. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook 5–6 minutes until browned and crumbled. Transfer the beef to a paper towel–lined plate.
  • Drain most of the grease from the pot. Add butter, onion, and cabbage and cook about 6 minutes, stirring often, until the cabbage softens.
  • Stir in garlic, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce and cook 1 minute.
  • Pour in the broth and add the pasta. Bring to a simmer and cook 10–12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
  • Return the cooked beef to the pot, add a pinch of nutmeg, and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs or extra black pepper if you like.

Notes

  • Season the beef. A simple sprinkle of salt and pepper while browning builds flavor.
  • Keep a little beef grease. Mixing some with the butter enhances the cabbage’s flavor.
  • Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Nutrition values are estimates only.

Nutrition

Calories: 355kcal
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 20g
Sodium: 780mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g
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