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High Protein Cabbage Beef Soup - Hearty, Filling, and Simple

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound lean ground beef (90–93% lean): Keeps protein high and fat moderate.
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups green cabbage, chopped (about half a medium head)
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced (optional but great for sweetness)
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
  • 6 cups beef broth (low sodium recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (or coconut aminos for gluten-free)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Method
 

  1. Brown the beef: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, 5–7 minutes. Break it into crumbles as it cooks. If there’s excess fat, drain it.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Add onion and a splash of oil if the pot looks dry. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Build the base: Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute to caramelize slightly. Add carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Cook 3–4 minutes to soften.
  4. Add liquids and spices: Pour in beef broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Add Worcestershire, smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), bay leaves, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well.
  5. Add cabbage: Stir in chopped cabbage. It will seem like a lot at first, but it wilts down as it cooks.
  6. Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover partially and simmer 25–30 minutes, until the cabbage is tender and flavors have melded.
  7. Taste and adjust: Remove bay leaves. Taste for seasoning and add more salt, pepper, or a splash of Worcestershire if needed. If you want more body, simmer uncovered 5–10 minutes to reduce slightly.
  8. Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley. A squeeze of lemon can brighten it up if you like.