Hearty Slow Cooker Cabbage & Ground Beef Soup
Nothing beats a big bowl of Hearty Slow Cooker Cabbage & Ground Beef Soup on a chilly day! 🥬🥩🍅 This easy crockpot meal combines tender cabbage, flavorful ground beef, carrots, tomatoes, and savory herbs in a rich, comforting broth.
The best part? After a few minutes of prep, your slow cooker takes over. The flavors slowly come together while the vegetables become tender and the beef makes the broth wonderfully savory.
It’s inexpensive, filling, family-friendly, and makes fantastic leftovers. One pot, simple ingredients, and plenty of homemade comfort! ❤️
🥩 Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 5–6 cups green cabbage, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt, or to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
🍲 Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for about 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
Drain excess grease if necessary.
2. Add the Beef to the Slow Cooker
Transfer the cooked beef to a 6-quart slow cooker.
Add the diced onion, minced garlic, chopped cabbage, carrots, and celery.
3. Add the Remaining Ingredients
Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth.
Add the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, black pepper, salt, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaf.
Stir everything together.
4. Slow Cook
Cover and cook on:
- LOW: 6–8 hours
- HIGH: 3–4 hours
The soup is ready when the cabbage and vegetables are tender and the flavors have developed.
5. Taste & Finish
Remove the bay leaf. Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper as desired.
Stir in fresh parsley just before serving.
Ladle into bowls and serve hot. 🍲
💡 Pro Tips
- Brown the beef first for better flavor and texture.
- Don’t worry if the slow cooker looks very full at first—the cabbage will shrink considerably as it cooks.
- For a richer tomato flavor, add an extra tablespoon of tomato paste.
- Want some heat? Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
- For a lower-carb version, skip the carrots and add extra cabbage or zucchini.
- If the soup becomes too thick after refrigeration, add a splash of beef broth when reheating.
- The flavor is often even better the next day!
❓ Quick Q&A
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes. Ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef. The soup will have a lighter flavor.
Do I need to cook the cabbage first?
No. Add the raw chopped cabbage directly to the slow cooker. It will become tender as the soup cooks.
Can I add potatoes?
Absolutely. Add 1–2 diced potatoes for a heartier soup. Keep the pieces fairly small so they cook evenly.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes. Cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to about 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly.
How long will leftovers last?
Store refrigerated leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
Enjoy this soup on its own or pair it with:
- Crusty bread
- Garlic toast
- Side salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Cornbread
- A spoonful of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
❤️ Nutrition Per Serving
Approximate values will vary depending on the ingredients and portion size.
- Calories: ~280
- Protein: ~22 g
- Carbohydrates: ~20 g
- Fat: ~13 g
- Fiber: ~5 g
🌟 Final Note
This Slow Cooker Cabbage & Ground Beef Soup is proof that simple ingredients can make an incredibly satisfying meal. The cabbage becomes tender, the beef adds hearty flavor, and the tomato-based broth ties everything together beautifully.
Make a big batch for dinner and enjoy the leftovers throughout the week. It’s cozy, simple, filling, and exactly the kind of homemade soup everyone loves! 🥬🥩🍅❤️
