There’s something comforting about a big pot of homemade soup simmering away in the kitchen. This Crockpot Cabbage Soup with Beef is filled with tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and simple vegetables in a flavorful beef broth. It’s the kind of meal that feels right at home on the family dinner table.
What makes this soup especially convenient is how little hands-on work it requires. Brown the ground beef with onion, add everything to the slow cooker, and let it cook until the cabbage and vegetables are tender. It’s a simple way to put together a satisfying dinner without spending the afternoon standing over the stove.
I love recipes like this because they use everyday ingredients and make enough to share or save for another meal. Serve a warm bowl with crusty bread or a few crackers, and you’ve got a cozy dinner everyone can enjoy.
Recipe Details
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Cooking Method: Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium head cabbage, chopped
- 5 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
Directions
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it into smaller pieces as it cooks. Cook until mostly browned.
- Add the Onion: Stir in the chopped onion and continue cooking until the beef is completely cooked through and the onion begins to soften.
- Drain the Grease: Carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet. Transfer the cooked beef and onion to a 5-quart slow cooker.
- Add the Vegetables: Add the chopped celery, carrot, minced garlic, and cabbage to the slow cooker.
- Pour in the Broth: Add the beef broth, Italian seasoning, and salt. Stir gently to distribute the ingredients throughout the pot.
- Cook the Soup: Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours, or until the cabbage and vegetables are tender.
- Serve: Give the soup a good stir, taste, and adjust the seasoning if needed. Ladle into bowls and serve warm.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy Slow Cooker Meal: After browning the beef, the slow cooker takes care of the rest, making dinner preparation much easier.
Simple Ingredients: Ground beef, cabbage, carrots, celery, and a few pantry seasonings come together in one comforting soup.
Hearty and Satisfying: The combination of beef and vegetables makes this soup filling enough for a simple family dinner.
Great for Busy Days: Prepare everything in the morning and let it cook while you take care of other things.
Family-Friendly: The mild seasoning and familiar ingredients make this a lovely option for the whole family.
Perfect for Leftovers: The soup reheats beautifully, making it convenient to enjoy for lunch or another easy dinner.
Variations & Tips
Choose Lean Ground Beef: Lean ground beef works well because it adds plenty of flavor without leaving too much grease in the soup.
Cut the Cabbage Evenly: Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces so it cooks evenly and is easy to enjoy with a spoon.
Add More Vegetables: You can include extra carrots, celery, or diced tomatoes if you’d like to make the soup even heartier.
Adjust the Seasoning: Add a little black pepper, paprika, or extra Italian seasoning to suit your family’s taste.
Make It More Filling: Stir in some cooked potatoes or white beans if you want a heartier bowl.
Don’t Skip Browning the Beef: Cooking the beef and onion before adding them to the slow cooker gives the soup a deeper, richer flavor.
Check the Cabbage: Cooking times can vary slightly depending on how finely the cabbage is chopped and your slow cooker.