Cabbage Soup with Hamburger – Easy & Hearty Crockpot Meal

Cabbage Soup with Hamburger is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s the perfect answer to those chilly nights when you’re just too wiped out to cook anything fancy. This cozy dish checks all the boxes: budget-friendly, satisfying, packed with veggies, and made with love (well, and a slow cooker). It’s the kind of soup that feeds a crowd and tastes even better the next day—making it ideal for meal prepping or feeding your always-hungry teenagers.

If you’ve ever stared into your fridge wondering what to do with that head of cabbage and a pack of ground beef, this recipe’s got your back. It’s hearty, wholesome, and loaded with feel-good ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. Plus, cabbage soup with hamburger is naturally gluten-free, easy to customize, and perfect for lazy weekends or weekday dinners alike.

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What is Cabbage Soup with Hamburger?

Cabbage Soup with Hamburger is a rustic, slow-cooked dish made with ground beef, chopped cabbage, veggies, and a tomato-herb broth that simmers for hours. Think of it like the heartier, beefier cousin of classic vegetable soup—comfort food with a bit more oomph. The cabbage softens and soaks up all the savory flavor, while the hamburger adds richness and body to the broth.

This isn’t some dainty little starter soup—it’s a full-on meal in a bowl. Best of all, it comes together in a crock pot with minimal prep and lets you set it and forget it. It’s a longtime favorite for busy home cooks, especially when you want something warm, filling, and easy on the wallet. You can also swap in ground turkey or plant-based meat if you’re leaning lighter or going meatless for the night.

Reasons to Try Cabbage Soup with Hamburger

If you’ve got 20 minutes to prep and a slow cooker, you’re already halfway to dinner. Cabbage soup with hamburger is a total time-saver, especially for busy families juggling work, school, and maybe a tantrum or two. It’s also crazy adaptable—have extra carrots? Toss ’em in. Want it spicier? Add more red pepper flakes.

Cooking for picky eaters? The familiar flavors and soft veggies are a win. It also freezes like a dream, so future-you will thank past-you on that hectic weeknight when you’ve got zero energy. And if you’re watching your budget, this one’s a solid choice—cabbage and ground beef stretch far and feed many. Bonus: it’s naturally gluten-free and low in carbs. Want something cozy, filling, and fuss-free? You just found it.

Ingredients Needed to Make Cabbage Soup with Hamburger

• 2–3 pounds hamburger (or ground turkey)
• 1 head of cabbage, chopped
• 2 cups celery, diced
• 2 cups white or yellow onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
• 5–6 cups beef broth
• 2 (14 oz) cans diced tomatoes with basil, oregano, and garlic
• 2 teaspoons oregano
• 2 teaspoons basil
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Black pepper to taste
• ½ teaspoon salt (optional)

Instructions to Make Cabbage Soup with Hamburger

Making cabbage soup with hamburger is as easy as it gets, especially when you follow this step-by-step guide. Whether you’re a slow cooker veteran or just trying it out for the first time, these clear directions will walk you through everything from browning the beef to serving the final comforting bowl. Plus, we’ll share handy tips and internal links to help you get the most out of this delicious recipe.

Step 1: Brown the Hamburger (or Ground Turkey)

Start your step-by-step journey by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2–3 pounds of ground beef (or ground turkey if you’re going lighter). Break it apart using a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks. You want the meat to brown evenly without any pink spots. This adds depth to the soup’s flavor and keeps things hearty.

Once it’s browned—about 8 to 10 minutes—drain off the excess grease. This is especially important if you’re using regular ground beef. Too much fat in the soup can make it feel heavy. If you’re looking for a leaner twist, learn more about ground beef substitutes like plant-based meat options that also work beautifully in this dish.

Step 2: Prep and Layer the Vegetables in the Slow Cooker

Now that your meat is ready, it’s time to prep the veggies. Chop 1 full head of cabbage into bite-sized pieces, dice 2 cups each of celery and onion, and cut 1 green bell pepper into chunks. Don’t forget 2–3 cloves of garlic—mince them finely for even flavor.

Add everything to your slow cooker: the cooked hamburger, cabbage, celery, onion, bell pepper, and garlic. You might feel like it’s a lot at first (especially the cabbage), but don’t worry—it’ll cook down significantly.

Need help with prepping quickly? You can check out our prep tips for busy weeknights to speed up your chopping game or use frozen veggies to save time.

Step 3: Add the Broth, Tomatoes, and Seasonings

Next in this step-by-step guide, pour in 5–6 cups of beef broth. This forms the rich, savory base of your soup. Then add two 14-ounce cans of diced tomatoes—choose the kind with basil, oregano, and garlic for added flavor. If you only have plain diced tomatoes on hand, you can adjust with your own herbs.

Now sprinkle in your seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more if you like a kick)
• Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
• ½ teaspoon of salt (optional depending on your broth’s sodium level)

Give everything a good stir to combine. Your pot will look full and colorful, ready to transform into something comforting.

If you’re experimenting with flavors, see our guide to easy spice swaps to tweak this to your taste.

Step 4: Let It Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover your slow cooker with the lid and set it on high for 5–6 hours or low for 6–8 hours, depending on your schedule. This step-by-step slow cooking allows all the ingredients to soften and meld beautifully without you needing to babysit the pot.

Your house will start to smell amazing somewhere around hour two—just a bonus perk! If you’re home during the cooking process, give the soup an occasional stir. It helps keep the flavors evenly distributed and ensures the cabbage cooks down nicely.

Thinking about more easy slow cooker meals? You might love our crockpot cheesesteak potato casserole or this rich crockpot French onion pot roast too.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy Your Hearty Bowl

When the soup is ready, the vegetables will be tender, the cabbage will have shrunk and softened, and the broth will be infused with savory beef and herby tomato flavor.

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. You can top it with shredded cheese, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or a dollop of sour cream if you’re feeling fancy. For a low-carb option, it’s satisfying on its own—but if you’re looking for cozy, carb-filled sides, a slice of honey BBQ chicken rice or buttery garlic bread is a great choice.

This step-by-step guide makes cabbage soup with hamburger easy, delicious, and totally stress-free. You’ve just made a weeknight dinner the whole family can agree on—plus, you’ve got leftovers that reheat like a dream!

Want more recipes like this one? Don’t miss our easy hamburger potato casserole or hearty tater tot casserole with ground beef for more comfort food favorites made simple.

What to Serve with Cabbage Soup with Hamburger

This soup is pretty satisfying on its own, but a warm, buttery side never hurts. Pair it with crusty bread or cornbread for dipping, or try some air fryer buttery parmesan garlic wings if you’re going full comfort-food mode. A simple green salad with vinaigrette balances things out if you’re looking to keep it light. Want to go low-carb? Serve it with a side of roasted cauliflower or a slice of keto cornbread. Leftovers? Make it a second-day meal with grilled cheese or a side of rice.

Key Tips for Making Cabbage Soup with Hamburger

• Chop the cabbage into medium pieces—not too big, not too tiny. It shrinks as it cooks.
• Use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease or go with ground turkey for a lighter version.
• Want more veggies? Toss in carrots, zucchini, or even spinach in the last hour of cooking.
• Spice it up with more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
• For a richer flavor, use fire-roasted tomatoes instead of regular diced.
• Let the soup sit for 15–20 minutes before serving—it thickens a bit and the flavors deepen.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Cabbage Soup with Hamburger

Cabbage soup with hamburger stores like a champ. Let it cool completely, then pop it in airtight containers. In the fridge, it’ll stay good for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. To warm it up, you can use the microwave (about 2-3 minutes per bowl) or gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat until hot. Add a splash of broth or water if it thickened too much. This soup tends to taste even better the next day—kind of like it had a nap and woke up tastier.

FAQs

Can I make this without a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Just simmer everything in a large pot on the stove for about an hour, until the veggies are tender.

Can I use frozen veggies?
Yes! Frozen onion or pepper blends work great and save time. Just toss them in with the rest.

Is this soup keto-friendly?
It can be. Skip the tomatoes or reduce them, and don’t add any extra starchy vegetables.

Can I freeze this soup?
Yep! Let it cool, portion it into containers or freezer bags, and freeze for up to 3 months.

How can I make it vegetarian?
Easy—use veggie broth and swap the hamburger for lentils or plant-based crumbles.

Final Thoughts

Cabbage soup with hamburger is one of those “throw it in the pot and forget it” meals that somehow tastes like you spent hours making it. It’s simple, hearty, and exactly what you need when dinner needs to cook itself. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a family, or just craving something cozy without spending all evening in the kitchen, this soup hits the spot. You don’t need fancy ingredients or culinary skills—just a good slow cooker and a craving for something warm and satisfying. If you love this kind of budget-friendly, filling comfort food, be sure to check out tater tot casserole with ground beef or hearty beef cowboy casserole for more cozy dinner inspiration.

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