One-Pot Hamburger Cabbage and Onion Soup Recipe (Easy + Hearty)

One-Pot Hamburger Cabbage and Onion Soup is one of those meals that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening—filling, simple, and oh-so-satisfying. This hearty soup brings together tender cabbage, sweet onions, ground beef, and flavorful broth, all simmered in one pot for a no-fuss dinner that’ll have the whole family asking for seconds. Whether you’re feeding a busy household, trying to stretch your grocery budget, or just want something cozy that doesn’t require a culinary degree, this one’s for you. Best part? It tastes even better the next day, making leftovers something to actually look forward to.

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What is One-Pot Hamburger Cabbage and Onion Soup?

One-Pot Hamburger Cabbage and Onion Soup is exactly what it sounds like—a savory, meaty, veggie-packed soup all cooked in one big pot. Think of it as a cousin to stuffed cabbage rolls, but without the rolling or fuss. Ground beef gives it heartiness, cabbage adds bulk and nutrients, and the onions? They melt into the broth and bring natural sweetness that balances the rich flavors. It’s an old-school, Depression-era-inspired dish with modern-day appeal—minimal prep, minimal dishes, and maximum comfort. You can even throw it into a slow cooker if your day’s already packed tighter than a PTA meeting schedule.

Reasons to Try One-Pot Hamburger Cabbage and Onion Soup

First of all, let’s talk convenience. This is a true one-pot wonder—no juggling multiple pans, no elaborate prep, no sink full of dirty dishes glaring at you afterward. Then there’s the budget-friendliness. Ground beef and cabbage are MVPs in the affordable meal game, yet they deliver BIG on flavor. It’s also nutrient-packed, with a mix of veggies and protein that actually makes you feel good after eating (looking at you, heavy cream-based soups). Lastly, it’s totally customizable. Toss in some potatoes, add red pepper flakes for heat, or swirl in cream to go silky. It’s your soup—make it work for you.

Ingredients Needed to Make One-Pot Hamburger Cabbage and Onion Soup

Vegetables

• 1 medium head green cabbage, chopped
• 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste

Meat

• 1½ lbs ground beef (85/15 preferred for flavor)

Broth + Seasoning

• 6 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar for brightness

Optional Add-ins

• 1 cup chopped potatoes
• ½ cup cooked rice or barley
• Red pepper flakes
• Swirl of cream

Instructions to Make One-Pot Hamburger Cabbage and Onion Soup

Making One-Pot Hamburger Cabbage and Onion Soup is surprisingly easy, even if you’ve never made soup from scratch before. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a flavorful, satisfying meal with minimal cleanup and maximum comfort. Let’s break it down so you can feel confident from the first chop to the last ladle.

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by placing a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Add 1½ pounds of ground beef—preferably 85/15 for the best flavor-to-fat ratio. Cook the beef for about 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks.

You’re looking for it to be fully browned with no pink left. If there’s a lot of grease, drain most of it off, but leave a little behind—that rendered fat carries serious flavor. This step lays the foundation for your soup’s richness and gives it that “cooked-all-day” taste, even if you only have an hour.

💡 Looking for healthier swaps? You can use ground turkey or even plant-based crumbles—check out our Hearty Vegetarian Lentil Soup for inspiration on meatless options.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Once the beef is browned, it’s time to build flavor. Add your two thinly sliced yellow onions directly into the pot. Stir occasionally, letting them cook for 5 to 7 minutes until they become soft and start to brown slightly. You want that light caramelization—that’s where the magic happens.

Next, toss in the minced garlic (3 cloves), sliced carrots (3), and diced celery (2 stalks). Cook everything together for another 2 to 3 minutes, just until the garlic becomes fragrant and the veggies begin to soften.

This step may seem simple, but it’s key for building depth in your broth. Think of it as giving your soup its flavor backbone.

Step 3: Toast the Tomato Paste and Build the Broth

Push the veggies slightly to one side of the pot and stir in the 6 oz of tomato paste. Let it toast in the pan for 1 minute, stirring frequently. This step adds a subtle sweetness and helps deepen the flavor—don’t skip it!

Now pour in the 6 cups of low-sodium beef broth and 1 (14.5 oz) can of diced tomatoes. Add the 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, along with your spices:

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Give it all a good stir to combine. You’ll start to see your soup coming together now!

💡 Curious about broth alternatives or seasoning swaps? Visit our Cabbage Soup Recipe page for tips on flavor variations and ingredient substitutions.

Step 4: Add the Cabbage

Here comes the hearty part—cabbage! Chop one medium head of green cabbage into bite-sized chunks and dump it right into the pot. It may seem like you’re adding a mountain of greens, but cabbage wilts down a lot, so don’t panic.

Use your spoon to gently push it down into the broth and mix it through. It might be snug at first, but after a few minutes, it’ll settle in nicely.

💡 Want more cabbage comfort recipes? Our Cabbage Roll Skillet gives you another one-pot dinner that’s super satisfying.

Step 5: Simmer Low and Slow

Now that everything’s in the pot, crank up the heat just until the soup comes to a boil, then immediately reduce it to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot partially—this allows steam to escape without drying everything out.

Let your soup simmer for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have blended beautifully. Stir occasionally to keep anything from sticking to the bottom.

This step does all the heavy lifting. While it simmers, your home is going to smell like you’ve been cooking all day (and nobody has to know how easy it really was).

Step 6: Brighten the Flavor and Taste Test

After simmering, remove the bay leaf. Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning—a pinch more salt or a twist of black pepper may be all it needs.

If you like a touch of acidity, stir in 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. This step brightens the entire dish and gives the broth a subtle zing that balances the richness of the beef.

💡 Prefer a creamy soup? Add a swirl of cream or half-and-half here for a cozy twist. Want to try a creamier variation? Our Creamy Cowboy Soup is a great example of how to add dairy without weighing things down.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Time to dig in! Ladle the hot soup into big bowls and serve it with your favorite crusty bread, a scoop of rice, or even mashed potatoes if you’re going all in.

Feeling adventurous? Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or fresh herbs on top. Want to bulk it up more? Stir in some cooked barley or leftover roasted potatoes. It’s flexible, forgiving, and fabulous.

💡 If you like this hearty soup, don’t miss our Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup—another reader-favorite that’s easy and soul-warming.

Final Note

There you have it—your Step-by-Step guide to making One-Pot Hamburger Cabbage and Onion Soup. With each step building flavor and each ingredient working together like a dream team, this soup is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re a busy parent, a soup lover, or just someone trying to get dinner on the table without losing your mind, this recipe’s got your back.

What to Serve with One-Pot Hamburger Cabbage and Onion Soup

This soup is basically a meal in a bowl, but if you want to round things out, try serving it with warm crusty bread, cornbread muffins, or a slice of buttered rye. A crisp green salad or Easy Cabbage and Carrot Salad adds a refreshing crunch. Got leftover mashed potatoes? Plop a scoop right in the bowl—it’s weirdly amazing. And if you’re feelin’ extra fancy, serve it alongside a baked potato with sour cream. Comfort food squared.

Key Tips for Making One-Pot Hamburger Cabbage and Onion Soup

1. Don’t skip browning the beef—it builds rich flavor.
2. Use fresh garlic and onions for the best base. Jarred won’t cut it here.
3. Cabbage cooks down more than you think, so don’t worry if it fills the pot at first.
4. Want a thicker texture? Toss in chopped potatoes or stir in cooked rice/barley.
5. Add the vinegar last—it brightens everything up.
6. Feeling spicy? A pinch of red pepper flakes gives it a nice kick.

Storage and Reheating Tips for One-Pot Hamburger Cabbage and Onion Soup

Leftovers? You’re in luck. This soup tastes even better the next day (seriously). Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in portions—just leave a little space at the top of the container since liquids expand when frozen. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between. If it thickens up, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. It’s the meal that keeps on giving.

FAQs

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Brown the beef first, then add everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Sure! Just note it’ll be a bit leaner—add a dash of oil for richness if needed.

Is it low-carb?
Yes, if you skip the potatoes, rice, and barley.

Can I freeze it?
Yup! Just let it cool completely and freeze in airtight containers.

Final Thoughts

One-Pot Hamburger Cabbage and Onion Soup isn’t just cozy—it’s straight-up comforting. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, stretching leftovers, or just want to warm up without a pile of dirty dishes, this soup delivers. Plus, with how adaptable it is, it’ll earn a permanent spot on your dinner rotation. Love cabbage-based meals? Check out Slow Cooker Cabbage Soup with Hamburger or the super comforting Ground Beef and Savory Cabbage Soup. Now, go grab that ladle—you’ve got soup to serve.

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