Slow Cooker Cabbage Soup with Hamburger: Cozy Family Dinner

If there’s one dish that brings comfort straight from the slow cooker to your soul, it’s Slow Cooker Cabbage Soup with Hamburger. This recipe combines juicy ground beef, hearty beans, and loads of veggies simmered together in a rich tomato broth. The best part? You can toss everything into the slow cooker in the morning and come home to a kitchen that smells like you’ve been cooking all day (even if you’ve just been working through emails or wrangling kids). This soup isn’t just a meal — it’s a big warm hug in a bowl, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

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What is Slow Cooker Cabbage Soup with Hamburger?

Slow Cooker Cabbage Soup with Hamburger is a hearty, homestyle soup made with ground beef, green cabbage, beans, carrots, and celery — all slow-cooked to perfection. It’s packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a great option for anyone looking to eat something wholesome without fuss. Think of it as the “old-fashioned cabbage soup” your grandma made, but easier because the slow cooker does all the work. It’s budget-friendly, filling, and tastes even better the next day.

Reasons to Try Slow Cooker Cabbage Soup with Hamburger

If you love set-it-and-forget-it meals, this soup is a must. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also:

• Nutritious and low-calorie, with only 131 calories per serving.
• Family-friendly, even for picky eaters.
• Perfect for meal prep — it reheats beautifully and freezes well.
• Customizable — you can swap the ground beef for turkey or make it vegetarian with more beans.
  If you love soups that deliver flavor and comfort, you’ll also want to check out Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup for another cozy option.

Ingredients Needed to Make Slow Cooker Cabbage Soup with Hamburger

Making a flavorful Slow Cooker Cabbage Soup with Hamburger starts with a humble lineup of pantry staples and fresh produce that come together like old friends. Every ingredient in this recipe has a purpose — adding depth, texture, or that nostalgic homemade touch. Below, you’ll find not just what to add, but why it matters. Think of this as your friendly guide through the grocery aisle.

• Onions (2 medium, diced) – These form the aromatic backbone of your Slow Cooker Cabbage Soup with Hamburger. As they slowly cook, they melt into sweetness, giving the broth a warm and savory base. If you love the flavor onions bring to soups, you might also enjoy the rich depth they add to our Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe.
• Carrots (3 medium, peeled and diced) – Carrots lend a subtle sweetness and bright color to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Plus, they stay tender but never mushy, holding up beautifully during those long slow cooker hours. They’re also packed with beta-carotene — a tasty little bonus for your skin and immune system.
• Celery (3 ribs, diced) – That gentle crunch you love in soup? You can thank celery for that. Its earthy, peppery undertone gives the soup balance and dimension. It’s one of those quiet ingredients that make everything taste “just right.”
• Green Beans (3 cups, cut) – Whether you grab fresh or frozen, green beans bring freshness and extra fiber to this hearty dish. They add just enough texture to contrast with the soft cabbage. Frozen works perfectly here — no need to thaw — making your prep for Slow Cooker Cabbage Soup with Hamburger even simpler.
• Green Cabbage (½ head, cored and chopped) – The star of the show. When slow-cooked, cabbage softens into silky ribbons that absorb all the savory flavors of beef, broth, and tomato. If you’re a cabbage fan, you’ll also love exploring variations like our Ground Beef and Savory Cabbage Soup for more hearty inspiration.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced or pressed) – A little garlic goes a long way. It brings boldness and warmth, rounding out the flavor of the soup. Freshly minced garlic is best, but pre-minced will work fine for busy nights — no judgment here.
• Ground Beef (1 lb., cooked and drained) – This is where the “hamburger” magic happens. The beef gives body and richness to your Slow Cooker Cabbage Soup with Hamburger, transforming it from a simple vegetable soup into a satisfying main dish. Be sure to brown it before adding — that caramelized flavor adds so much depth. If you prefer a lighter version, try ground turkey or chicken, or go meatless by adding another can of beans.
• Red Kidney Beans (1 can, 15.5 oz, rinsed and drained) – These protein-packed gems bring a hearty, almost creamy texture to the soup. They hold their shape perfectly even after hours of simmering. You can swap them for white beans or black beans depending on what’s in your pantry — a trick I also use in my Lentil Soup Recipe for a twist on texture.
• Brown Sugar (2 teaspoons) – It may seem unusual, but this small scoop of sweetness makes a huge difference. It balances the tang of tomatoes and enhances the natural flavors of the vegetables and beef.
• Kosher Salt and Black Pepper (to taste) – These are your essential seasonings. Start with the measurements listed, but always taste before serving — slow cooking can mellow flavors, so a pinch more at the end might be just right.
• Chili Powder (1 teaspoon) – Adds a mild warmth without turning this soup spicy. It gives the dish that cozy, slightly smoky flavor you crave on chilly nights.
• Bay Leaf (1 dried) – Think of this as your flavor insurance policy. The bay leaf infuses the soup with a subtle herbal aroma, tying all the ingredients together beautifully.
• Curry Powder (2 teaspoons, optional) – This one’s a nod to Grandma’s kitchen. She always said curry powder gives the soup “a surprising little kick.” It adds a whisper of exotic spice that keeps people guessing — and coming back for seconds.
• Crushed Tomatoes (1 can, 28 oz) – The heart of the broth. Crushed tomatoes create a rich, velvety base that carries every bite. They provide body and just the right amount of tanginess, balancing beautifully with the sweetness of carrots and sugar.
• Low-Sodium Beef Broth (4 cups) – The key to that deep, savory flavor. Using low-sodium broth lets you control the salt level while keeping the beefy richness front and center. For a vegetarian twist, substitute vegetable broth — it’s just as delicious.
• Water (2 cups, optional) – Whether or not you add this depends on how thick you like your soup. Omit for a stew-like consistency, or include it for a lighter texture. You can always thin it later with more broth or water as it reheats.
• Fresh Herbs for Garnish (optional) – A sprinkle of parsley, rosemary, or thyme adds freshness and a pop of color just before serving. Fresh herbs brighten the flavor and make your bowl of Slow Cooker Cabbage Soup with Hamburger feel extra special. For other herb-friendly recipes, take a peek at our Creamy Cowboy Soup Recipe, which also benefits from a final flourish of greenery.

Each of these ingredients contributes something unique — from the robust base of beef and tomatoes to the delicate sweetness of carrots and cabbage. Together, they create a symphony of comfort that’s hearty, wholesome, and perfect for busy families craving a nourishing dinner without the fuss.

Instructions to Make Slow Cooker Cabbage Soup with Hamburger

This Step-by-Step guide walks you through every stage of preparing your hearty Slow Cooker Cabbage Soup with Hamburger — from prepping the veggies to that final, satisfying ladle into your bowl. It’s the kind of recipe that lets you work smarter, not harder, with the slow cooker doing most of the heavy lifting. Ready to make your kitchen smell incredible all day? Let’s get started!

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients Like a Pro
Before your slow cooker gets to work, take a few minutes to chop, dice, and organize everything. Slice the onions, carrots, and celery into even pieces — this ensures they cook uniformly and don’t turn mushy. Chop your cabbage into bite-sized shreds; they’ll soften beautifully during the slow simmer. If you’re new to prepping veggies for soups, check out our Cabbage Soup Recipe for helpful cutting and storage tips.
Pro Tip: Keep your prep area tidy and ingredients within arm’s reach. The smoother this Step-by-Step process goes, the faster you’ll have everything cooking.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef for Rich Flavor
In a large skillet, cook your ground beef over medium heat until it’s browned and crumbly. This small step adds big flavor — the caramelized bits left in the pan give the soup a deep, savory base. Drain off excess fat before transferring the beef to your slow cooker. If you’re looking for a leaner twist, you can use ground turkey or chicken; for inspiration, our Hamburger Rice Soup Recipe offers another creative take using similar flavors.

Step 3: Layer the Vegetables in the Slow Cooker
Now comes the fun part. Start by placing your onions, carrots, celery, green beans, cabbage, and garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. This layering ensures the denser vegetables — like carrots and cabbage — are closer to the heat source so they cook evenly. It’s a small Step-by-Step trick that keeps your veggies perfectly tender rather than overcooked or soggy.

Step 4: Add the Beef and Beans
Once your vegetables are in place, layer the browned beef on top, followed by the drained and rinsed kidney beans. This gives the soup body and heartiness, making each spoonful rich and filling. You can substitute other beans — such as cannellini or black beans — depending on what’s in your pantry. For more on creative substitutions, check out our Lentil Soup Recipe, where legumes take the spotlight.

Step 5: Season Generously for Perfect Balance
Sprinkle in the brown sugar, kosher salt, pepper, chili powder, and bay leaf. If you’re feeling bold, add the curry powder for an extra kick. This combination of spices adds layers of depth — a balance of sweet, savory, and slightly smoky notes. Remember, seasoning is a crucial Step-by-Step move that turns a simple soup into a restaurant-worthy meal. You can adjust the spice level later, so start moderate and taste as you go.

Step 6: Pour in the Liquids
Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter option), and water. The tomato base infuses the broth with richness, while the broth brings savory comfort. Stir gently to combine everything — this ensures each ingredient mingles beautifully. If you prefer thicker soups, skip the water or reduce it slightly. Our Crock Pot Taco Soup uses a similar liquid-to-solid balance trick for a hearty texture.

Step 7: Set It and Forget It — Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Magic
Cover your slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours. This is the Step-by-Step phase where patience pays off. As everything simmers slowly, the cabbage softens, the beef tenderizes, and all those flavors meld into pure comfort. You’ll know it’s ready when the vegetables are tender and the aroma fills your kitchen with that cozy “dinner’s ready” scent.

Step 8: Taste, Adjust, and Serve
Once the cooking time is up, remove the bay leaf — it’s done its job. Taste the broth and adjust seasoning as needed; sometimes a pinch of salt or a dash of pepper at the end brings everything together. Then, ladle your Slow Cooker Cabbage Soup with Hamburger into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary for a burst of color and freshness. For another heartwarming idea to serve alongside, try pairing it with crusty bread or our Hearty Beef and Barley Soup for a two-soup comfort night.

Step 9: Make It Your Own (Optional Customizations)
The beauty of this Step-by-Step recipe is its flexibility. Add diced potatoes for extra bulk, a handful of corn for sweetness, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce for richness. Want a spicy twist? Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes. This soup welcomes creativity, so don’t hesitate to make it your own. For more cozy, customizable slow cooker meals, explore our Slow Cooker Nacho Soup — another comfort classic that lets you experiment with flavors.

Step 10: Enjoy the Leftovers (They’re Even Better!)
Like most slow cooker recipes, Slow Cooker Cabbage Soup with Hamburger tastes even better the next day. The flavors deepen overnight, making your leftovers a next-day bonus meal that’s quick to reheat. Store it in airtight containers for up to five days or freeze for up to three months — perfect for meal prepping or those nights when you just don’t want to cook.

With this Step-by-Step guide, you’ll master a dish that’s hearty, wholesome, and impossible to mess up. Whether it’s your first time using a slow cooker or you’re a seasoned home chef, this recipe fits perfectly into busy weeknights, cozy weekends, and everything in between. For more crockpot comfort favorites, visit CookingWithRamsay.com and browse other comforting soups like German Cabbage Soup and Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup.

What to Serve with Slow Cooker Cabbage Soup with Hamburger

This soup is a meal in itself, but you can always make it extra satisfying. Serve it with crusty bread, a grilled cheese sandwich, or a simple garden salad. For something different, try it alongside this Hearty Beef and Barley Soup for a cozy soup night spread.

Key Tips for Making Slow Cooker Cabbage Soup with Hamburger

1. Brown the beef first. It adds depth and keeps the soup from getting greasy.
2. Use low-sodium broth so you can control the salt level.
3. Customize freely. Add corn, diced potatoes, or even Italian seasoning for a twist.
4. Don’t skip the brown sugar. It balances the acidity of the tomatoes beautifully.
5. Let it rest. Like many soups, it tastes even better the next day.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Slow Cooker Cabbage Soup with Hamburger

This soup stores and reheats like a dream.

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months in portions.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. Add a splash of broth if it thickens too much.

FAQs

Q: Can I use turkey instead of hamburger?
Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken works great for a leaner version.

Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes — just double up on beans and use vegetable broth.

Q: How do I thicken it?
Skip the water and let it cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes.

Q: Can I use fresh green beans instead of frozen?
Yes! Just chop them and toss them right in.

Q: What makes this different from cabbage roll soup?
This version skips the rice but keeps all the hearty cabbage-beef flavor, with less prep.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so homey about Slow Cooker Cabbage Soup with Hamburger — it’s hearty, budget-friendly, and perfect for those nights when you want real food without the effort. Whether you’re feeding a big family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe delivers every time. For more soul-warming ideas, try our Ground Beef and Savory Cabbage Soup or German Cabbage Soup Recipe.

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