When you’re craving a warm, nourishing meal that’s both comforting and nutritious, Cabbage Soup with Hamburger is the answer. This no-fuss crockpot classic is filled with tender chopped cabbage, savory ground beef, hearty vegetables, and zesty herbs — all slow-cooked to perfection.

It’s budget-friendly, family-approved, and a great way to sneak in your daily veggies. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this soup is one of those cozy, delicious meals that keeps you coming back for more — and it gets even better the next day!

🌟 Why You’ll Love This Soup

There are plenty of soup recipes out there, but this one checks all the boxes:

✅ Slow cooker convenience — set it and forget it!
✅ Flavor-packed & filling — beefy, savory, and satisfying
✅ Healthy and wholesome — full of fiber, protein, and vitamins
✅ Low-carb & keto-friendly (optional)
✅ Budget-conscious — made with basic, affordable ingredients

This isn’t your average cabbage soup — the combination of beef, garlic, herbs, tomatoes, and veggies makes it hearty, rich, and deeply comforting.

📝 Cabbage Soup with Hamburger Recipe (Original & Unchanged)

Ingredients:

2–3 pounds of hamburger (can substitute 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 basil, oregano, garlic diced tomatoes
2 teaspoons oregano
2 teaspoons basil
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Few shakes of black pepper
½ teaspoon salt (optional)

Directions:

Brown your hamburger in a skillet before adding it to the crockpot. Drain excess fat.
Put all ingredients into the crockpot. Stir well to combine everything evenly.
Cook:
- On high for 5–6 hours, or
- On low for 6–8 hours, until vegetables are tender and flavors are blended.
Serve warm, with your favorite toppings or sides.
Enjoy!

🧑‍🍳 Tips for the Best Cabbage Soup

🍳 Brown the Meat First

Browning your hamburger (or turkey) before adding it to the crockpot adds depth and flavor. It also prevents the meat from clumping together and gives the soup that rich, savory base.

🧄 Use Fresh Garlic

Freshly minced garlic adds the best aroma and taste. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder will work too — but don’t skip it entirely!

🥣 Choose a Rich Broth

Opt for low-sodium beef broth to control salt levels. If you’re using turkey, swap in chicken broth for a lighter flavor.

🔥 Spice it Up!

The red pepper flakes give this soup a subtle kick. Like it spicier? Add a diced jalapeño or extra flakes to taste.

🥬 The Beauty of Cabbage

Cabbage is the star of this dish — and for good reason:

It’s nutrient-dense, packed with Vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.
It holds its texture well in soups, even after hours of slow cooking.
It’s low in calories and low-carb, making this recipe friendly for keto, Whole30, and paleo diets with simple tweaks.

Plus, it’s incredibly affordable and widely available all year round!

🥕 Variations to Try

One of the best parts about this soup? You can easily make it your own:

🐔 Protein Options:

Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles
Use ground Italian sausage for a spicier, bolder flavor
Try chopped rotisserie chicken for a shortcut

🧂 Herbs & Seasonings:

Add Italian seasoning for an herbal blend
Use thyme, bay leaf, or paprika for depth
Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for umami

🍅 Tomato Twist:

Use fire-roasted tomatoes for smoky flavor
Add tomato paste or puree to thicken the broth

🥦 Veggie Add-ins:

Zucchini
Carrots
Cauliflower rice
Kale or spinach (add near the end of cooking)

🍽️ Serving Ideas

While this soup is filling all on its own, here are a few sides that pair beautifully:

Warm crusty bread or garlic toast
Grilled cheese sandwich
Side salad with vinaigrette
Mashed potatoes or steamed rice (especially if you want a thicker, stew-like dish)

🧊 Storage, Reheating & Freezing

Cabbage Soup with Hamburger is one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day.

🧊 To Store:

Let the soup cool, then transfer to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 5 days.

🔥 To Reheat:

Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.

❄️ To Freeze:

This soup freezes like a dream. Pour into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving 1-inch of space at the top. Freeze for up to 3 months.

💡 Tip: Freeze in single portions for easy grab-and-go meals.

🧡 Final Thoughts

This Cabbage Soup with Hamburger is the definition of a kitchen staple — easy to make, endlessly customizable, filling, and full of flavor. It’s the kind of soup you come back to again and again. Whether you’re cooking for health, comfort, or just convenience, this slow cooker favorite checks all the boxes.

So bookmark it, print it, or pin it — just don’t lose this one.

Your crockpot will thank you. Your taste buds will too.

Save