On those chilly evenings when you’re yearning for a meal that feels like a warm hug, Pioneer Woman Cabbage Beef Soup is your answer. This isn’t just any soup; it’s a hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying dish that’s both easy on the wallet and a breeze to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this soup is destined to become a family favorite.
If you’re like many home cooks, ground beef might be a staple in your kitchen. While tacos, burgers, and spaghetti are classics, sometimes you crave something different. This Pioneer Woman Cabbage Beef Soup recipe offers a delightful and comforting alternative, transforming humble ingredients into a bowl of pure deliciousness. It’s a fantastic way to use ground beef in a new and exciting way.
Beyond its comforting taste, the true beauty of this cabbage beef soup lies in its simplicity and budget-friendliness. You essentially brown the ground beef with onions, toss in the remaining ingredients, and let it simmer until all the flavors meld together beautifully. It’s a hands-off cooking method that yields maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Slow Cooker Option for Pioneer Woman Cabbage Beef Soup
For those days when time is of the essence, or you simply prefer the set-it-and-forget-it approach, this Pioneer Woman Cabbage Beef Soup is also slow cooker-friendly. Imagine coming home after a long day to the enticing aroma of a ready-made, home-cooked meal. Simply follow the initial browning steps, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Detailed slow cooker instructions are available in the FAQ section below, ensuring a perfect meal awaits you.
This recipe draws inspiration from the classic Weight Watchers zero-point cabbage soup, known for its health-conscious ingredients. However, this Pioneer Woman version elevates the original by adding protein-rich ground beef and satisfying potatoes, making it a much heartier and more fulfilling meal. It’s a guilt-free indulgence that doesn’t compromise on flavor or satisfaction.
Why You’ll Love This Pioneer Woman Cabbage Beef Soup
- Incredible Taste: This soup is a flavor explosion! The combination of savory ground beef, sweet cabbage, and hearty vegetables creates a truly delicious and comforting meal that the whole family will enjoy, especially on cold winter nights.
- Budget-Friendly Recipe: Ground beef, cabbage, and potatoes are all incredibly affordable ingredients. This Pioneer Woman Cabbage Beef Soup is a fantastic way to feed your family a nutritious and satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
- Nutrient-Rich and Healthy: Packed with vegetables and lean protein, this soup is a healthy and wholesome choice. It’s a great way to increase your veggie intake while enjoying a deeply satisfying meal.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe makes a generous pot of soup, making it ideal for meal prepping. Leftovers are just as delicious, if not more so, making it perfect for lunches or future dinners, saving you valuable time and effort during the week.
Pioneer Woman Cabbage Beef Soup Ingredients and Simple Swaps
(For a quick glance at ingredients, see below. Full recipe with exact measurements is in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.)
- Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is recommended to minimize grease, but you can use ground beef with a higher fat content for a richer flavor. Just be sure to drain off excess grease after browning. Ground turkey or even stew meat can be used as substitutes for a different protein profile.
- Yellow Onion: White onion works equally well if that’s what you have on hand.
- Garlic: Minced garlic from a jar is a convenient time-saver, but fresh garlic cloves, minced, or garlic powder can also be used. If using garlic powder, about one teaspoon should suffice.
- Cabbage: A head of cabbage, chopped, is preferred over pre-shredded bagged cabbage. Chopping your own allows for larger cabbage pieces that hold their texture better in the soup. Bagged coleslaw mix can become almost nonexistent after simmering for a while.
- Mushrooms: White button mushrooms are used in this recipe, but feel free to experiment with other varieties like cremini or portobello mushrooms for a deeper, earthier flavor.
- Cubed Potatoes: About 12 ounces of potatoes are needed. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are great choices. Sweet potatoes can also be used for a slightly sweeter variation. Peeling the potatoes is optional and depends on your preference.
- Carrots: Thinly sliced carrots, fresh or frozen, both work perfectly. About ½ cup is needed.
- Petite Diced Tomatoes: A 15-ounce can of petite diced tomatoes, undrained, adds acidity and flavor. For a smoky depth, try fire-roasted diced tomatoes.
- Italian Seasoning: Use your favorite store-bought Italian seasoning blend, or create your own using dried basil, oregano, and thyme.
- Salt and Pepper: Start with ¼ teaspoon of each and adjust to taste as needed.
- Broth: Beef broth is recommended for the richest flavor, but chicken broth also works beautifully. Both have been tested and are delicious.
- Optional Flavor Booster: 1 tablespoon of Better Than Bouillon (beef base) is an excellent addition for an extra layer of savory depth. Better Than Bouillon is a chef’s secret for enhancing flavors. If you haven’t tried it, it’s highly recommended! Regular bouillon cubes can be used, but Better Than Bouillon contains no added MSG and less salt.
How to Make Pioneer Woman Cabbage Beef Soup: Step-by-Step
-
Prep the Vegetables: Begin by chopping all the vegetables – onion, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, and mushrooms – according to the ingredient list.
-
Brown the Ground Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened and translucent. Add the ground beef and continue to sauté, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease from the pot.
-
Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the cubed potatoes, sliced carrots, undrained can of diced tomatoes, sliced mushrooms, and minced garlic to the pot with the browned beef. Next, add the chopped cabbage, beef broth, and water. Stir everything well to combine.
-
Season and Simmer: Stir in the tomato paste, Better Than Bouillon (if using), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Continue stirring until the tomato paste and bouillon are fully incorporated into the soup.
-
Simmer to Perfection: Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer gently for about 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and cooked through.
-
Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to your preference.
Pin this recipe for later to easily find it when you need a comforting meal!
Expert Recipe Tips for the Best Pioneer Woman Cabbage Beef Soup
- When browning the ground beef, use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the meat into smaller pieces. This will create a better texture in the finished soup, preventing large clumps of beef.
- Lean ground beef is preferred for this recipe because it minimizes excess grease in the soup. While draining grease helps, it’s difficult to remove it all. Excess grease can pool at the top of the soup (although it doesn’t affect the taste, it might not look as appealing).
- Personal preference dictates cabbage size. Some prefer thinly sliced or smaller pieces of cabbage, finding it easier to eat. Others, like my teenage daughter who helped prepare this batch, prefer larger pieces of cabbage for a heartier bite.
- Always taste the soup as it simmers and adjust seasonings to your liking. Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning can be added gradually until the flavor is just right for you.
- Simmering the soup with the lid on is important. It helps the vegetables cook evenly and prevents too much liquid from evaporating, maintaining the perfect broth consistency.
Delicious Variations to Customize Your Cabbage Beef Soup
- Protein Swaps: Experiment with different proteins! Ground turkey or stew meat are excellent substitutes for ground beef. Ground sausage would also add a fantastic depth of flavor to the soup.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Boost the vegetable content further by adding green beans, peas, zucchini, garbanzo beans, or any other favorite vegetables you enjoy in soup.
- Asian-Inspired Twist: For an exciting flavor profile, give your cabbage beef soup an Asian twist by adding soy sauce, a touch of ginger, and sesame oil.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a sliced, seeded jalapeño to introduce a pleasant kick of heat to the soup.
Storing and Reheating Your Homemade Soup
- Allow the Pioneer Woman Cabbage Beef Soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Store the cooled soup in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pioneer Woman Cabbage Beef Soup
Can I make this cabbage beef soup vegetarian?
Yes, absolutely! To make this soup vegetarian, simply omit the ground beef and substitute vegetable broth for the beef or chicken broth. For added protein, consider including tofu or your favorite beans.
Is this recipe suitable for a slow cooker?
Yes, this soup is incredibly easy to adapt for a slow cooker. After browning the ground beef and onions on the stovetop, transfer them to your slow cooker along with all the remaining ingredients. Cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours, or until vegetables are tender.
What are some good side dishes to serve with cabbage beef soup?
This hearty soup is delicious on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping, a fresh green salad for a light contrast, or even a grilled cheese sandwich for an extra comforting and satisfying meal.
How do I adjust the soup’s consistency if it’s too thin or thick?
If your soup is too thick, simply add more broth or water to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, simmer it uncovered for a longer period towards the end of cooking to allow some of the liquid to reduce. Alternatively, you can lightly mash some of the potatoes in the soup to thicken it naturally.
Can I easily double this Pioneer Woman Cabbage Beef Soup recipe?
Yes, this recipe can be easily doubled or even tripled! Just ensure you use a pot large enough to accommodate all the ingredients. This is perfect for feeding a crowd or for making a large batch for meal prepping.
More Delicious Soup Recipes to Explore
Have You Tried This Pioneer Woman Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup Recipe?
Please take a moment to leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and/or a comment in the comments section below to share your experience! If you decide to share a photo on Instagram or Facebook, please tag me and use the hashtag #scatteredmomrecipes – I love seeing your creations!
Print the Recipe
Pioneer Woman Cabbage Beef Soup Recipe
This comforting and hearty Pioneer Woman Cabbage Beef Soup is packed with protein and vegetables, making it a perfect meal for cold days.
Ingredients
| Units | Scale | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 lb | lean ground beef | |
| 1 tbsp | olive oil or butter | |
| ½ cup | yellow onion, diced | |
| 3 cups | cabbage, chopped | |
| 2 cups | cubed potatoes (about 12 oz) | |
| ½ cup | diced carrots | |
| 4 | large mushrooms, sliced | |
| 14 oz | petite diced tomatoes | |
| 2 tbsp | tomato paste | |
| 3 cups | broth (beef or chicken) | |
| 1 cup | water | |
| 1 tbsp | Better Than Bouillon (optional) | |
| 1 tbsp | minced garlic | |
| ½ tbsp | Italian seasoning | |
| ¼ tsp | salt, or to taste | |
| ¼ tsp | pepper, or to taste |
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, sauté diced onion in olive oil or butter for 5 minutes until softened. Add ground beef and brown, drain excess grease.
- Add potatoes, carrots, diced tomatoes (undrained), mushrooms, and garlic to the pot. Then add cabbage, broth, and water. Stir to combine.
- Stir in tomato paste, Better Than Bouillon (if using), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well incorporated.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed before serving.
Nutrition
| Serving Size | 1/6 of recipe |
|---|---|
| Calories | 267 |
| Fat | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 23g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Protein | 23g |
Stay Connected!
Follow Along For More Recipes:
Feedly, Bloglovin‘, your favorite feed reader, or sign up via email to get new recipes delivered to your inbox weekly!
[
About the Author
Jamie Sanders is a wife, mother of two, and the creator behind Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom since 2011. Based in Texas, she shares creative ideas and family-friendly recipes. Her work has been featured on numerous prominent platforms including Martha Stewart, Woman’s World, HuffPost, TODAY, Pioneer Woman, HGTV, CNET, Good Housekeeping, Yahoo, Oprah Daily, and Redbook. Jamie has also shared almost a million free PDF sewing patterns with her audience.](https://www.scatteredthoughtsofacraftymom.com/about-me/)
