This hearty and healthy cabbage soup recipe is so flavorful, it might become your new weeknight staple! Inspired by the comforting, home-style cooking of the Pioneer Woman, this dish is packed with beef and vegetables, making it both satisfying and good for you.
hearty cabbage soup
Discover the Pioneer Woman’s Inspired Cabbage Soup
Looking for a meal that’s both incredibly tasty and nourishing? This beefy cabbage soup, reminiscent of Pioneer Woman recipes, is your answer. It’s a comforting, wholesome dish that satisfies your hunger without any guilt. Naturally low-carb, high in protein, and easily adaptable to Whole30, Keto, and Paleo diets, this soup is a versatile option for anyone seeking a healthy and delicious meal. Even just a single bowl of this robust soup feels like a complete and fulfilling dinner. It’s a family favorite, and a recipe that’s requested time and time again.
Key Ingredients for Your Pioneer Woman Cabbage Soup
To create this flavorful Pioneer Woman inspired cabbage beef soup, you’ll need these simple yet impactful ingredients:
- Cabbage: The heart of the soup! You can choose green cabbage for a classic flavor or Napa cabbage for a slightly milder taste.
- Beef: Lean ground beef is recommended. Be sure to drain any excess fat after browning to keep the soup healthy and light.
- Tomatoes: For the richest tomato flavor, opt for whole San Marzano tomatoes. They bring a depth of flavor that’s almost like using freshly picked tomatoes.
- Bell Peppers: Add vibrant color and a touch of sweetness with a large bell pepper or a mix of smaller colored peppers.
- Onions and Garlic: Freshly diced onion and minced garlic are essential for building a savory base and adding numerous health benefits.
- Seasonings: Simple seasonings like kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and chicken bouillon (cube or paste) enhance the natural flavors of the soup.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO): A drizzle of EVOO while sautéing the vegetables adds healthy fats and boosts the overall flavor profile.
- Chicken Broth: Low sodium chicken broth is ideal. For an even richer flavor and added nutrients, bone broth is an excellent choice.
Slow Cooker Method for Pioneer Woman Style Cabbage Soup
Just like many beloved Pioneer Woman recipes, this beefy cabbage soup truly shines when made in a slow cooker. Cooking it on low for 4-5 hours allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully. The slow cooker method is fantastic for developing deep, rich flavors in soups and stews. Plus, the convenience of a slow cooker is unbeatable – simply “fix it and forget it” until dinner time! However, if you prefer quicker methods, instructions for stovetop and Instant Pot cooking are also provided below.
Stovetop Instructions for Beefy Cabbage Soup
If you prefer the stovetop, making this Pioneer Woman Cabbage Soup recipe is still straightforward. Follow the recipe instructions as written. Instead of transferring the ingredients to a slow cooker, use a large Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed soup pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let the soup simmer for at least 20 minutes, or longer if you have time, to allow the flavors to deepen.
beef cabbage soup
Instant Pot Directions for Quick Cabbage Soup
For those short on time, the Instant Pot is perfect for making this Pioneer Woman inspired cabbage soup. Simply follow the recipe steps. When it’s time to combine the ingredients, place everything into your Instant Pot. Select the “soup” setting or cook at high pressure for 10 minutes. For the best flavor, allow the pressure to release naturally after cooking. The longer the soup sits and the flavors meld, the more delicious it becomes.
Freezing and Storing Your Hearty Cabbage Soup
One of the best things about this Pioneer Woman cabbage soup recipe is how well it freezes. Having containers of this soup ready in your freezer is incredibly convenient for quick and healthy meals. Once the soup is cooked using your preferred method, let it cool on the counter for about 30-45 minutes until it’s no longer steaming hot. Transfer the cooled soup into airtight, freezer-safe containers, ensuring minimal air is trapped. Label each container with the date and freeze. It’s that simple to have a healthy, homemade meal ready whenever you need it!
Serving Suggestions for Pioneer Woman Cabbage Soup
This cabbage soup is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. To keep with a hearty theme, you can serve it alongside other beef-based meals like beef barbacoa, beef brisket, or even beef tenderloin for a truly substantial feast. For a lighter pairing, consider roasted parmesan Japanese eggplants. And to complete your comforting meal, a classic cherry crisp makes a delightful dessert.
Enjoy creating this delicious and healthy Pioneer Woman cabbage soup for yourself, your friends, and your family!
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef or ground chuck
- 1 small onion, diced (or 1 cup frozen)
- 3-4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1/2 medium size cabbage, sliced and chopped
- 1 large bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 28-oz can San Marzano tomatoes, crushed *note
- 1 (48 oz) carton chicken bone broth (won’t use all of this)
- 1 chicken bouillon cube (or 1 TB Better than Bouillon paste)
Instructions
- Brown beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until no longer pink; drain off any excess grease.
- Push the browned beef to one side of the skillet; add diced onion and bell pepper to the other side.
- Drizzle the onion and pepper with extra virgin olive oil; season with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Sauté the onion and pepper until they become translucent and softened; add minced garlic during the last minute of sautéing.
- Once the vegetables are soft and translucent, mix them together with the browned beef in the skillet.
- Continue to cook until the beef is fully browned and slightly crispy, enhancing the flavor.
- Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to a slow cooker. Wipe the skillet clean for the next steps.
- Drizzle extra virgin olive oil into the cleaned skillet; add sliced and chopped cabbage, kosher salt, and black pepper. Sauté until the cabbage softens and wilts down.
- Pour the can of San Marzano tomatoes into the skillet with the sautéed cabbage; if using whole tomatoes, squeeze them with your hands to crush them.
- Add the chicken bouillon cube or paste to the skillet with the cabbage and tomatoes; simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add the cabbage and tomato mixture to the slow cooker with the beef mixture; stir everything together well.
- Pour in chicken broth until the soup reaches your desired consistency (typically about half of a large 48 oz carton).
- Cook on low setting for 4-5 hours in the slow cooker; keep warm until ready to serve.
Notes
* Whole San Marzano tomatoes are highly recommended for the best flavor; simply crush them by hand before adding.
Nutrition Information
Yield 6 Serving Size 1 cup Amount Per Serving Calories 274Total Fat 13gSaturated Fat 5gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 6gCholesterol 85mgSodium 256mgCarbohydrates 9gFiber 3gSugar 5gProtein 30g
