Nothing beats a warm, aromatic bowl of cabbage soup when gray skies loom and the rain gently taps against the window. Its humble ingredients—cabbage, onions, celery, and beef—mingle in a savory broth that’s both rustic and satisfying.
This soup delivers a nostalgic sense of comfort, evoking memories of hearty family dinners and slow-simmered meals.
With stewed tomatoes adding a touch of sweetness and the Lipton Onion Soup Mix layering in bold umami flavor, this dish earns its reputation as the ultimate rainy-day remedy.
What You’ll Need
Fresh vegetables take center stage in this recipe. A full head of cabbage offers a mild crunch and volume, while diced onions and finely chopped celery release their sweetness into the broth as they cook. These staples, when simmered slowly, yield a broth brimming with depth and complexity. The inclusion of canned stewed tomatoes infuses the soup with a slightly tangy, bright edge—balancing out the earthiness of the greens.
The Lipton Onion Soup Mix is a brilliant shortcut. Bursting with dehydrated onion, savory seasonings, and a hint of richness, it dissolves seamlessly into the broth, building a foundation of flavor without extra effort. Ground beef adds protein and body, making the soup hearty enough for a full meal. Choosing lean beef helps maintain a balanced texture, while still delivering richness when browned to perfection.
Step-by-Step
Begin by preparing the vegetables. Chop the cabbage into manageable ribbons, dice the onions evenly for consistent flavor release, and finely mince the celery for a delicate aromatic base.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then add the vegetables in stages, allowing the heat to soften them gradually into the broth.
While the vegetables simmer, brown the ground beef in a separate skillet.
Sauté until it develops a deep caramelized crust, then drain the excess fat to avoid greasy soup. Once cooked, add the meat to the simmering pot along with the Lipton Onion Soup Mix.
Allow everything to marry together over low heat. In just a few minutes, the flavors will merge beautifully, creating a soup that’s balanced, hearty, and deeply satisfying.
Flavor Boosters and Creative Add-Ins
Enhancing this soup is effortless with a few well-placed spices. A dash of smoked paprika or cumin adds warmth, while a bay leaf lends a woodsy undertone during the simmer. Garlic powder or minced fresh garlic boosts the savory profile without overpowering.
For more heft, toss in diced carrots, green beans, or potatoes. Want a spicier version? Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce. For a smoky twist, consider a splash of liquid smoke or a handful of chopped cooked bacon. Even fresh herbs like thyme or parsley at the end can brighten the bowl with a pop of color and freshness.
Recipe Tips
Use pre-shredded cabbage to save time without sacrificing texture.
Avoid overcooking the cabbage to keep it tender but not soggy. Add it in two stages if needed.
Drain the beef thoroughly to prevent excess oil from clouding the broth.
Make a big batch and freeze individual portions for quick, cozy meals on demand.
What to Serve with This Recipe
Crusty artisan bread or a classic grilled cheese sandwich is the perfect match—ideal for soaking up the flavorful broth.
A rustic sourdough or buttery garlic toast brings welcome contrast.
For lighter fare, pair the soup with a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to offset the richness.
Toppings also elevate the experience: a sprinkle of shredded cheddar, a dollop of sour cream, or a handful of crunchy croutons adds both texture and indulgence.
Storage and Reheating
Cabbage soup stores well, gaining even more flavor as it rests. Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
The soup also freezes beautifully—cool it completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and store for up to 3 months.
When reheating, use a saucepan over low heat to avoid breaking down the vegetables. Stir occasionally until warmed through. If microwaving, cover the bowl and reheat in intervals, stirring in between for even warmth without turning the cabbage to mush.
Recipe Tips
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes. Skip the beef and use vegetable broth for a lighter version. Add beans or lentils for extra protein.
Is fresh tomato a good substitute for canned stewed tomatoes?
You can use fresh tomatoes if they’re ripe, but be sure to peel and simmer them beforehand to mimic the softness of stewed tomatoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make this in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
For a slow cooker, add all ingredients (browned beef included) and cook on low for 6–8 hours. In an Instant Pot, use the sauté function for the beef, then pressure cook everything together on high for 20 minutes.
Can I swap out the Lipton soup mix?
You can replace it with homemade onion soup seasoning: a blend of dried onion flakes, beef bouillon, onion powder, garlic powder, and parsley makes a great stand-in.
Cabbage Soup
Ingredients
- 2 small onions finely diced
- 1 large cabbage coarsely chopped
- Ground beef 1–2 pounds
- 1 large celery stalk minced
- 1 pouch Lipton Onion Soup Mix any preferred variety
- 2 cans stewed tomatoes
- Seasonings of choice e.g., salt, pepper, herbs
- Water enough to fill pot halfway
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, pour in water until it reaches halfway and bring it to a rolling boil.
- Add chopped cabbage, diced onions, celery, and stewed tomatoes, then reduce to a simmer. In a separate skillet, brown the ground beef thoroughly, draining any rendered fat. Incorporate your chosen seasonings and the Lipton soup mix into the simmering vegetables.
- Stir in the cooked beef and continue to simmer gently for several more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.