Name: One-Pot Unstuffed Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 Tablespoon olive oil; 1 large onion, diced; 1 pound lean ground beef; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 Tablespoon tomato paste; 1¼ teaspoons salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; 4 cups low sodium beef or chicken broth; 15 ounces diced tomatoes; 14 ounces crushed tomatoes; 2 large carrots, peeled and diced; 14 ounces green cabbage, cored and cut into bite-sized pieces (about 1 small head); ½ cup long grain white rice; 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 Tablespoon brown sugar (optional); Chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 22 reviews

If you love comforting, hearty meals that come together with minimal fuss, then you are absolutely going to adore this One-Pot Unstuffed Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef Recipe. It’s like enjoying all the goodness of classic stuffed cabbage rolls but without any of the fuss of rolling or stuffing. Bursting with tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato broth, this soup is the ultimate cozy dinner that warms you up from the inside out. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight meal or something to make ahead, this recipe delivers big on flavor and satisfaction in one beautiful pot.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white marbled surface with various ingredients arranged neatly. There is a large white bowl filled with chopped white onions on the top left and below it a large white bowl of diced orange carrots. A small white bowl with tomato paste is near the top center along with another small bowl holding mixed spices of pink and black. Olive oil fills a tiny white bowl below the spices. A measuring cup of uncooked white rice is next to several garlic cloves. On the bottom left, there are two white bowls stacked vertically, one with crushed tomatoes and another with a thick red tomato sauce with pieces. A small cup of dark brown soy sauce and a small bowl of light brown granulated seasoning are side by side near the bottom center. On the right side, a large white bowl contains bright red ground beef. A large half head of pale green cabbage sits nearby along the bottom right with a clear glass measuring cup of yellow broth. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple, everyday pantry staples and fresh veggies that come together effortlessly to create a soup packed with flavor, texture, and color. Each one plays a vital role—from the hearty ground beef providing savory depth, to the cabbage adding crunch and a touch of sweetness.

1 Tablespoon olive oil: Perfect for sautéing onions and browning beef to build flavor.
1 large onion, diced: Adds sweetness and aromatic depth to the soup base.
1 pound lean ground beef: Brings rich, meaty heartiness, making this dish satisfying and filling.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a fragrant, savory punch that complements the beef perfectly.
1 Tablespoon tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and adds a subtle tang.
1¼ teaspoons salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the soup.
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Provides just a touch of warmth and spice.
4 cups low sodium beef or chicken broth: The savory liquid that brings everything together.
15 ounces diced tomatoes: Contribute fresh, bright tomato flavor and chunkiness.
14 ounces crushed tomatoes: Add richness and body to the broth.
2 large carrots, peeled and diced: For a sweet, earthy crunch and vibrant color.
14 ounces green cabbage, cored and chopped: The star veggie providing texture and subtle sweetness.
½ cup long grain white rice: Offers a soft, comforting bite and lightly thickens the soup.
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce: An umami secret weapon that deepens the soup’s flavor.
1 Tablespoon brown sugar, optional: Balances the acidity with a touch of sweetness.
Chopped fresh parsley, optional garnish: Adds a fresh herbal brightness at the end.

How to Make One-Pot Unstuffed Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Brown the Beef

Start by heating the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onions and cook until they turn translucent and soften, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step builds a flavorful foundation for your soup. Next, add the ground beef and cook it thoroughly, stirring and breaking it up into small crumbles so it cooks evenly. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. The sizzling beef and onions will fill your kitchen with the most inviting aroma!

Step 2: Add Garlic and Tomato Paste

Once your beef is browned, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just one minute – you want the garlic to become fragrant but not bitter. Then, mix in the tomato paste, salt, and black pepper. These ingredients enrich the meat with tangy, savory notes and season the base perfectly while helping to thicken the broth later.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

Slowly pour in your broth while scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the pot—this adds fabulous flavor. Then, stir in the diced and crushed tomatoes, diced carrots, chopped cabbage, and uncooked rice. This step combines all the fresh vegetables and starch you need for a wholesome one-pot meal.

Step 4: Simmer Until Tender

Bring the soup up to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to medium-low to keep a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the vegetables have softened. This is when the flavors really meld and create that beautiful, comforting broth you’re craving.

Step 5: Season and Adjust

Finish the soup by stirring in Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar (if you like a hint of sweetness). Taste the soup carefully and add more salt or pepper if needed. If it looks too thick, just stir in a little water. This final step lets you tailor the soup exactly to your liking — whether you want it heartier or a bit more broth-y.

How to Serve One-Pot Unstuffed Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef Recipe

A close-up of a white bowl filled with a thick stew consisting of several layers: at the bottom, a rich brownish-red broth; mixed in are uneven chunks of light beige cabbage pieces and small brown crumbled ground meat; bright orange carrot slices are scattered throughout; a few bright red tomato chunks sit on top; fresh green herbs are sprinkled over everything. A silver spoon lifts some of the stew, showing all these layers together, held by a woman's hand above the bowl on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your soup visually and flavor-wise, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over each serving. The parsley adds a pop of vibrant green color and a refreshing herbal note that contrasts perfectly with the rich tomato and beef flavors.

Side Dishes

Since this soup is hearty all on its own, a simple side of crusty bread or warm dinner rolls makes a fabulous complement. They are perfect for sopping up every last drop of the delicious broth! You could also serve alongside a crisp, tangy green salad to add some brightness and balance to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the soup in rustic bread bowls for a cozy and impressive presentation. You can also ladle it over a scoop of cooked mashed potatoes or polenta to turn it into a comforting one-dish meal. Garnishing with a dollop of sour cream or shredded sharp cheddar adds even more richness and indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover soup keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making it even tastier the next day — perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

This One-Pot Unstuffed Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef Recipe freezes wonderfully. Just cool the soup completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the soup has thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of broth or water while reheating to loosen the consistency to your liking.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option that still works well in this soup. Just adjust your cooking time to ensure it’s fully cooked and season it well to keep the flavors robust.

Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef or chicken broth. You can also add mushrooms or extra beans for protein and texture.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

You can, but keep in mind brown rice takes longer to cook, about 40-45 minutes. You may need to add it earlier or cook the soup longer to ensure it softens properly.

How spicy is this One-Pot Unstuffed Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef Recipe?

This soup is mild and comforting in flavor. If you prefer some heat, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when seasoning.

Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Yes, this soup is very versatile! For slow cooker, brown the beef and onions first, then add all ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours. For Instant Pot, brown using the sauté function, then pressure cook for about 10 minutes.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pot Unstuffed Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef Recipe is a true kitchen treasure—simple to make, wonderfully flavorful, and perfect for cozy nights when you want something warm and satisfying without a lot of hassle. I hope you give this recipe a try soon and find it becomes one of your favorite go-to meals the way it is for me. There’s just something magical about a bowl of homemade soup that feels like a hug from the inside out!