Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe With Cabbage Made Easy

There’s something incredibly comforting about a hearty bowl of old fashioned vegetable beef soup with cabbage. This classic recipe combines tender chunks of beef with an array of fresh vegetables and savory broth, making it the perfect meal for chilly days or anytime you crave warmth and nourishment.

The addition of crisp cabbage not only adds a subtle sweetness but also boosts the nutritional profile of the soup, creating a balanced, satisfying dish that’s as wholesome as it is delicious.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this soup is incredibly versatile and easy to make. It’s a wonderful way to use up garden-fresh produce or pantry staples.

Plus, the slow simmering process melds the flavors beautifully, delivering a rich, comforting taste that’s reminiscent of home-cooked meals from generations past.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This old fashioned vegetable beef soup with cabbage is a timeless classic for good reason. First, it’s packed with nutrients from fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and cabbage, combined with protein-rich beef that keeps you full and satisfied.

The broth is fragrant and flavorful, simmered slowly to develop deep, rich flavors without any complicated techniques. It’s also incredibly adaptable—feel free to swap vegetables or add your favorite herbs to make it your own.

Plus, it’s a one-pot meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for freezing, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a comforting lunch throughout the week.

Ingredients

• 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cups cabbage, chopped
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 6 cups beef broth (preferably low sodium)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil
• Optional: 1 cup green beans or peas for extra veggies

Equipment

• Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon or ladle
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Soup bowls for serving

Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef stew meat in batches to avoid overcrowding. Brown the beef on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté the aromatics: In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the vegetables: Stir in the carrots and celery, cooking for 4-5 minutes to begin softening.
4. Return the beef to the pot, then pour in the beef broth and canned diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir well to combine.
5. Add the potatoes, dried thyme, parsley, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let it simmer gently for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors are well blended.
6. In the last 20 minutes of cooking, add the chopped cabbage (and green beans or peas if using). Stir and continue simmering until the cabbage is tender but still slightly crisp.
7. Remove the bay leaf, taste the soup, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
8. Serve hot in bowls with crusty bread or your favorite side. Enjoy the comforting warmth!

Tips & Variations

To make your soup even richer, sear the beef in batches without crowding the pan to develop a deeper crust and flavor.

• Use bone-in beef stew meat for an even more flavorful broth.
• Swap potatoes for sweet potatoes to add a slightly sweet twist to the soup.
• Try adding barley or pearl couscous in the last 30 minutes for a heartier texture.
• For a lighter version, use ground beef or turkey instead of stew meat.
• Fresh herbs like rosemary or oregano can be added for extra aroma and taste.
• Make it vegetarian: omit beef and substitute vegetable broth with mushrooms or extra beans. For inspiration, check out our Vegan Cabbage Soup Recipe Easy and Delicious Ideas.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This soup pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Serve it with warm, crusty bread or buttery garlic toast to soak up the flavorful broth.

A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness, or you can add a dollop of sour cream on top for a creamy finish.

For a heartier meal, accompany the soup with a baked potato or a simple rice pilaf. If you’re looking for vegetarian sides, explore our collection of A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion which has plenty of delicious options.

Conclusion

This old fashioned vegetable beef soup with cabbage is a wonderful example of comfort food at its best—simple, nourishing, and bursting with flavor. It’s an easy recipe that brings together wholesome ingredients to create a meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or to cozy up on a cold day, this soup satisfies both your taste buds and your soul.

Don’t forget, you can customize this recipe to your liking or dietary needs, and it freezes beautifully for later enjoyment. If you love hearty soups, be sure to check out other recipes like our 15 Bean Soup Slow Cooker Recipe Vegetarian and Delicious for more nutritious meal ideas.

Happy cooking!

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