Ah, the classic cabbage soup diet-yes, it’s been around for decades, and for good reason. This humble, unassuming soup has earned a reputation as a go-to for anyone looking to shed a few pounds quickly. But here’s the twist: we’re adding ground beef to give it a rich, satisfying flavor while keeping it lean enough to stay on track with your weight loss goals.
Why this recipe works wonders:
- Low in calories, high in volume: You can enjoy a hearty bowl without guilt because cabbage is incredibly low in calories yet fills you up fast.
- Protein-packed: Ground beef adds protein, which helps keep you full longer and prevents muscle loss while losing weight.
- Nutrient-dense: Between the vegetables, herbs, and lean meat, you’re getting fiber, vitamins, and minerals that your body actually needs while cutting calories.
- Flavorful and satisfying: Forget bland diet foods; this soup is savory, rich, and full of natural umami from the beef and vegetables.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have all the tools you need to make a comforting, metabolism-boosting meal that feels indulgent but supports your weight loss journey.
Weight Loss Cabbage Soup With Ground Beef Recipe
Here’s the magic in a nutshell: tender cabbage, hearty ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and a perfectly seasoned broth that comes together in one pot. This recipe is simple, flexible, and incredibly forgiving-even for beginners.
Think of it as a warm hug in a bowl, but one that also works hard to help your waistline.
Ingredients Needed
For the best results, fresh and high-quality ingredients make all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef (90% lean works well)
- 1 small head of green cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, no salt added
- 6 cups low-sodium beef or vegetable broth
Seasonings & Herbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 bay leaf
- Optional: a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for heat
Extras (Optional Enhancements)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
- A squeeze of lemon juice for brightness
- Hot sauce for an extra kick
Cooking Instructions
Here’s where the magic happens, step by step:
-
Brown The Beef
- Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
- Break it apart into small crumbles for even cooking.
- Drain excess fat if necessary (keeping a little adds flavor).
-
Sauté The Aromatics
- Add onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and bell pepper to the pot.
- Sauté for 5-7 minutes until vegetables soften and the aroma fills your kitchen.
-
Add Cabbage And Broth
- Stir in the chopped cabbage.
- Pour in the broth and canned tomatoes.
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Season It Up
- Add thyme, oregano, paprika, black pepper, salt, and bay leaf.
- Mix everything well so the flavors start mingling.
-
Simmer
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes.
- Stir occasionally. The cabbage should be tender, but not mushy.
-
Taste And Adjust
- Check seasoning, add more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.
- Optional: stir in a squeeze of lemon juice or hot sauce for extra flavor.
-
Serve
- Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy hot.
Ingredient Insights
Understanding your ingredients helps you get the most out of this soup:
- Cabbage: Low-calorie, high-fiber powerhouse. Helps you feel full and supports digestion.
- Ground beef: Provides protein and iron. Choosing lean beef keeps the fat content in check.
- Carrots & celery: Offer fiber and subtle sweetness to balance the savory beef.
- Tomatoes: Add acidity, depth of flavor, and antioxidants like lycopene.
- Herbs & spices: Thyme, paprika, and oregano boost flavor without adding calories, while garlic gives that savory umami punch.
Expert Tips
For next-level cabbage soup mastery:
- Don’t overcook cabbage: It can get mushy. Keep it slightly firm for texture.
- Use homemade broth if possible: Adds richer flavor without extra sodium.
- Make a big batch: This soup tastes even better the next day after flavors meld.
- Freeze portions: Perfect for meal prep or a quick low-calorie meal on a busy day.
- Balance protein: If you want extra satiety, consider adding an extra handful of lean protein like ground turkey or chicken.
Recipe Variations
Don’t want to stick strictly to ground beef? Try these variations:
- Vegetarian Version: Replace beef with lentils or black beans for a protein boost.
- Spicy Kick: Add chili powder, cayenne, or jalapeños.
- Asian-Inspired: Add ginger, soy sauce, and a splash of sesame oil.
- Low-Carb: Keep the cabbage, beef, and leafy greens, but skip the carrots and bell pepper if tracking carbs.
- Hearty Upgrade: Toss in zucchini, mushrooms, or green beans for more veggies and fiber.
Final Words
This Weight Loss Cabbage Soup With Ground Beef isn’t just another diet recipe. It’s satisfying, versatile, and genuinely delicious. It proves that you can eat for weight loss without sacrificing taste or feeling deprived.
With a few fresh ingredients, a little seasoning know-how, and some patience while it simmers, you can create a bowl that’s comforting, nutrient-packed, and waistline-friendly.
FAQs
Is Cabbage Soup With Ground Beef Effective For Weight Loss?
Cabbage soup with ground beef can support weight loss as part of a calorie-controlled diet because cabbage is low in calories and high in fiber, which promotes satiety. Ground beef adds protein, which can help preserve muscle mass during weight loss. However, relying solely on this soup without a balanced diet may not be sustainable or nutritionally complete.
Can I Use Lean Ground Beef In This Recipe?
Yes, using lean ground beef (90% lean or higher) is recommended to reduce saturated fat and overall calories, making the soup more suitable for weight loss while still providing protein for satiety.
How Many Calories Are In A Typical Serving Of Cabbage Soup With Ground Beef?
A standard serving (about 1.5 cups) of cabbage soup with lean ground beef typically contains around 150-250 calories, depending on the amount of beef and added ingredients such as oil or starchy vegetables.
Can I Freeze This Soup For Later Use?
Yes, cabbage soup with ground beef freezes well. Allow the soup to cool completely, then store in airtight containers or freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Is It Necessary To Brown The Ground Beef Before Adding It To The Soup?
Browning the ground beef first is recommended as it enhances flavor and allows you to drain excess fat, making the soup leaner. However, you can also add raw beef directly to the soup and simmer until fully cooked, though the texture and taste may differ.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian Or Vegan?
Yes, you can replace ground beef with plant-based protein alternatives such as lentils, tofu, or tempeh. The soup will remain low-calorie and high-fiber, but the flavor and protein content may differ from the original recipe.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Cabbage Soup With Ground Beef?
Preparation typically takes 10-15 minutes, and simmering takes 25-40 minutes, depending on whether the cabbage is chopped finely or coarsely. Total cooking time is approximately 35-55 minutes.
Can I Add Other Vegetables To This Soup?
Yes, adding vegetables like carrots, celery, bell peppers, or zucchini can increase fiber, vitamins, and minerals while keeping the calorie content relatively low. Avoid starchy vegetables like potatoes or corn if strictly following a weight-loss-focused version.
How Should I Season Cabbage Soup With Ground Beef For Weight Loss?
Use herbs and spices such as garlic, onion, black pepper, paprika, thyme, and parsley to enhance flavor without adding extra calories. Limit salt to control sodium intake, which is especially important for weight management and water retention.
Is It Safe To Eat This Soup Every Day While Trying To Lose Weight?
While cabbage soup with ground beef can be part of a weight-loss plan, eating it every day may lead to nutritional deficiencies over time. It is best to include a variety of foods-fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats-to ensure balanced nutrition.