Spicy Cabbage Soup

Prep: 10 min Cook: 45 min Cuisine: American

A hearty, spicy cabbage soup packed with ground beef, beans, and bold seasonings, perfect for warming up and satisfying the appetite of comfort food lovers.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. lean ground beef
  • 1 medium chopped onion
  • 1 medium chopped bell pepper
  • 1/2 medium cabbage, chopped
  • 1 can kidney beans (16 oz.)
  • 4 beef bouillon cubes
  • 2 cans tomato sauce (8 oz. each)
  • 1 tsp. cumin
  • salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef and chopped onion in a large pot until fully cooked.
  2. Add the chopped bell pepper and cook for a few more minutes.
  3. Dissolve the beef bouillon cubes in boiling water and add to the pot.
  4. Stir in the chopped cabbage, kidney beans, tomato sauce, cumin, and season with salt, pepper, and
  5. a little Joe's Stuff spice from New Orleans.
  6. Simmer the soup for 45 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Tips & Substitutions

For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or a meat alternative. Adding a splash of hot sauce can enhance the spiciness. If you don't have beef bouillon cubes, vegetable broth works well too. For added depth, consider including a bay leaf during simmering, but remember to remove it before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty Spicy Cabbage Soup with crusty bread or cornbread for a comforting meal. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro brightens the flavors. It pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or can be enjoyed on its own as a filling lunch option.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover the bowl to avoid splatters.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Spicy Cabbage Soup contains roughly 815 calories, with 23g protein, 106g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (125% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (58% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (53% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).

815 kcal 41% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 23.3g 47% DV
Total Fat 36.9g 47% DV
Carbs 106.2g 39% DV
Fiber 14.7g 53% DV
Sugar 15g 30% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2999.8mg 100% DV
Potassium 1545.4mg 33% DV
Cholesterol 2.8mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 280.1mcg 31% DV
Vitamin C 52mg 58% DV
Calcium 466.4mg 36% DV
Iron 22.6mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can cook it a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just be sure to cool it completely before storing it in an airtight container.

What can I add to make the soup spicier?

To increase the heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes while cooking. Alternatively, serve with a side of hot sauce for those who prefer to adjust the spice level to their liking.

Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! This soup freezes well. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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