Crockpot Cabbage Soup with Hamburger – Easy, Healthy, Delicious

Crockpot Cabbage Soup with Hamburger is all about big flavor with minimal effort. This easy, hearty soup takes just 15 minutes of prep and then your slow cooker takes over, turning everyday ingredients into a cozy, delicious bowl of goodness. Think tender cabbage, melt-in-your-mouth vegetables, a hint of spice, and hearty bites of ground beef—all simmered together for the perfect weeknight meal.

Let’s be real—traditional cabbage soups can mean hours over a stove, chopping, stirring, and checking pots. But not this one. With my simple slow cooker hack, you’ll shave off time without compromising that bold, comforting taste. It’s healthy, budget-friendly, and perfect for meal prep. You’re going to love how hands-off this is!

Why This Crockpot Cabbage Soup with Hamburger Is a Game-Changer

• Hands-off cooking: Just 15 minutes of prep and the slow cooker does the rest.
• Perfect texture: Veggies turn tender and soak up all that savory broth.
• Meal prep gold: It makes 16 cups—enough for today’s dinner and lunch for the week.
• Budget-friendly: Staple ingredients like cabbage, beans, and ground beef keep costs low.
• Healthy comfort food: Packed with lean protein, fiber, and nutrient-dense vegetables.

Equipment You’ll Need for This Crockpot Cabbage Soup with Hamburger

Here’s what I swear by when making this healthy slow cooker soup:

• 6-Quart Slow Cooker: The heart of this recipe. Go low and slow for perfect results. Budget option? A simple manual slow cooker works great—no need for bells and whistles.
• Cutting board and sharp chef’s knife: To dice everything quickly (or use pre-cut veggies for even more time saved).
• Skillet: For browning the ground beef ahead of time—this step locks in flavor.

Quick tip: If your slow cooker has a sauté function, you can cook the beef right in it to save on cleanup!

Simple Ingredients for Crockpot Cabbage Soup with Hamburger

This recipe uses pantry staples and fresh produce you probably already have on hand. Here are the MVPs:

• Cabbage: Green cabbage gives its signature flavor and texture—feel free to use pre-chopped for simplicity.
• Ground beef: Lean ground beef keeps it hearty without going overboard on fat. Swap for turkey or plant-based crumbles if you prefer.
• Beans: Kidney beans add creamy texture and plant-based protein. Canned beans make it effortless, but any type of bean works here.
• Crushed tomatoes: The base of the soup that ties all the flavors together. Pro tip: Opt for fire-roasted tomatoes for extra depth.

Crockpot Cabbage Soup with Hamburger Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours (hands-off)
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 16 cups
• Difficulty: Easy

Crockpot Cabbage Soup with Hamburger Ingredients

• 2 medium onions, diced
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 3 ribs celery, diced
• 3 cups cut green beans (frozen is fine)
• ½ head of green cabbage, cored and chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed (about 2 teaspoons)
• 1 lb. ground beef, cooked and excess fat drained (or substitute with an additional can of beans for a vegetarian option)
• 1 (15.5 ounce) can red kidney beans (about 1 ¾ cup), rinsed and drained
• 2 teaspoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, plus more to taste
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 dried bay leaf
• 2 teaspoons curry powder (optional)
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups low-sodium beef broth or vegetable broth
• 2 cups water (thin with extra water at the end, as needed)
• Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley, rosemary, or thyme

How to Make Crockpot Cabbage Soup with Hamburger

1. Place onions, carrots, celery, green beans, cabbage, and garlic at the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
2. Top with cooked beef and drained, rinsed beans.
3. Sprinkle in brown sugar, salt, pepper, chili powder, bay leaf, and optional curry powder.
4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and water.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until vegetables are tender.
6. Remove and discard the bay leaf.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
8. Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve hot.

Jake’s Tips for the Best Crockpot Cabbage Soup with Hamburger

• Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half—it reheats like a dream.
• Use pre-diced veggies: Grab frozen chopped onions and pre-shredded cabbage to cut prep to under 10 minutes.
• Boost flavor: Look for beef broth with no added salt so you can season to taste.
• Storage: Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for 3 months.
• Common mistake: Don’t skip browning the beef first—it deepens the flavor and reduces grease.

Easy Crockpot Cabbage Soup with Hamburger Variations

• Go meatless: Replace ground beef with an extra can of beans or cooked lentils for a vegetarian twist.
• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for heat.
• Clean out the fridge: Toss in any vegetables you need to use up—zucchini and sweet potatoes are great here.
• Herby goodness: Add fresh basil or rosemary while cooking for extra aroma.

Crockpot Cabbage Soup with Hamburger FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work perfectly in this quick cabbage and hamburger soup.

How should I store and reheat the leftovers?

This homemade vegetable soup with ground beef stores well in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave for a quick meal.

Can I make this soup thicker?

Yes! Reduce the water or let the soup simmer uncovered in the last hour of cooking.

Do I have to brown the ground beef first?

While not required, browning adds major flavor and removes excess grease from your beef cabbage soup with vegetables.

Can I use frozen cabbage?

Frozen cabbage works in a pinch but might break down more during cooking, making the soup softer.

This Crockpot Cabbage Soup with Hamburger is the perfect recipe to add to your regular rotation. What’s your favorite way to simplify weeknight cooking? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your tips!