Imagine coming home after a long day to the rich, savory aroma of a perfectly simmered soup waiting for you. That’s the magic of this Slow Cooker Beef & Cabbage Soup. We let hearty ground beef, crisp bacon, and a garden’s worth of vegetables meld together for hours, creating an unforgettable depth of flavor that tastes like it took all day to prepare—but your slow cooker did all the work! It’s the ultimate comfort in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings and busy weeknights.
Ingredients
• 3 tablespoons / 45 ml olive oil, divided
• 2½ pounds / 1.1 kg ground beef
• 2 tablespoons / 30 ml apple cider vinegar
• 4 cups / 950 ml beef broth
• 6 slices bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• ½ cup / 75 g fresh green beans, trimmed
• ½ head cabbage, cored and thinly sliced
• 1 cup / 100 g sliced white button mushrooms
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 28-ounce / 794 g can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon / 2 g dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon / 6 g salt
• ½ teaspoon / 1 g ground black pepper
• Slow Cooker Size
• LARGE (6-quart or larger)
Instructions
1. Rub the sides and bottom of the slow cooker stoneware with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil.
2. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring frequently to break it up, until browned, about 8 to 10 minutes.
3. Transfer the browned beef and any collected juices into the prepared slow cooker. Add all remaining and stir well to combine.
4. Cover and cook on Low for 7 to 9 hours.
Nutritional Information
• PER SERVING: 327 CALORIES ★ FAT 24 G (66%) ★ NET CARBS 4 G (5%) ★ PROTEIN 21 G (26%)
Pro Tips
• Don’t skip browning the beef! This crucial step creates a deep, caramelized flavor base (known as the Maillard reaction) that you can’t achieve by just putting raw meat in the slow cooker.
• To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a little space for expansion. It will keep for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• For a richer finish, stir in a dollop of sour cream or top individual bowls with shredded cheddar cheese just before serving.
FAQ
Q: Can I put raw ground beef in the slow cooker for this soup
A: No, it is crucial to brown the ground beef in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. This step creates a deep, caramelized flavor base that you won’t achieve by adding the meat raw.
Q: Is this beef and cabbage soup keto friendly
A: Yes, this soup is very keto-friendly. With only 4 grams of net carbs per serving, it’s an excellent low-carb meal option.
Q: How do I freeze this slow cooker soup
A: To freeze the soup, first let it cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a little room for expansion. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Q: What can I serve with this beef and cabbage soup
A: For a richer finish, you can stir a dollop of sour cream directly into the soup or top individual bowls with shredded cheddar cheese just before serving.
