Name: Slow Cooker Spicy Cabbage Beef Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 360 min
Total time: 375 min
Ingredients: 1 pound Ground Beef; 6 cups Chopped Cabbage (Cut into 1-inch pieces.); 1 medium Onion; 15 ounces Crushed Tomatoes; 10 ounces Rotel Tomatoes and Green Chiles; 1.33 cups Water; 2 cubes Beef Bouillon (Crumble before adding.); 0.5 teaspoons Salt; 0.5 teaspoons Pepper; 0.5 teaspoons Garlic Powder; 0.5 teaspoons Dried Oregano; 0.25 teaspoons Cayenne Pepper

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There’s something truly comforting about a warming bowl of Slow Cooker Spicy Cabbage Beef Soup. On chilly winter evenings, when the wind howls outside and the snow blankets the ground, I often find myself craving this hearty meal. I remember the first time I made it; the aroma filled the house, making my family flock to the kitchen, eager to find out what was simmering. It became a staple in our home, embodying everything I love about winter cooking. Imagine coming home to a bubbling pot of savory broth, tender vegetables, and perfectly cooked beef waiting for you after a long day. It’s the type of dish that feels like a warm hug, and it nourishes both the body and soul.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
6 hr 15 mins

Prep Time:
15 mins

Cook Time:
360 mins

Difficulty:
Hard

Calories:
320 kcal

Protein:
22 g

Diet:
Keto, Paleo, Whole30

Fat:
20 g

Tools Used:
6-quart slow cooker

The Beauty of This Slow Cooker Spicy Cabbage Beef Soup

Comfort in a Bowl

One of the biggest reasons I adore Slow Cooker Spicy Cabbage Beef Soup is how comforting it is. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone together, providing warmth on the coldest of days. The combination of flavors melds beautifully, creating a soup that feels indulgent yet wholesome.

Effortless Preparation

Making this soup is a breeze. You simply brown the beef and throw everything into the slow cooker. I love recipes that don’t require extensive preparation, allowing me to spend more time with my family while it cooks. The slow cooker does all the hard work, and the result is always satisfying.

Flavorful Ingredients

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role. The robust flavor of the ground beef pairs perfectly with the earthy sweetness of the cabbage. The tomatoes add a rich acidity, balancing the dish, while the spices bring it all to life. It’s a symphony of flavors that truly makes this soup special.

Healthy and Nourishing

Beyond its deliciousness, Slow Cooker Spicy Cabbage Beef Soup is also packed with nutrients. Cabbage is a powerhouse of vitamins, and combined with tomatoes and beef, it makes for a filling and nutritious meal. It’s an excellent way to incorporate vegetables into your diet without sacrificing taste.

Perfect for Meal Prep

This soup is fantastic for meal prep. Not only does it store well, but the flavors actually improve after a day in the fridge. I often make a big batch on Sunday so we can enjoy it throughout the week. It’s perfect for lunches or quick dinners on busy nights.

Versatile and Adaptable

Finally, Slow Cooker Spicy Cabbage Beef Soup is highly versatile. You can easily adjust the heat level by adding more or less cayenne pepper, or switch up the veggies based on what you have on hand. This adaptability is another reason I love it; it never gets boring!

Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Spicy Cabbage Beef Soup

The ingredients in this dish each contribute to the overall flavor and texture, creating a well-rounded meal. The star of the show is the ground beef, which provides a rich, savory base. Cabbage adds a satisfying crunch, while the tomatoes provide acidity and sweetness. Combined with aromatic spices, these elements come together beautifully.

Ground Beef: A pound of ground beef forms the hearty base of this soup. It brings rich flavors and satisfying protein, making it a filling dish.
Cabbage: Six cups of chopped cabbage not only adds crunch but also nutrients and fiber, enhancing the soup’s health benefits.
Onion: One medium onion provides sweetness and depth, melding perfectly with the other ingredients.
Crushed Tomatoes: A 15-ounce can of crushed tomatoes adds acidity and richness, balancing the flavors of the soup.
Rotel Tomatoes and Green Chiles: A 10-ounce can of Rotel tomatoes brings a spicy kick that enhances the overall flavor.
Water: One and one-third cups of water help to create the broth base that ties all the ingredients together.
Beef Bouillon Cubes: Two beef bouillon cubes crumbled into the soup intensify the beef flavor and overall richness.
Spices: Half a teaspoon each of salt and pepper, along with half a teaspoon each of garlic powder, dried oregano, and a quarter teaspoon of cayenne pepper add layers of flavor and a hint of heat.

Instructions for Slow Cooker Spicy Cabbage Beef Soup

Cooking the Slow Cooker Spicy Cabbage Beef Soup is as simple as it is rewarding. Let’s walk through the steps together to ensure you get the most out of each ingredient!

Begin by browning the ground beef in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. As the meat cooks, use a wooden spoon to break it apart, ensuring even cooking. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s nicely browned and no longer pink. This step enhances the flavor by sealing in the juices.
Once the ground beef is browned, transfer it to your 6-quart slow cooker. This makes cleanup easier, and all the flavors will meld together beautifully in the slow cooker.
Next, add the chopped cabbage and diced onion on top of the beef. The cabbage will soften as the soup cooks, lending its flavor to the broth.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and Rotel tomatoes along with their juices. These ingredients will create a rich, flavorful base for the soup.
Add the water to the mixture. Stir gently to combine the ingredients without breaking up the cabbage too much.
Next, crumble the beef bouillon cubes over the top of the mixture. This will add a deep, savory flavor to the soup.
Season the soup with the salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper. Stir everything together to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours. The long cooking time will allow the flavors to develop and the ingredients to become tender.
When the cooking time is complete, check the soup for seasoning. Adjust with more salt or pepper as needed. You want to ensure it’s perfectly seasoned for serving.
Finally, ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Enjoy this warm and comforting dish with your favorite bread or crackers for a complete meal.

Things Worth Knowing

Cooking Time: The longer you let the soup cook on LOW, the richer the flavors will become. If you’re short on time, cooking on HIGH is a great option.
Beef Quality: Using high-quality ground beef can significantly enhance the flavor of your soup. Look for grass-fed or organic options if available.
Cabbage Varieties: While green cabbage is traditional, you can experiment with other varieties like Napa or Savoy for different flavors and textures.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to let the soup cool before sealing to maintain freshness.

Recipe Tips about Slow Cooker Spicy Cabbage Beef Soup

Here are some handy tips to ensure your Slow Cooker Spicy Cabbage Beef Soup is a hit every time:

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making for a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing: You can freeze the soup for up to three months. Just transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion.
Pairing: This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh salad. Consider serving it with a side of garlic bread for a delicious combination.
Spice Levels: Adjust the heat to suit your family’s taste by adding more or less cayenne pepper. For a milder version, remove the Rotel tomatoes.
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrients.
Make it a Meal: This soup can stand alone, but for a more filling option, serve it with a side of rice or pasta.

What Goes Well With This Slow Cooker Spicy Cabbage Beef Soup

Crispy Garlic Bread: The crunchy texture of garlic bread complements the soup’s creaminess, making it a perfect pairing.
Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
Rice: Serving your soup over a bed of rice can create a filling meal, soaking up all the delicious broth.
Cheese Toast: Melty cheese on toasted bread is a comforting addition that pairs beautifully with the flavors of the soup.
Seasonal Vegetables: Roasted or steamed vegetables make for a nutritious side dish, balancing the meal.
Occasions: This soup is perfect for cozy family dinners, potlucks, or even as part of a festive holiday meal.
Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for quick meals throughout the week.

FAQ

Absolutely! While this recipe uses ground beef, feel free to substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Just be aware that the flavors will vary slightly depending on the meat you choose. Ensure you brown the meat thoroughly before adding it to the slow cooker. This browning step is crucial for developing the depth of flavor that makes this soup so hearty and comforting.

Storing leftovers of your Slow Cooker Spicy Cabbage Beef Soup is straightforward. Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can refrigerate it for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to three months. When reheating, it might thicken a bit; just add a splash of water or broth to get it back to your desired consistency.

Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version of Slow Cooker Spicy Cabbage Beef Soup. Replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or simply double the amount of cabbage and add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or beans. You might also want to use vegetable broth in place of beef broth to maintain the flavor profile without the meat. Adjust the spices to your preference for a delicious vegetarian twist!

This hearty soup pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. I recommend serving it with crusty bread or a fresh green salad to balance the warmth of the soup. You could also add a side of garlic bread for a comforting touch. Additionally, serving it over rice or with a side of pasta can make it a more filling meal, perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Conclusion

The Slow Cooker Spicy Cabbage Beef Soup is a dish that encapsulates comfort and warmth, making it a perfect option for chilly nights. With its hearty ingredients and easy preparation, it invites you to gather around the table and enjoy a nourishing meal. I encourage you to try this recipe and see how it can bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart.