Slow Cooker Spicy Cabbage Beef Soup
Description
Warm, hearty, and packed with comforting flavor, this Slow Cooker Spicy Cabbage Beef Soup combines browned ground beef, tender cabbage, onion, and tomatoes with a flavorful blend of garlic, oregano, black pepper, and cayenne. The Rotel-style tomatoes and green chiles add a delicious kick, while beef bouillon gives the broth a rich, savory taste. It’s an easy one-pot meal that’s especially satisfying on a chilly day. The original recipe is designed for a 6-quart slow cooker and serves 6.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
6 cups cabbage, chopped into 1-inch pieces
1 medium onion, chopped
1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes and green chiles
1⅓ cups water
2 beef bouillon cubes, crumbled
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp dried oregano
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked.
Drain excess grease if necessary.
Place the chopped cabbage and onion into a 6-quart slow cooker.
Add the browned ground beef on top.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomatoes with green chiles.
Add the water and crumble the beef bouillon cubes into the slow cooker.
Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and cayenne pepper.
Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have developed.
Taste before serving and adjust the seasoning if desired.
Ladle into bowls and serve hot with your favorite crusty bread or cornbread.
🌶️ Adjust the Spice
The original recipe uses ¼ teaspoon cayenne along with tomatoes and green chiles for moderate heat. For a spicier soup, increase the cayenne or add a small amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
🍲 Recipe Tips
For lower-carb: Serve as-is without beans or bread.
For a heartier version: Add a can of kidney beans.
Turkey option: Ground turkey can replace the ground beef.
Meal prep: The soup keeps well in the refrigerator and can also be frozen.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this soup less spicy?
Yes. Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and use mild tomatoes and green chiles.
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey is a simple substitute for ground beef.
Q: Can I add beans?
Yes! Kidney beans make this soup more filling and pair especially well with the beef and cabbage.
Q: How long will leftovers last?
Store the cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4–5 days. It can also be frozen for longer storage.
Q: What should I serve with it?
Cornbread, crusty bread, or a simple green salad are excellent choices.
🌟 Nutrition
The original recipe lists approximately 251 calories per serving, although actual nutrition will vary depending on the ground beef and other ingredients used.