Slow Cooker Spicy Cabbage Beef Soup Recipe

Easy Slow Cooker Spicy Cabbage Beef Soup Recipe for Cold Days

Whipping up a hearty slow cooker spicy cabbage beef soup promises pure comfort on chilly evenings.

My kitchen always feels magical when robust flavors mingle effortlessly.

Tender beef chunks nestle among vibrant vegetable pieces, creating a symphony of taste.

Warm spices dance through each spoonful, inviting passionate food enthusiasts to savor every bite.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet satisfying meals that nourish both body and soul.

Nutritious ingredients blend seamlessly, turning ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Dive right in and let this recipe become your new cold-weather companion.

FAQs

  • Is this soup spicy?

The spice level depends on the type of tomatoes and optional hot sauce you use. You can easily adjust the heat by choosing mild or spicy diced tomatoes and adding hot sauce to taste.

  • Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, ground turkey or ground chicken work great as substitutes for beef. You can also use lean ground beef for a healthier option.

  • Do I need to pre-cook the vegetables?

No, the cabbage and onions will cook perfectly in the slow cooker. Just chop them and add them directly to the slow cooker with the other ingredients.

  • Is this soup keto-friendly?

This soup is low-carb and can be made keto by using a low-carb tomato option and ensuring your beef is grass-fed. The cabbage makes it a great low-carb meal option.

Why Slow Cooker Spicy Cabbage Soup Delights

  • Simplify Meal Prep: Toss ingredients into the slow cooker and walk away, enjoying a hands-off cooking experience that transforms basic ingredients into a hearty, satisfying meal.
  • Nourish Your Body: Packed with protein-rich ground beef and fiber-filled cabbage, this soup delivers a nutritious punch that keeps you full and energized throughout the day.
  • Customize with Ease: Adjust spice levels, swap vegetables, or add extra herbs to match your taste preferences, making this recipe wonderfully adaptable for any palate.
  • Budget-Friendly Comfort: Using affordable ingredients like ground beef and cabbage, this soup provides a wallet-friendly option that doesn't compromise on flavor or nutrition.

Key Ingredients For Spicy Cabbage Soup

Meat Base:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty protein that adds rich flavor and substance to the soup.
Vegetables:
  • Cabbage, Onion: Cabbage provides a tender, slightly sweet base with great texture, while onions contribute a deep, savory undertone to the soup.
Seasonings and Liquids:
  • Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce, Beef Broth: Tomatoes and tomato sauce create a robust, tangy base that helps tenderize the meat and adds depth to the soup's flavor profile. Beef broth enhances the meaty richness and provides additional liquid for slow cooking.
  • Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder: These classic seasonings build a balanced and bold flavor foundation for the soup.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a spicy kick that gives the soup its signature heat and warmth.

Step-By-Step Spicy Cabbage Soup Instructions

Step 1: Sizzle The Beef

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high flame.

Crumble ground beef into the pan, using a wooden spoon to break it into small, delectable pieces.

Cook until the meat transforms from pink to a rich, appetizing brown color.

The sizzling sounds and savory aroma will make your kitchen feel alive with deliciousness.

Step 2: Layer Veggie Foundation

Grab your trusty 6-quart slow cooker and create a hearty base by spreading chopped cabbage and diced onions across the bottom.

These vegetables will infuse the soup with incredible depth and texture.

Gently transfer the perfectly browned beef over the vegetable layer, ensuring an even distribution.

Step 3: Splash In Flavor Boosters

Pour in the liquid ingredients and sprinkle dry seasonings.

Your flavor enhancers will include:
  • Beef broth
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Tomato sauce
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Garlic
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Paprika
  • Red pepper flakes

Mix everything together, allowing the ingredients to mingle and promise a zesty culinary adventure.

Step 4: Slow Cook To Perfection

Secure the slow cooker lid and select your cooking rhythm.

For a leisurely preparation, choose LOW setting and let the soup simmer for 6 to 8 hours.

If you’re in a hurry, the HIGH setting will deliver equally delectable results in 4 to 5 hours.

The magic happens as flavors merge and beef becomes meltingly tender.

Tips For Making Spicy Cabbage Soup

  • Select ground beef with lower fat content to reduce excess grease and create a healthier soup.
  • Cut cabbage into consistent, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and balanced texture throughout the soup.
  • Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or red wine vinegar to intensify the savory profile and provide extra complexity.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes or hot sauce according to personal heat tolerance, starting with small amounts and tasting gradually.
  • Portion and store leftovers in airtight containers for convenient meals up to 3 months, allowing flavors to develop further when reheated.

Flavor Twists For Spicy Cabbage Soup

  • Vegetarian Cabbage Soup: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a protein-packed meatless version.
  • Low-Carb Keto Friendly: Swap cabbage with cauliflower and add extra fatty meats like chorizo or bacon for a keto-compatible meal.
  • Spicy Asian Fusion: Incorporate ginger, soy sauce, and sriracha to transform the soup with bold Asian-inspired flavors.
  • Mediterranean Style: Add diced tomatoes, oregano, and swap beef for ground lamb to create a Mediterranean-influenced soup variation.

Best Pairings For Spicy Cabbage Soup

  • Hearty Bread Companion: Serve with thick slices of crusty sourdough or rustic whole wheat bread to soak up the delicious broth and add a satisfying texture to each bite.
  • Cheese Topping Delight: Sprinkle shredded cheddar, parmesan, or crumbled feta on top just before serving to enhance the soup's rich flavor and add a creamy element.
  • Fresh Herb Finish: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, chives, or green onions to brighten the dish and provide a pop of color and fresh, zesty taste.
  • Protein Power-Up: Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to create a cool, tangy contrast to the spicy soup and boost the protein content.

Proper Storage For Spicy Cabbage Soup

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining best quality and taste.
  • Pour desired portion into a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on high in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until heated thoroughly to 165°F.
  • Pour soup into a saucepan, add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking, heat over medium-low temperature, stirring occasionally until warmed completely and steaming.
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Slow Cooker Spicy Cabbage Beef Soup Recipe

Slow Cooker Spicy Cabbage Beef Soup Recipe


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4.9 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty slow cooker spicy cabbage beef soup delivers rich, comforting flavors perfect for chilly evenings. Robust beef, tender cabbage, and bold spices combine in this satisfying one-pot meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound ground beef

Vegetables:

  • 6 cups chopped cabbage (cut into 1-inch pieces)
  • 1 medium onion (large chop)
  • 1 15-ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 10-ounce can Rotel tomatoes and green chiles

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 1 1/3 cups water
  • 2 beef bouillon cubes (crumbled)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Sear ground beef in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, crumbling the meat into small, uniform pieces until browned and no longer pink.
  2. Transfer chopped cabbage and diced onions into the slow cooker, creating an even base layer.
  3. Carefully scatter the browned beef over the vegetable mixture, ensuring uniform distribution.
  4. Pour remaining liquid ingredients and sprinkle dry seasonings across the top of the meat and vegetables.
  5. Secure the slow cooker lid and set the temperature: for a slower, more intense flavor, choose LOW setting and cook for 6-8 hours; for quicker preparation, select HIGH setting and cook for 4-5 hours.
  6. After cooking time concludes, stir the soup thoroughly to blend all ingredients and release deeper flavors.
  7. Let the soup rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow seasonings to fully meld and develop a rich, robust taste.

Notes

  • Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier soup base.
  • Chop cabbage into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
  • Consider adding a splash of red wine or beef broth for deeper, richer flavor complexity.
  • Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or adding hot sauce according to personal spice preferences.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 192 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 620 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 17 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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