Beef vegetable soup with cabbage is a little sweet, a little sour and loaded with tender beef. This hearty Cabbage and Beef Soup will be the comfort food you need!

Beef and Cabbage Soup in a bowl with a spoon

Many years ago, my friend from college introduced me to cabbage borscht (AKA Cabbage Beef Soup) at a Jewish deli. I love beets, but I am not a fan of borscht soup. So when my friend told me I must get the cabbage borscht, I was a little hesitant. But there were no beets in this soup.

Her grandmother made the best cabbage borscht and the deli we would frequent for lunch was a close second. I obliged and have been a fan ever since.

Cabbage borscht is not like the cold beet soup many think borscht is. It is a sweet and slightly sour vegetable soup filled with tender pieces of beef brisket, cabbage and tomatoes.

It is my all time favorite soup. I decided to make my own version and call it Cabbage and Beef Soup so no one would think it's a cold beet soup.

bowl of beef vegetable soup with cabbage

Ingredients Needed For Cabbage and Beef Soup

Beef Roast – Select a bottom round, chuck, brisket, etc.
Olive Oil – Or your favorite light, neutral oil.
Onion – A sweet onion will add a nice flavor.
Carrots – Chop into even sized pieces.
Cabbage – Core and chop a head of green cabbage.
Beef Broth – Use canned or homemade.
Water
Tomatoes – Used canned diced tomatoes. Select fireroasted tomatoes for a smoky flavor.
Lemons – Lemon juice brings the flavors together and adds a brightness to the dish.
Brown Sugar – Sugar will help to cut the acidity and give it the sweet and sour taste. Use more or less than the recipe calls for depending how sweet you like it.
Tomato Paste – Helps to thicken the sauce just a bit and adds a deep tomato flavor.
Salt and Pepper – to taste

Cuts of Beef That Can Be Used

The beef I used for this soup was a Certified Angus Beef ® bottom round roast. I went for a leaner cut. A chuck roast is a fattier cut but would make the soup much richer. Brisket, boneless short ribs, or any cut of beef that can be cooked long and slow would work. Whichever cut you pick would be delicious, and I hope you will try it.

How To Make Beef Vegetable Soup with Cabbage

In a large soup pot, saute the beef roast in the olive oil on medium heat until brown. Add onions and carrots. Saute until veggies are wilted.
Add cabbage, broth, water, tomatoes, lemon juice, sugar and tomato paste. Stir, cover and simmer on low for 2 to 3 hours or until meat is tender and will shred with a fork.
Add salt and pepper to taste. Extra water can be added while cooking if soup gets too thick.

Storing Leftovers

I made a double batch and stored several containers in my freezer. There is nothing like coming home on a chilly day to a bowl of this warm cabbage and beef soup.

It's a really good soup recipe to freeze. Just store in air tight containers, then defrost and heat up in the microwave or in a pot on the stove.

The leftovers are delicious!

A bowl of beef and Cabbage soup with a spoon and napkin

Serve This Soup With:

Cheese Beer Bread
Jalapeno Cheddar Corn Bread via Swirls of Flavor
Old Fashioned Buttermilk Biscuits via Restless Chipotle

Try My Other Soup Recipes!

If you like this cabbage and beef soup, please leave a 5-star rating.

RECIPE

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5 from 9 votes