I’m always on the hunt for meals that warm me up without hours of work, and this Fiery Beef and Cabbage Soup hits all the right notes. There’s something magical about the combination of hearty ground beef, tender cabbage, and that perfect kick of sriracha heat. When the temperature drops, who doesn’t crave a steaming bowl of something that satisfies while clearing the sinuses? The beauty lies in its simplicity—one pot, minimal prep, maximum flavor. But what makes this soup truly special goes beyond its ingredients…
Why You’ll Love this Fiery Beef and Cabbage Soup
If you’re looking for a soup that’ll warm you from the inside out, this fiery beef and cabbage soup is about to become your new cold-weather bestie.
It’s got everything you need – hearty ground beef, tender cabbage, and a kick of heat that’ll make your taste buds dance.
What makes this soup special? It’s the perfect balance of simple ingredients and bold flavors. The sriracha brings just enough heat without overwhelming the dish, while the beef broth creates a rich, satisfying base.
And can we talk about how budget-friendly cabbage is? This soup won’t break the bank.
Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes. A quick, one-pot meal that’s filling, nutritious, and guaranteed to clear those sinuses.
Who needs medicine when you’ve got sriracha?
What Ingredients are in Fiery Beef and Cabbage Soup?
You’ll need just a handful of simple, affordable ingredients to create this warming, spicy soup that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small cabbage, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp sriracha or hot sauce
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For those who might find the heat a bit too much to handle, consider having some sour cream on hand to dollop on top—it wonderfully balances the spiciness while adding a creamy richness to each bowl.
How to Make this Fiery Beef and Cabbage Soup
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large pot over medium-high heat, brown 1 pound of ground beef until it’s no longer pink.
Once cooked through, drain any excess fat—nobody wants a greasy soup, right?
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Add 1 diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot with the browned beef.
Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is wonderfully fragrant.
This aromatic base is where all that good flavor begins.
Step 3: Incorporate Cabbage and Liquids
Add the chopped small cabbage, 4 cups of beef broth, and one 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes to the pot.
The cabbage might seem like a lot at first, but trust me, it cooks down considerably.
For best results, consider using a premium Dutch oven for even heat distribution when cooking this hearty soup.
Step 4: Season with Spices
Now for the heat—add 2 tablespoons of sriracha (or your preferred hot sauce), 1 teaspoon of paprika, and salt and pepper to taste.
The sriracha gives this soup its signature kick, but you can always adjust based on your spice tolerance.
Step 5: Bring to a Boil and Simmer
Bring the entire mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
Cover partially with a lid and let it bubble away for about 20 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.
Step 6: Adjust Seasonings
Give your soup a taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
Need more heat? Add another splash of sriracha.
Too spicy? You might want to have that sour cream ready for serving.
Step 7: Serve Hot
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately.
For those sensitive to heat, a dollop of sour cream on top creates a perfect cool, creamy contrast to the fiery broth.
What to Serve with Fiery Beef and Cabbage Soup
This hearty, spicy soup makes a satisfying dinner on its own, but a few simple sides can turn it into a complete meal. A chunk of crusty sourdough bread is perfect for sopping up that flavorful broth—bonus points if you butter it or make quick garlic toast.
Cool, crisp cucumber salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance the heat, as does a dollop of sour cream swirled right into the soup.
For drinks, nothing beats a cold beer with this spicy number, though crisp apple cider (hard or regular) works beautifully too.
And don’t overlook a simple side of pickles—the tangy crunch provides a wonderful contrast to the soup’s rich, spicy flavors.
Fiery Beef and Cabbage Soup Substitutions and Variations
• Flavor Boosters: A tablespoon of tomato paste deepens the flavor.
Try adding smoked paprika instead of regular for a subtle smoky note.
• Garnish Ideas: Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley, a squeeze of lime, avocado chunks, or crispy tortilla strips take this soup to the next level.
Leftovers and Storage for this Fiery Beef and Cabbage Soup
This soup actually tastes even better the next day, once all those spicy flavors have had time to mingle and get friendly with each other.
Talk about a relationship that improves with time!
Refrigerator Storage:
- Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days
- The cabbage will soften more over time, which some folks actually prefer
Freezer Option:
- Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months
- Leave about an inch of headspace for expansion (nobody likes a soup explosion in the freezer!)
Reheating Tips:
- Stovetop: Gentle heat, stirring occasionally
- Microwave: 50% power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between
- Add a splash of fresh broth if it’s thickened up too much
Pro tip: A fresh squeeze of lime and a dollop of sour cream when reheating brings the whole thing back to life!
Final Thoughts
This Beef and Cabbage Soup strikes that perfect balance between hearty and healthful, with just enough heat to warm you from the inside out.
The humble cabbage transforms into something extraordinary when simmered with beef, tomatoes, and that kick of sriracha. It’s the ideal meal for those chilly evenings when you want something substantial without spending hours in the kitchen.
The simple ingredients belie its complex flavor profile, making it a budget-friendly option that never feels like a compromise.
As temperatures drop and schedules fill, this soup waits patiently on the stove, offering comfort and nourishment in equal measure.
For those busy weeknights, you’ll appreciate how this comforting soup freezes well for up to three months, making it an excellent option for meal prepping.