Prep the pot and water: Fill a large saucepan halfway with water and bring to a boil over high heat.
Combine vegetables in the simmering bath: Add the chopped cabbage, diced onions, and finely chopped celery to the boiling water. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
Brown the beef: In a separate skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. If desired, lightly crumble with a spatula for even browning. Drain any excess fat and return to the pan.
Season the beef: Stir in your chosen spices (a pinch of salt, pepper, a dash of garlic powder, or paprika if you like) along with the Lipton Onion Soup Mix. Mix until the beef is well coated and fragrant.
Combine and simmer: Add the seasoned beef and the stewed tomatoes to the simmering vegetables. Stir everything to combine.
Final simmer and taste test: Let the soup continue to simmer for about 15–20 minutes more, or until the flavors meld and the cabbage is tender. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed (add salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar if you prefer a touch of sweetness).
Serve: Ladle into bowls and enjoy hot. Optional garnishes: fresh parsley, a squeeze of lemon for brightness, or a drizzle of olive oil.
Cook Time & Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Chef’s Tips & Variations
For a lighter version: Use lean ground turkey or omit the meat entirely and increase vegetables.
For more depth: Add a pinch of dried thyme or bay leaf during simmering; remove before serving.
Texture tweaks: If you like a chunky soup, cut the cabbage a bit larger; for a smoother texture, you can mash a portion of the cabbage before returning to the pot.
Spice it up: Add a dash of chili flakes or cumin for a subtle kick.
