Description
Looking for a soul-warming, easy dinner recipe that’s full of flavor and tradition? This Comforting Black Eyed Peas and Cabbage soup is the answer. Packed with hearty black-eyed peas, tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and a rich broth infused with herbs and spices, this dish is the ultimate cozy meal. Whether you’re after wholesome food ideas for chilly evenings or searching for a quick dinner that satisfies, this one-pot wonder checks all the boxes. Perfect for those craving comfort food that’s also nutritious — it fits right into your list of quick dinner ideas, healthy soups, or traditional New Year’s Day recipes.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chopped green cabbage
2 cans (15 oz each) black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
4 cups beef broth
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Add chopped onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes more.
3. Stir in chopped cabbage and cook for 5 minutes. Season with smoked paprika, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Add Worcestershire sauce if using.
4. Pour in beef broth, add diced tomatoes and black-eyed peas. Stir to combine. Bring to a gentle boil.
5. Reduce heat to low, simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is tender.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning. Simmer longer if a thicker texture is desired.
7. Serve hot, garnished with parsley or green onions, alongside cornbread or crusty bread.
Notes
To make it vegetarian, omit the beef and use vegetable broth — the flavor remains hearty and satisfying.
For a spicy kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce when serving.
This soup tastes even better the next day — make ahead and store for easy meals throughout the week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: black-eyed peas recipe, cabbage soup, easy dinner, one-pot meal, comfort food, healthy soup