Corned Beef and Cabbage Soup
Corned Beef and Cabbage Soup is a warm, cozy, and flavorful dish made with tender corned beef, soft potatoes, carrots, onions, celery, and fresh cabbage all simmered together in a comforting broth. It’s a classic recipe often enjoyed around St. Patrick’s Day, but it’s so tasty and easy to make that you can enjoy it any time of the year. The soup is hearty, rich in flavor, and perfect for cold days or whenever you want something filling but simple.

This soup is also a great way to use leftover corned beef if you’ve made some earlier in the week. It combines vegetables and protein in one pot, which makes it kid-friendly and easy to customize. You can make it with more broth, less broth, extra veggies, or even add fun toppings like fresh herbs. It’s flexible, delicious, and comforting for the whole family.
You Should Try Corned Beef and Cabbage Soup
You should definitely try Corned Beef and Cabbage Soup because it’s unbelievably simple to make, even if you’re new to cooking. Everything cooks together in one pot, which means less cleanup and fewer steps to remember. The flavors blend beautifully, and the soup becomes tastier as it simmers. Kids love it because the ingredients are soft and mild, and adults enjoy the rich, savory taste.
Another great reason to make this soup is that it’s budget friendly. Corned beef stretches nicely in soups, vegetables are inexpensive, and you get a large pot that can feed many people. If you like meal-prepping, this soup is also great for that it reheats well and can last for days in the fridge. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Corned Beef and Cabbage Soup
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Corned Beef and Cabbage Soup
- 2 cups cooked corned beef, shredded or diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 ribs celery, chopped
- 3–4 small potatoes, cubed
- 4 cups chopped green cabbage
- 6 cups chicken or beef broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: fresh parsley for serving
How to Make Corned Beef and Cabbage Soup
Step One
First, heat the pot: Place the soup pot over medium heat and add the butter or olive oil. Let it heat up slightly before adding any ingredients to ensure even cooking.
Step Two
Now, cook the vegetables: Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Stir and cook for 4-5 minutes. They should start to soften and release a pleasant aroma, indicating they are cooked through.
Step Three
Next, add the garlic and spices: Stir in the garlic, thyme, and bay leaf. Cook for about a minute. This step helps the flavors blend well and makes the soup more flavorful. Add the potatoes and cabbage: Add the potatoes and chopped cabbage. Mix everything together until the vegetables are coated with all the flavors in the pot.
Step Four
Pour in the broth: Add the chicken or beef broth and stir the soup well. Increase the heat and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Then, simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer gently for 25-30 minutes. This allows the potatoes to cook through, the cabbage to wilt, and the broth to thicken and become rich with flavor.
Step Five
Now, add the salt beef: Add the grated or diced salt beef. Let it simmer for another 10 minutes until the beef is heated through and blends into the soup.
Step Five
Finally, taste and adjust: Add salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving. For a fresher, more delicate flavor, sprinkle with chopped parsley.

Kitchen Equipment Needed :
To make this Recipe, you’ll need:
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon or ladle
- Peeler for carrots or potatoes
- Small bowl optional, for separating herbs or seasoning
Tips for Making Perfect Corned Beef and Cabbage Soup
Use leftover corned beef to save time.
If you want the soup thicker, mash a few potatoes right in the pot.
Pre chopped veggies from the store make prep faster.
Add corn, peas, or green beans for extra veggies.
Serving Suggestion
I like to serve this soup with a simple salad, and sometimes I like to serve it with cookies or muffins, while my mother in law likes it with bread.

Frequently Asked Question
Can I make Corned Beef and Cabbage Soup with fresh corned beef instead of leftovers ?
Yes! You can cook fresh corned beef first, then use it in the soup. Just make sure it’s fully cooked and tender before adding it.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker ?
Yes. Add everything except the corned beef and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours. Add the corned beef during the last hour.
Can I freeze Corned Beef and Cabbage Soup ?
Yes. Freeze it in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Potatoes may soften, but the flavor stays wonderful.
Can I add extra vegetables ?
Absolutely! Corn, peas, green beans, or even spinach work well.
Corned Beef and Cabbage Soup
Course: Soups, Main DishCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy8
servings15
minutes40
minutes320
kcal55
minutesCorned Beef and Cabbage Soup is a warm, hearty one-pot meal made with tender corned beef, soft vegetables, and flavorful broth. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, perfect for families, and great for using leftover corned beef. This cozy soup is delicious for lunch or dinner any day of the year.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked corned beef, shredded or diced
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
1 medium onion, chopped
3 carrots, peeled and sliced
3 ribs celery, chopped
3–4 small potatoes, cubed
4 cups chopped green cabbage
6 cups chicken or beef broth
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: fresh parsley for serving
Directions
- First, heat the pot: Place the soup pot over medium heat and add the butter or olive oil. Let it heat up slightly before adding any ingredients to ensure even cooking.
- Now, cook the vegetables: Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Stir and cook for 4-5 minutes. They should start to soften and release a pleasant aroma, indicating they are cooked through.
- Next, add the garlic and spices: Stir in the garlic, thyme, and bay leaf. Cook for about a minute. This step helps the flavors blend well and makes the soup more flavorful. Add the potatoes and cabbage: Add the potatoes and chopped cabbage. Mix everything together until the vegetables are coated with all the flavors in the pot.
- Pour in the broth: Add the chicken or beef broth and stir the soup well. Increase the heat and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Then, simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer gently for 25-30 minutes. This allows the potatoes to cook through, the cabbage to wilt, and the broth to thicken and become rich with flavor.
- Now, add the salt beef: Add the grated or diced salt beef. Let it simmer for another 10 minutes until the beef is heated through and blends into the soup.
- Finally, taste and adjust: Add salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving. For a fresher, more delicate flavor, sprinkle with chopped parsley.
Notes
- Sauté the onions, carrots, and celery first to build extra flavor.
- Add cabbage last so it stays bright and not mushy.
- Use low sodium broth to avoid the soup becoming too salty.
- Add fresh parsley at the end for fresh color and flavor.
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