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Hearty Lean Corned Beef and Cabbage Soup

lean corned beef and cabbage soup - featured image

A hearty and healthy corned beef and cabbage soup with white beans that is quick, easy, and perfect for cozy dinners. This soup is light yet flavorful, making it a comforting meal without the guilt.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound lean corned beef, trimmed and cubed into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 cups shredded cabbage (about half a medium head)
  • 1 can (15 oz) white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 6 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional: 1-2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  1. Dice the onion, carrots, and celery into small ¼-inch cubes. Cube the lean corned beef into roughly 1-inch pieces.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Stir occasionally until onions are translucent and vegetables soften, about 4-5 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Stir in the cubed corned beef and cook for 2-3 minutes to brown the edges slightly.
  5. Pour in 6 cups of low-sodium beef broth. Add 2 bay leaves and 1 teaspoon fresh thyme. Stir and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 30 minutes to meld flavors and tenderize the beef. Add water or broth if soup thickens too much.
  7. Stir in 4 cups shredded cabbage and the drained white beans. Cover and simmer for another 10 minutes until cabbage is tender but not mushy.
  8. Remove bay leaves. Season with freshly ground black pepper and, if desired, a splash of apple cider vinegar. Stir well.
  9. Serve warm with crusty bread or your favorite side.

Notes

Do not overcook the cabbage; it should be tender-crisp. Use lean corned beef to keep the soup light. Rinse canned beans well to reduce sodium. For richer broth, add a Parmesan rind during simmering and remove before serving. A splash of apple cider vinegar at the end brightens the flavors. This soup can be adapted for vegetarian or slow cooker versions.

Nutrition

Keywords: corned beef soup, cabbage soup, white beans, healthy soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, lean corned beef, hearty soup