Delicious Shoney's Copycat Cabbage Soup Recipe
A Hearty, One-Pot Soup That Tastes Just Like the Classic Shoney’s Favorite!
Growing up, one of the best treats was heading to Shoney’s and enjoying a warm, comforting bowl of their famous cabbage soup. Sadly, Shoney’s has disappeared from my area, with only one left in the entire state. But the good news? This Shoney’s Copycat Cabbage Soup is even better than the original! It’s easy to make, comes together in just one pot, and chances are, you already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen. It’s a soup you can enjoy any time of the year, and it makes fantastic leftovers… if there are any left! 😉
A Soup for Every Season—Comforting and Flavorful Year-Round
This is the kind of soup that adapts to the seasons make it heartier in the colder months or keep it light when it’s warm. That’s exactly why I enjoy it all year round!
The base alone is packed with flavor, so much so that just sipping on the broth is pure comfort. It all starts with the classic combination of carrots, celery, onion, and garlic, you just know the broth is going to be rich and sippable.
And the best part? This soup comes together quickly, but if you have the time, letting it simmer a little longer deepens the flavors even more. Either way, it’s always a warm, satisfying bowl of goodness!
The Secret to a Perfectly Balanced Tomato-Based Soup
What makes this soup special? The perfectly balanced tomato base! It’s not too overpowering, just the right amount to bring everything together. And the best part? It’s completely adaptable to your taste.
- • Switching Up the Tomatoes: Try fire-roasted, stewed, fresh, or even seedless canned tomatoes for different flavor profiles.
- • Alternative to Tomato Sauce: Use tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, or even marinara sauce for a new twist.
- • Going Vegetarian? Skip the ground beef and toss in extra veggies like zucchini, potatoes, green beans, kale, or bell peppers.
- • Tweak the Broth: Tomato juice adds a richer flavor, or you can use homemade broth, bouillon, or a water-tomato puree mix for variety.
- • Spice It Your Way: Swap Italian seasoning for marjoram, basil, oregano, or thyme. Want a little kick? Add cumin, turmeric, mustard seeds, or cayenne.
This soup is as flexible as it is delicious—customize it to fit your cravings and enjoy every comforting bite!
Full of Flavor!
This cozy cabbage and beef soup is one of those simmer-on-the-stove-for-a-few- meals that fills your kitchen with good smells and your belly with something real. In this video, I’ll show you how I bring it together with everyday ingredients and a little time.
Soup Gear You Didn’t Know You Needed
Cooking a comforting soup like this cabbage and beef recipe gets so much easier with the right tools. Here are some kitchen essentials I recommend, perfect for simmering, chopping, and serving your favorite soups:
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Heavy-Duty Dutch Oven
A must-have for soups that simmer low and slow. Even heat distribution and plenty of space for all those veggies and beef.
Check it out on Amazon -
Sharp Knife Set
Make chopping cabbage, carrots, and onions quick and safe with a reliable, sharp knife.
Check it out on Amazon -
Deep Soup Bowls
Perfect size for a generous serving of soup that stays warm and looks inviting..
Check it out on Amazon -
Ceramic Stoneware Bowls (30 oz)
These generously sized stoneware bowls hold plenty of soup and stay warm longer, so every spoonful feels cozy and comforting.
Check it out on Amazon -
Ladle with Comfortable Grip
Perfect for serving up big bowls of soup without spills.
Check it out on Amazon
Affiliate Disclosure
Everyday Dana is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, This means a small commission may be earned (at no extra cost to you) if a purchase is made through one of these links.
Hearty Cabbage and Beef Soup
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef 80% lean or higher
- ½ head of cabbage chopped
- 1 onion diced
- 2 medium carrots diced (or 1 large)
- 2 stalks of celery diced
- 4 large cloves of garlic chopped (or 5 medium)
- 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
- 1 can 15 oz red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can 15 oz tomato sauce
- 6 –8 cups chicken broth adjust to preference
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 to 1 ½ teaspoons sugar optional, to cut acidity
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 bay leaf not in video
Instructions
- Season the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the beef over medium heat until slightly pink, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks. Drain fat if needed.
- Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook until softened, about 5–7 minutes.
- Stir in diced tomatoes (with juices), kidney beans, and tomato sauce. Pour in chicken broth.
- Add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Stir well.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, until vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
- After about an hour, add chopped cabbage. Simmer an additional 30 minutes or until cabbage is tender.
- Taste and adjust seasonings with more salt, pepper, or sugar as needed.
Notes
Bring the Shoney’s Experience Home
Sadly, there’s no Shoney’s near me anymore, and I sure miss some of my favorite dishes. But I’m so glad this cabbage soup is one I can still enjoy right at home, and now, you can too!
If you’ve never had Shoney’s cabbage soup before, this is your chance to give it a try. It’s simple, packed with flavor, and easy to adjust based on what you have on hand. Plus, with all the hearty ingredients, it’s a complete meal in itself.
Of course, no good bowl of soup is complete without something to soak up every last drop. Try my homemade French bread for sopping up that delicious broth, or go for a little Southern-style cornbread for a comforting, classic pairing. Enjoy!
Thanks for hanging out! Just a quick heads-up: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps keep things rolling around here!
Hey, if you tried this recipe, leave a comment below and let me know what you think! A quick rating helps others out too, and if you added your own twist, let’s talk about it!