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 seasonsmake 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!

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:

1. 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.
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2. Sharp Knife Set
   Make chopping cabbage, carrots, and onions quick and safe with a reliable, sharp knife.
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3. Deep Soup Bowls
   Perfect size for a generous serving of soup that stays warm and looks inviting..
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4. 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.
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5. Ladle with Comfortable Grip
   Perfect for serving up big bowls of soup without spills.
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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. Perfect for cold days, meal prep, or anytime you need something filling and flavorful.

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.

Want to switch up the tomatoes? Try fire-roasted, stewed, fresh, or even seedless canned tomatoes.

Need an alternative to tomato sauce? Use tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, or even marinara sauce for a different twist.

Going vegetarian? Skip the ground beef and toss in extra veggies like zucchini, potatoes, green beans, kale, or bell peppers.

Looking to tweak the broth? Tomato juice adds a richer flavor, or you can use homemade broth, bouillon, or a water-tomato puree mix.

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!

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!