Hearty Ukrainian Borscht with Beef and Cabbage

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich, flavorful soup featuring tender beef, earthy beets, and crisp cabbage simmered to perfection, delivering the classic Eastern European taste. This ukrainian-inspired soups ready in about 80 minutes pairs beef chuck, cubed, canned beets, sliced, green cabbage, shredded for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 60 min Serves 6 Ukrainian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb beef chuck cubes and brown on all sides for 5-7 minutes until sealed and slightly caramelized.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot, sauté for 4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 6 cups beef broth and add 2 medium diced potatoes, 1 cup diced carrots, and 2 bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Add 1 cup canned sliced beets and 2 cups shredded green cabbage. Season with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar. Simmer for another 20 minutes until vegetables are tender.
  6. Step 6: Remove bay leaves, stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream if desired.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Hearty Ukrainian Borscht with Beef and Cabbage take to make?

Total time is about 80 minutes (20 min prep + 60 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Hearty Ukrainian Borscht with Beef and Cabbage?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep beef chuck, cubed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Hearty Ukrainian Borscht with Beef and Cabbage?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Hearty Ukrainian Borscht with Beef and Cabbage for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Hearty Ukrainian Borscht with Beef and Cabbage?

Ukrainian soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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