In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Add the ground beef to the pot, cooking until thoroughly browned while using a wooden spoon to break the meat into small, uniform crumbles.
Stir in the diced yellow onion, carrots, and celery, sautéing for approximately 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and become fragrant.
Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, sea salt, and black pepper, stirring constantly for 60 seconds to release the aromatic oils without burning the garlic.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef bone broth, then add the shredded green cabbage and the whole bay leaf, stirring to combine all ingredients.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20 minutes until the cabbage is tender.
Remove and discard the bay leaf before ladling the hot soup into deep bowls to serve.