Hearty Cabbage and Beef Soup

Name: Hearty Cabbage and Beef Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1/2 head of cabbage, chopped; 1 large onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3 carrots, sliced; 3 stalks celery, chopped; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 6 cups beef broth; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1 bay leaf; 2 tbsp parsley, chopped for garnish

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 1 hour

🍽 Serves: 6

★★★★★

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There's something so comforting about a big bowl of soup, especially when it's packed with hearty flavors and wholesome ingredients. This Hearty Cabbage and Beef Soup is perfect for those chilly days when you need something nourishing and satisfying. It's a complete meal in a bowl, loaded with vegetables and rich beefy goodness.

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Ingredients for Hearty Cabbage and Beef Soup

The star of this dish is definitely the ground beef, which provides a hearty, protein-rich base that makes the soup satisfying and filling. The cabbage adds a wonderful texture and mild flavor that complements the beef perfectly. Onion and garlic are the flavor powerhouses here, laying the aromatic foundation that the rest of the soup builds upon.

Carrots and celery not only add a pop of color but also contribute sweetness and a subtle crunch. A can of diced tomatoes brings acidity that balances the richness of the beef, while beef broth adds depth and a savory backdrop. For seasoning, a pinch of salt, black pepper, and paprika add warmth and spice, and a single bay leaf enhances the overall aroma.

Finally, a touch of olive oil helps to sauté the veggies, and parsley for garnish adds a fresh, vibrant finish.

Tips & Tricks

If you prefer a leaner soup, you can drain excess fat after browning the beef.
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
Adjust the consistency to your liking by adding more beef broth if needed.
To make it spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the spices.

Serving Suggestions

This soup stands well on its own, but if you’re looking to make it a meal, serve it with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad. A dollop of sour cream on top can add a creamy contrast, and a sprinkle of grated cheese would be a delightful addition for cheese lovers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze this soup?: Absolutely! This soup freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Can I use a different type of meat?: Sure! Ground turkey or chicken would work well as a substitute for ground beef.
What if I don't have beef broth?: You can use chicken or vegetable broth in a pinch, though it will slightly alter the flavor profile.

Hearty Cabbage and Beef Soup Recipe Walkthrough

Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it's hot, add in the ground beef. Stir occasionally, breaking it apart with your spoon until it turns a lovely brown. This should take about 5-7 minutes. When it's browned to perfection, use a slotted spoon to remove the beef from the pot and set it aside for later.

In the same pot, toss in the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Let them sauté together, stirring now and then, until they soften up a bit. This should take around 5 minutes. The aim here is to get the veggies to release their flavors while picking up the tasty bits left from the beef.

Next, add the chopped cabbage to the mix. Give it a good stir and let it cook with the other veggies for another 5 minutes. This step helps the cabbage soften and soak up all those glorious flavors.

Now, return the browned beef to the pot. Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, salt, black pepper, paprika, and bay leaf. Stir everything together and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 45 minutes. This is where the magic happens, as the flavors meld and develop.

Before serving, remove the bay leaf and taste to see if any additional seasoning is needed. Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley to serve.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry.
Rich, savory flavors that develop as it simmers.
Packs a nutritious punch with a variety of veggies.
Easy one-pot meal, perfect for minimal cleanup.
Great for meal prep and freezes well for future meals.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

1/2 head of cabbage, chopped

1 large onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 carrots, sliced

3 stalks celery, chopped

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

6 cups beef broth

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp paprika

1 bay leaf

2 tbsp parsley, chopped for garnish

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned.

2. Remove the beef with a slotted spoon and set aside. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot and sauté until softened.

3. Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook for another 5 minutes.

4. Return the beef to the pot and add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, salt, pepper, paprika, and bay leaf.

5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes until vegetables are tender.

6. Remove bay leaf, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

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