When the weather turns chilly and you’re in the mood for something hearty, filling, and nourishing, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of cabbage soup to hit the spot. But we’re not talking about any ordinary cabbage soup here-this is a Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef recipe that combines the hearty, savory flavors of seasoned beef and vegetables in a comforting broth. This soup is an instant classic for family dinners, meal prep, or when you just need something that’ll keep you full and cozy for hours.
The beauty of cabbage soup is in its simplicity. The cabbage absorbs all the flavors of the beef and spices, while the ground beef offers a satisfying protein boost. It’s a dish that has stood the test of time, often passed down through generations, providing comfort during cold seasons or when you’re looking for something healthy yet filling. If you’ve never made cabbage soup with ground beef, or you’ve been searching for the perfect version, this recipe is for you.
Original Cabbage Soup With Ground Beef Recipe
This recipe is a timeless classic that combines humble ingredients into a rich, savory dish that feels like a hug in a bowl. Whether you’re making it for dinner, lunch, or meal prepping for the week, it’s guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds. Let’s dive into the details of this mouthwatering cabbage soup with ground beef!
Ingredients Needed
To make this amazing cabbage soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Ground beef (1 lb.) – The star of the show. Ground beef adds depth and richness, providing a hearty texture that fills you up. You can go for lean ground beef, but for a juicier, richer flavor, slightly higher-fat ground beef works wonders.
- Cabbage (half a medium head) – Chopped into bite-sized pieces. Cabbage gives the soup its characteristic crunch and helps balance out the richness of the beef. It also softens as it cooks, absorbing all the savory flavors of the broth.
- Carrots (2 medium) – Peeled and chopped. Carrots add a natural sweetness to the soup, balancing the flavors and providing a burst of color.
- Celery (2 stalks) – Chopped. Celery provides a mild, refreshing crunch and an aromatic flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- Onion (1 medium) – Chopped. Onion brings a savory foundation to the soup with a slightly sweet undertone as it caramelizes in the cooking process.
- Garlic (3 cloves) – Minced. Garlic infuses the soup with a warm, aromatic flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Tomato paste (2 tbsp.) – Adds a rich, tangy base to the broth, enhancing the savory profile and deepening the overall flavor.
- Canned diced tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz) – Gives the soup a slightly acidic tang and a hint of sweetness. You can use fresh tomatoes if you prefer, but canned tomatoes are more convenient and yield excellent results.
- Beef broth (4 cups) – The liquid base of the soup. Beef broth intensifies the beefy flavor and gives the soup its hearty depth. You can use vegetable broth for a lighter version, but beef broth is ideal here.
- Bay leaves (2) – For that subtle herbal flavor that adds an aromatic layer to the soup. Be sure to remove them before serving.
- Dried thyme (1 tsp.) – Adds a touch of earthiness and fragrance.
- Salt and pepper (to taste) – For seasoning, adjusting according to your preference.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp.) – For sautéing the vegetables and ground beef.
Cooking Instructions
Now that we’ve got all the ingredients lined up, let’s walk through the steps to make this delicious cabbage soup with ground beef:
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Sauté The Vegetables
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and the onions are translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Cook The Ground Beef
- Push the veggies to one side of the pot and add the ground beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Stir the beef into the vegetable mixture, ensuring everything is well-combined.
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Add The Liquids And Spices
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to intensify its flavor.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and beef broth. Stir in the bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat.
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Add The Cabbage
- Once the soup is simmering, add the chopped cabbage. Stir to incorporate, and allow the cabbage to wilt and soften as it simmers.
- Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally.
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Taste And Adjust
- Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaves.
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Serve And Enjoy
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve. You can garnish with some fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese if desired.
Ingredient Insights
- Cabbage: Cabbage is not just a filler-it’s a powerhouse of nutrition! It’s rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, which makes this soup not only delicious but also good for your immune system and digestive health. When it cooks down in the broth, cabbage takes on a tender, almost melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Ground Beef: Ground beef is a great source of protein and essential nutrients like iron and zinc. The fat content in the beef adds richness to the soup, but feel free to use lean ground beef if you want a lower-fat version.
- Tomato Paste and Diced Tomatoes: The combination of tomato paste and diced tomatoes adds a nice acidity and sweetness to balance the savory beef and cabbage. Tomatoes are also packed with lycopene, an antioxidant that’s great for heart health.
Expert Tips
- Customize the Beef: If you want to make the soup lighter, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. For extra flavor, consider mixing beef and sausage for a more complex taste profile.
- Go Slow: Let the soup simmer for a longer time (up to 1 hour) if you have the patience. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors develop and meld together.
- Use Frozen Veggies: If you’re in a pinch, frozen carrots, celery, and onions work well too! It’ll save time, especially on busy days when you don’t feel like chopping fresh vegetables.
- Add a Kick: If you like a little spice, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for some heat.
- Make It a Meal: Serve the soup with crusty bread or a slice of cheese toast on the side. This turns it into a full, satisfying meal that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Recipe Variations
- Vegan Cabbage Soup: Swap the ground beef for a plant-based protein like lentils or tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a lighter, vegan-friendly option.
- Add Beans: For more fiber and texture, add a can of drained and rinsed beans, such as white beans or kidney beans, in the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Spicy Cabbage Soup: Kick up the heat by adding a diced jalapeño or some chili powder to the base. You could even add a splash of hot sauce right before serving.
- Make It Creamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or a splash of heavy cream just before serving to give the soup a rich, velvety texture.
Final Words
This cabbage soup with ground beef is the ultimate comfort food-hearty, flavorful, and easy to make. It’s perfect for those cold nights when you just need something to fill you up and warm you to the core. And the best part? It’s a one-pot wonder, making cleanup a breeze.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need To Make Original Cabbage Soup With Ground Beef?
To make the original cabbage soup with ground beef, you will need ground beef, cabbage (preferably green), onions, garlic, carrots, celery, diced tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional herbs like thyme, parsley, or bay leaves.
Can I Use A Different Type Of Meat Instead Of Ground Beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat substitute if you prefer a leaner or vegetarian version of the soup.
How Long Does It Take To Cook The Original Cabbage Soup With Ground Beef?
The preparation time typically takes 10-15 minutes, and the cooking time is around 45 minutes to 1 hour. The soup needs to simmer to allow the flavors to meld together.
Can I Make The Cabbage Soup Ahead Of Time And Reheat It Later?
Yes, cabbage soup can be made ahead of time. In fact, the flavors often improve when the soup is stored in the refrigerator for 24 hours. Just reheat it on the stovetop before serving.
Can I Freeze The Cabbage Soup With Ground Beef For Later Use?
Yes, you can freeze the soup. After cooling it down, transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and heat it on the stovetop.
What Type Of Cabbage Is Best For This Soup?
Green cabbage is the most commonly used variety for this soup due to its mild flavor and texture. However, you can also use napa cabbage for a slightly sweeter, more tender result.
Do I Need To Brown The Ground Beef Before Adding It To The Soup?
Yes, browning the ground beef before adding it to the soup enhances the flavor by caramelizing the meat. Make sure to drain any excess fat after browning.
What Vegetables Can I Add To The Soup For Extra Flavor?
In addition to cabbage, onions, carrots, and celery, you can add vegetables like potatoes, zucchini, bell peppers, or green beans. Adding these vegetables will provide extra nutrients and flavor.
Can I Make The Cabbage Soup With Ground Beef In A Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the ground beef beforehand, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
What Are Some Good Seasoning Options For This Soup?
For seasoning, you can use salt, pepper, garlic, and onion powder. Additional herbs like thyme, oregano, basil, and bay leaves add depth of flavor. A dash of hot sauce or paprika can also provide extra kick.