Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef
Cabbage soup with ground beef is a classic, hearty dish that’s perfect for a chilly day. This recipe delivers a flavorful, satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to warm you up from the inside out. Whether you’re craving a comforting home-cooked meal or looking for a nutritious, filling option, this cabbage soup hits the spot.
The combination of savory ground beef, tender cabbage, and aromatic vegetables creates a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet and enjoy a healthy, budget-friendly meal.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
This cabbage soup with ground beef is a true crowd-pleaser for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly comforting and satisfying, making it the perfect dish for chilly weather or when you’re craving a hearty, homemade meal. The ground beef adds a delicious heartiness, while the cabbage and other vegetables provide a nutritious boost.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your dietary needs or preferences, whether that’s making it lower in carbs, dairy-free, or adding extra protein. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead option, as the flavors only improve as it sits.
Finally, this cabbage soup is incredibly accessible and budget-friendly. Most of the ingredients are pantry or freezer staples, making it easy to whip up anytime. It’s a fantastic way to stretch your grocery budget without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef ❓
• 1 large head of cabbage, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
The beauty of this Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of savory ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and robust herbs and spices creates the comforting, flavor-packed profile that has made cabbage soup recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
• Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
• Step 4: Add the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Step 5: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 45 minutes
• Total time: 60 minutes
Compared to traditional cabbage rolls or stuffed cabbage dishes, which can take up to an hour and a half to prepare, this Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef saves you 40% of your cooking time while delivering similar comforting flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
• Protein: 21g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 13g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sodium: 650mg
These hearty cabbage soup servings provide approximately 40% of your daily protein requirements and 20% of your daily fiber needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Substitute cauliflower florets for some of the cabbage to lower the carbohydrates.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Skip the sour cream or cheese garnishes to make this soup dairy-free.
• Added protein: Stir in a can of rinsed and drained chickpeas or kidney beans for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Add extra diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to increase the vegetable content.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair the soup with a grilled cheese sandwich or quesadilla for a comforting lunch or dinner.
• Complement the cabbage soup with a fresh green salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a balanced, nutritious meal.
• For a heartier option, serve the soup alongside a protein-rich dish like roasted chicken or grilled steak.
• Create a cozy platter with the cabbage soup, a selection of crackers or breadsticks, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Overcooking the vegetables: Be mindful not to simmer the soup for too long, as this can cause the vegetables to become mushy and lose their texture.
• Not seasoning the soup enough: Taste the soup as it simmers and adjust the seasoning (salt, pepper, herbs) as needed to balance the flavors.
• Skipping the tomato paste: The tomato paste adds depth and complexity to the broth, so don’t omit this important ingredient.
• Forgetting to taste and adjust: Regularly taste the soup and make any necessary adjustments to the seasoning or consistency as it cooks.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef servings retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the soup base up to the simmering step, then allow it to cool completely. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and completing the recipe.
• Freezing baked: Allow the cooked soup to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
• Reheating: When reheating the soup, do so gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to prevent drying.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this cabbage soup recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cabbage soup actually benefits from being made in advance. You can prepare the full recipe and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool the soup completely before transferring it to airtight containers for storage.
Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?
Yes, you can easily swap the ground beef for other proteins like ground turkey, Italian sausage, or even diced chicken or turkey. Each substitution will slightly alter the flavor profile, but the soup will still be delicious. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed for the different protein.
Is this cabbage soup recipe keto-friendly?
To make this cabbage soup keto-friendly, you can reduce the amount of cabbage and substitute cauliflower florets instead. You’ll also want to skip any starchy vegetables like potatoes or corn. Additionally, be mindful of any garnishes like sour cream or cheese, as those can add carbs. With a few simple adjustments, you can easily adapt this recipe to fit a keto diet.
Why is my cabbage soup watery?
If your cabbage soup turns out too watery, there are a few things you can do. First, make sure you’re not overcooking the vegetables, as this can release too much liquid. You can also try simmering the soup for a bit longer to allow the broth to reduce and concentrate the flavors. If needed, you can mix a tablespoon or two of cornstarch or flour with a bit of water and stir it into the soup to thicken it up.
Can I add other vegetables to this cabbage soup?
Absolutely! This cabbage soup recipe is very versatile, and you can easily add other vegetables to boost the nutritional value and flavor. Some great options include diced bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, kale, or even diced potatoes. Just be mindful of the cooking times and adjust the simmering period as needed to ensure all the vegetables are tender.
Conclusion
These Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef servings represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and nourishment. Whether you’re serving them as a cozy, comforting dinner or a satisfying lunch, they’re sure to impress with their rich, savory broth and tender, flavorful ingredients. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple, budget-friendly ingredients and straightforward preparation, this cabbage soup demonstrates that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the simmering process. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a delicious, wholesome meal that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
