Hearty Cabbage Soup with Meat and Vegetables
There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of homemade cabbage soup to warm the soul on a chilly day. This hearty recipe combines tender pieces of meat, an abundance of fresh vegetables, and the sweet-tangy essence of cabbage to create a dish that’s both comforting and deeply satisfying.
Whether you’re looking for a wholesome weeknight dinner or a soothing meal to share with loved ones, this cabbage soup with meat and vegetables is sure to become a new family favorite.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
What sets this cabbage soup apart is the combination of flavors and textures that come together in every spoonful. The savory meat, the tender-crisp vegetables, and the slightly sweet yet tangy cabbage create a harmonious balance that’s both nourishing and delicious.
Beyond its appealing taste, this recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary needs or personal preferences, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights or meal-prepping. Plus, the recipe yields a generous portion, so you can enjoy leftovers throughout the week or freeze portions for a quick and easy meal on another day.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Hearty Cabbage Soup with Meat and Vegetables ❓
• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
The beauty of this hearty cabbage soup is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of savory meat, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs creates the comforting, homestyle flavor profile that has made cabbage soup recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Hearty Cabbage Soup with Meat and Vegetables Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
• Step 3: Pour in the beef or chicken broth and stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Step 4: Add the chopped cabbage to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.
• Step 5: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or crusty bread, if desired.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 40 minutes
• Total time: 55 minutes
Compared to traditional cabbage rolls or stuffed cabbage which can take up to 90 minutes to prepare, this hearty cabbage soup saves you 35% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sodium: 750mg
These hearty cabbage soup recipes provide approximately 50% of your daily vitamin C requirements and 30% of your daily fiber needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Reduce the amount of tomatoes and replace some of the cabbage with extra cauliflower or zucchini.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Omit any cheese garnishes and use a dairy-free broth.
• Added protein: Stir in cooked chickpeas or lentils for an extra boost of plant-based protein.
• Boost vegetables: Add extra cabbage, spinach, kale, or other nutrient-dense veggies.
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.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
• Complement the soup with a side of roasted potatoes or garlic bread.
• For a cozy winter dinner, serve alongside a crisp apple cider or a rich, bold red wine.
• Create a heartwarming platter by serving the cabbage soup with grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Not adjusting seasoning: Taste the soup throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasoning as needed. The amount of salt and pepper required can vary depending on the broth and other ingredients used.
• Skipping the browning step: Taking the time to brown the meat adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the soup. Don’t skip this crucial step.
• Forgetting to drain the fat: After browning the meat, be sure to drain any excess fat from the pot before adding the other ingredients. This will prevent the soup from becoming greasy.
• Not letting the soup simmer long enough: Allowing the soup to simmer for 30-40 minutes helps the flavors meld and the vegetables become tender. Don’t rush this process.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These hearty cabbage soup recipes retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Freezing baked: Once the soup has cooled, portion it into individual servings and wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, unwrap the portion and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
• Reheating: Whether refrigerated or frozen, gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s hot and bubbly. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through the heating time.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this cabbage soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup actually benefits from being made a day or two in advance. The flavors will have more time to meld and deepen. Simply store the cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stovetop until hot.
Can I substitute the ground beef or sausage?
Yes, you can use a variety of protein sources in this recipe. Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles would all work well. You can also swap the ground meat for diced chicken or pork. The flavor profile will vary slightly, but the soup will still be delicious.
Is this cabbage soup recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it does not contain any wheat-based ingredients. However, be sure to use a gluten-free broth to ensure the entire dish is compliant. You can also substitute tamari or coconut aminos for the Worcestershire sauce if needed.
Why is my cabbage soup watery?
If your cabbage soup seems too thin or watery, there are a few things you can do. First, make sure you’re simmering the soup for the full 30-40 minutes to allow the flavors to develop and the vegetables to soften. You can also try adding a bit more tomato paste or blending a portion of the soup to thicken the texture.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! This cabbage soup is very versatile and can accommodate a variety of additional vegetables. Some great options include diced potatoes, zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, or even green beans. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure all the vegetables are tender.
Conclusion
These hearty cabbage soup recipes represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and nutrition. Whether you’re serving them as a comforting weeknight dinner or a nourishing meal-prep option, they’re sure to impress with their rich, savory, and satisfying qualities. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this cabbage soup with meat and vegetables demonstrates that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the cooking process. So why not give this recipe a try and enjoy the warm, comforting goodness of a homemade cabbage soup that’s both delicious and nutritious?
