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Cabbage and Ground Beef Soup

Cabbage and Ground Beef Soup

Cabbage and ground beef soup is a classic comfort food that combines tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and aromatic spices for a warm, hearty, and nutritious meal. Perfect for cozy dinners or meal prepping, this budget-friendly soup offers a balance of rich flavors and wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
  • 1 medium head of fresh green or savoy cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 12 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 bay leaf

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces, dice the onion, mince the garlic, and slice the carrots. Having all your ingredients prepared ahead makes cooking seamless and quick.
  2. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink. This step builds the savory foundation of your soup.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Remove the browned beef and set aside. In the same pot, add onions, garlic, and carrots, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. This deepens the soup’s flavor and releases natural sweetness.
  4. Combine Ingredients and Simmer: Return the ground beef to the pot, add chopped cabbage, beef broth, and diced tomatoes. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and herbs like thyme or bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer gently for 30-40 minutes until the cabbage is tender.
  5. Final Taste and Adjust: Remove the bay leaf, taste your soup, and adjust seasonings if needed. This finishing touch ensures your cabbage and ground beef soup bursts with flavor.

Notes

  • Use fresh cabbage instead of pre-shredded for the best texture and flavor.
  • Don’t overcook the cabbage; keep it tender but slightly crisp to maintain texture.
  • Brown the beef well to add deep, rich flavor through caramelization.
  • Simmer slowly over low heat to meld flavors without overwatering the soup.
  • Season gradually to control intensity and avoid over-seasoning.

Nutrition

Keywords: cabbage soup, ground beef soup, comfort food, hearty soup, easy soup recipe, healthy soup, meal prep soup