Easy Cabbage Soup Recipe

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Easy Cabbage Soup Recipe: A Hearty and Healthy Comfort Food

Cabbage soup is the ultimate comfort food that combines nutritious vegetables, savory ground beef, and rich broth for a hearty meal. This Easy Cabbage Soup recipe is quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and incredibly satisfying, making it perfect for cold weather or anytime you crave a wholesome, filling dish. Packed with cabbage, carrots, celery, and a savory blend of spices, this soup will warm you up from the inside out.

Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner, a nutritious lunch, or a soup to feed a crowd, this cabbage soup recipe checks all the boxes. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious, soul-warming soup that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients for Easy Cabbage Soup

To make this delicious cabbage soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Soup:

  • 1 lb ground beef (80% or 85%) – This lean beef will give your soup a rich, savory flavor. You can use leaner or fattier beef, but a bit of fat will make the soup more flavorful.
  • 2 Tbsp oil (divided) – For sautéing the meat and vegetables. Use olive oil, vegetable oil, or any cooking oil of your choice.
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped – Adds sweetness and depth to the soup base.
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced – Brings aromatic, savory flavor to the dish.
  • 4 cups green cabbage, chopped (from ½ large head) – The star ingredient! Cabbage adds texture, flavor, and nutrients to the soup.
  • 1 large carrot, sliced – Adds sweetness and crunch, balancing the flavors of the cabbage.
  • 1 celery rib, thinly sliced – Adds a mild, fresh crunch to the soup.
  • 28 oz canned diced tomatoes, with their juice – Provides acidity, sweetness, and depth to the soup’s base.
  • 15 oz tomato sauce – Adds richness and helps thicken the soup.
  • 4 cups beef broth – The liquid base that creates a flavorful, hearty broth.
  • 2 Tbsp brown sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
  • 1 tsp salt, or to taste – Enhances the overall flavor of the soup.
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper, or to taste – Adds a mild, warm spice.
  • 2 bay leaves – Adds subtle herbal flavor to the soup.
  • 2 Tbsp chopped fresh herbs (such as dill, parsley, or cilantro) – Fresh herbs provide a burst of flavor at the end of cooking, making the soup even more aromatic.

Instructions: How to Make Easy Cabbage Soup

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef and cook it for about 4-5 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Make sure the meat is browned and cooked through.

Season the beef with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper to taste. Once the beef is browned, transfer it to a plate and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same Dutch oven, add 1 tablespoon of oil. Then, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is tender and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until the garlic becomes fragrant and releases its aromatic oils.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables and Broth

Now it’s time to add the remaining vegetables and liquids to the pot. Add the chopped cabbage, carrot slices, and celery to the pot, stirring to combine with the onions and garlic. Follow this by adding the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, beef broth, and brown sugar. Stir the ingredients together to combine everything evenly.

Step 4: Season and Simmer

Add the bay leaves, and season the soup with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Stir to incorporate the seasonings throughout the soup. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.

Step 5: Add Fresh Herbs and Adjust Seasoning

Once the soup has simmered and the vegetables are tender, remove the bay leaves and discard them. Add the fresh herbs—such as dill, parsley, or cilantro—to the soup and stir to combine. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a dollop of sour cream for extra richness, if desired. Serve the soup hot with crusty bread, crackers, or even a sprinkle of shredded cheese for added texture and flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Cabbage Soup

1. Hearty and Nutritious

This Easy Cabbage Soup is packed with vegetables, making it not only a comforting dish but also a healthy choice. The cabbage, carrots, and celery provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals, while the ground beef adds protein and richness to the broth.

2. Budget-Friendly and Versatile

Cabbage is an affordable vegetable that you can often find year-round. This recipe also uses pantry staples like canned tomatoes and beef broth, making it an economical choice for families on a budget. You can also make the soup your own by adding other vegetables like potatoes, zucchini, or green beans depending on what you have on hand.

3. Easy to Make and Quick to Cook

This recipe is straightforward and requires very little prep work. After sautéing the beef and vegetables, the soup mostly simmers on its own. In just under 45 minutes, you can have a delicious, homemade soup ready to serve.

4. Customizable for Different Diets

This soup can easily be adjusted to fit different dietary needs. For a lighter version, you can use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also experiment with different seasonings to suit your taste.

5. Perfect for Leftovers

Like most soups, this cabbage soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Make a big batch and enjoy it for lunch the following day or freeze it for future meals. It’s a great make-ahead meal that can be easily reheated and enjoyed.

Tips for the Best Cabbage Soup

  • Cook the cabbage until tender: If you like your cabbage soft and well-cooked, feel free to simmer the soup a little longer to break down the cabbage further.
  • Use homemade broth: For an even richer flavor, try using homemade beef broth or vegetable stock instead of store-bought options.
  • Add some spice: If you like your soup with a little heat, add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the soup for a spicy kick.
  • Top with fresh herbs: Fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or dill can add a burst of freshness that enhances the overall flavor.

Conclusion

This Easy Cabbage Soup is the perfect dish for any time of year. Whether you’re looking for something comforting during the colder months or a nutritious, low-cost meal, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite. With its hearty flavors, tender vegetables, and rich broth, this soup will satisfy your hunger while warming your soul. Add a dollop of sour cream and a slice of crusty bread, and you have yourself the perfect, wholesome meal.

Enjoy the comfort and goodness of this easy cabbage soup, and feel free to customize it to your liking. It’s simple, satisfying, and full of flavor—what more could you ask for in a soup?

Bon appétit! 🍲

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