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Cabbage and Ground Beef Soup

Cabbage and Ground Beef Soup

A warm, comforting, and hearty Cabbage and Ground Beef Soup that comes together quickly in under 30 minutes. Packed with protein-rich ground beef, fresh vegetables, and savory broth, this soup is perfect for a nutritious lunch or wholesome dinner. Easy to customize with your favorite spices and vegetables, it’s a budget-friendly, versatile comfort food that tastes even better as leftovers.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 4 cups green cabbage, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 4 cups beef broth or stock
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Herbs & Spices

  • 1 tsp dried thyme (optional)
  • 12 bay leaves (optional)
  • 1 tsp paprika or smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare your ingredients: Chop the cabbage, dice the onion and carrots, and mince the garlic so everything is ready. Opening canned tomatoes and prepping broth saves time while cooking.
  2. Brown the ground beef: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  3. Sauté the vegetables: Add onions, carrots, and garlic to the pot with the beef. Cook for about 5 minutes until the onions turn translucent and the carrots start to soften, releasing their natural sweetness.
  4. Add cabbage and liquids: Stir in the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and beef broth. Mix well to combine, then season with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs.
  5. Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together and the cabbage soften perfectly without losing its texture.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef to keep the soup from becoming greasy and heavy.
  • Don’t skip browning the beef to build savory depth of flavor.
  • Cut cabbage evenly for uniform cooking and pleasant texture.
  • Simmer the soup uncovered to help reduce and thicken naturally.
  • Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper at the end for best flavor balance.

Nutrition

Keywords: cabbage soup, ground beef soup, quick soup recipe, easy dinner, healthy soup, comforting meal, budget-friendly soup