Winter nights make us want to cook, seeking warmth and comfort. My grandmother’s cabbage soup with ground beef was the perfect cure for cold nights. It brought our family together, making every meal a special occasion.
This soup is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of simple, nourishing ingredients. It’s a recipe that combines convenience with tradition. It’s filled with tender beef, fresh veggies, and a rich broth that fills your home with amazing smells.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Appeal of Cabbage Ground Beef Soup
Cabbage ground beef soup is a healthy beef stew that turns simple ingredients into a nutritious meal. It’s a hearty dish with great flavors and nutritional value. It’s a favorite in kitchens all over America.
6
servings15
minutes30
minutes250
kcalCabbage soup with ground beef is a hearty and comforting dish, combining tender beef, fresh vegetables, and flavorful seasonings.
Ingredients
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups beef broth
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes1 small green bell pepper, diced
1 small head green cabbage, cored and chopped1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 bay leaf
Optional: 1/2 cup uncooked white rice or 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
Directions
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s no longer pink. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Stir in the sliced carrots, celery, diced green bell pepper, and chopped cabbage. Add the dried oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, paprika, and bay leaf. Mix well to combine.
- Incorporate Liquids: Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Optional Additions: If you prefer a heartier soup, you can add uncooked white rice during the last 15 minutes of cooking or stir in canned kidney beans during the last 5 minutes to heat through.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy warm.
Notes
- This cabbage soup with ground beef is perfect for a cozy meal during colder months and can be adapted to include your favorite vegetables or grains. Enjoy your cooking!
Nutritional Powerhouse of a Comfort Meal
Making a winter comfort food that’s both tasty and healthy is a challenge. Cabbage ground beef soup meets this challenge by mixing protein and veggies. This mix offers many health benefits:
- High protein content from lean ground beef
- Abundant vitamin K and fiber from fresh cabbage
- Low-calorie option for weight-conscious families
- Rich in essential minerals and antioxidants
Why Families Love This Classic Dish
Your family will love this soup for more than its taste. It’s budget-friendly, easy to make, and pleases even the pickiest eaters. It’s perfect for cold evenings because it’s warm and comforting.
Cultural Roots and Tradition
Cabbage ground beef soup comes from Eastern European cuisine but is now a favorite in America. Different areas have made their own versions. These reflect local tastes and cooking traditions.
Essential Ingredients and Equipment Selection
To make a tasty beef and cabbage recipe, pick your ingredients and tools wisely. This soup is easy to make and won’t break the bank. It’s great for those who love to cook on a budget.
- Ground beef (lean preferred)
- Fresh green cabbage
- Onions
- Garlic
- Beef broth
- Seasonings (salt, pepper, herbs)
Choose kitchen tools that are easy to use. A big Dutch oven or heavy pot is best. It helps your soup taste richer.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Low-Carb Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Beef | 1 pound | Grass-fed beef |
| Cabbage | 1 medium head | Reduced quantity for fewer carbs |
| Onions | 1 medium | Reduced amount or replace with celery |
If you’re watching carbs, it’s easy to adjust this recipe. Cut down on veggies or use lower-carb options. This way, you can make a soup that fits your diet perfectly.
You’ll need a sharp knife, cutting board, measuring cups, and a spoon for stirring. These tools are likely in most kitchens already.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making this easy weeknight meal is easier than you think. Just follow these steps to turn simple ingredients into a tasty cabbage ground beef soup. Your family will love it.
Preparing the Ground Beef
Start with high-quality ground beef that has a moderate fat content. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the beef. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat into small crumbles for even cooking. Season with salt and pepper to boost the flavor.
- Choose ground beef with 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio
- Cook until meat is completely browned
- Drain excess fat for a healthier dish
Chopping and Sautéing Vegetables
While the beef cooks, get your veggies ready. Dice onions, chop cabbage, and slice carrots into uniform pieces. This makes sure they cook evenly and adds a consistent texture to your soup.
Combining Ingredients and Simmering
Once the beef is browned, mix it with your chopped veggies in a large pot. Add beef broth, diced tomatoes, and your favorite herbs. Bring it to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer.
| Ingredient | Amount | Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Beef | 1 pound | 8-10 minutes |
| Chopped Cabbage | 2 cups | 20-25 minutes |
| Beef Broth | 4 cups | Simmer 30 minutes |
Let the soup simmer for 30-40 minutes to blend the flavors. Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. Your easy weeknight meal is now ready to serve!
Tips for Perfect Flavor and Texture
Making the perfect cabbage ground beef soup is more than just a recipe. It’s about using expert techniques to take your healthy beef stew to the next level.
Seasoning is key to making your soup stand out. Start by choosing ingredients that add layers of flavor:
- Toast spices before adding to intensify their flavor profile
- Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for depth
- Experiment with smoked paprika for a rich undertone
Texture is also important in a healthy beef stew. To get it right, control the moisture and cooking time. Simmer your soup slowly to tenderize the meat and veggies.
| Cooking Technique | Impact on Soup |
|---|---|
| Low Heat Simmering | Develops deeper flavors |
| Periodic Stirring | Prevents ingredient sticking |
| Rest Period | Allows flavors to meld |
Want to add more depth to your soup? Try adding a splash of red wine or beef broth towards the end. This boosts the soup’s complexity without overpowering the main ingredients.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Preparing a nutritious family dinner is just the start. Proper storage and reheating are key to keeping your meal fresh and tasty. These steps help your cabbage ground beef soup stay delicious for days.
Freezing Instructions
Your cabbage ground beef soup is great for freezing. This makes it perfect for meal prep. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Cool the soup completely before freezing
- Use airtight containers or freezer bags
- Leave about 1 inch of space at the top for expansion
- Label containers with the date and contents
- Freeze for up to 3 months
Best Practices for Leftovers
Storing leftovers right is key for flavor and safety. Cool unused soup in sealed containers within two hours. It stays fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Meal Prep Suggestions
Make this meal a weekly staple with smart prep. Here’s how:
- Prepare large batches on weekends
- Portion soup into individual containers
- Rotate between refrigerator and freezer storage
- Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight
Pro tip: Always reheat soup to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure food safety and optimal taste.
Conclusion
Your cabbage ground beef soup adventure ends here, but the delicious memories will linger. This easy weeknight meal shows that simple ingredients can make amazing flavors. It warms both body and soul.
This soup is versatile. It’s great for feeding a family or a solo meal. Its mix of ground beef and tender cabbage is nutritious and satisfying.
Now, your kitchen skills include a recipe that blends tradition with modern cooking. Enjoy the simplicity of this winter comfort food. Feel free to try different variations. Each time, you’ll find new ways to make it your own.
We encourage you to share your own cabbage ground beef soup twists. Your kitchen experiments might inspire others. Bon appétit!
FAQ
How long can I store cabbage ground beef soup in the refrigerator?
Can I make this soup low-carb or keto-friendly?
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?
How can I make this soup more spicy?
Is this soup nutritionally balanced?
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
What are good side dishes to serve with this soup?
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