Easy Cabbage Soup With Ground Beef Recipe

Cabbage soup is one of those timeless, comforting dishes that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Whether you’re craving something hearty, light, or healthy, this dish can cater to all moods and seasons. Now, add in ground beef, and you’ve got a filling, protein-packed meal that’ll make anyone feel warm and satisfied.

This recipe for Easy Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef is an easy go-to for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or when you’re just looking for something easy to throw together. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a meal that will keep you full without being too heavy. So, let’s dive into this deliciously hearty recipe and explore all the flavors and benefits that come with it.

Easy Cabbage Soup With Ground Beef Recipe

Hearty, nutritious, and so simple to make! This cabbage soup with ground beef is like a warm hug in a bowl. The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. It doesn’t require a lot of fuss, and yet, the result is a richly flavorful soup that makes you feel like a chef.

It’s a great balance of savory beef, tender cabbage, and a medley of spices, all simmered together to create the ultimate comfort food. If you’re looking to eat something low-calorie but still filling, this is a perfect choice. It’s also packed with nutrients from the cabbage, which is a powerhouse of vitamins C and K, and ground beef adds a hearty dose of protein.

Ingredients Needed

To get started, you’ll need these basic yet flavorful ingredients. There’s nothing fancy here, just solid, everyday ingredients that deliver big taste.

• Ground Beef (1 Lb.)

  The star of the show! Ground beef provides that rich, savory flavor and a substantial texture that makes this soup filling.

• Cabbage (½ Medium Head)

  You’ll want to chop it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. Cabbage gives the soup its bulk, a soft crunch, and a sweet, mild flavor when it cooks down.

• Onion (1 Large)

  Adds sweetness and depth. The onion is sautéed first to build the soup’s base flavors.

• Carrots (2 Medium)

  Carrots bring in some natural sweetness and color. They also add a slight crunch when cooked, which contrasts nicely with the softer cabbage.

• Celery (2 Stalks)

  A vegetable that often gets overlooked, but it adds a lovely aromatic touch and texture that complements the other veggies.

• Garlic (3 Cloves, Minced)

  Garlic gives a savory base flavor that infuses the soup with warmth.

• Tomato Paste (2 Tbsp)

  The tomato paste adds a rich, deep umami flavor and helps thicken the soup.

• Beef Broth (4 Cups)

  The liquid base of the soup. Beef broth complements the ground beef perfectly and adds a rich depth of flavor.

• Bay Leaves (2)

  Bay leaves are the secret weapon to infusing a subtle, earthy flavor into the soup. Just remember to remove them before serving!

• Salt And Pepper

  Essential for seasoning, don’t forget to taste as you go to adjust the seasoning to your preference.

• Olive Oil (2 Tbsp)

  For sautéing the veggies and browning the ground beef.

Cooking Instructions

Now that we’ve gathered all the ingredients, it’s time to make the magic happen! The process is super straightforward, and the best part is, it comes together in under an hour. Here’s how you can make this delicious soup:

1. Sauté The Vegetables

   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they start to soften and the onions turn translucent.

2. Brown The Ground Beef

   Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Brown the beef until fully cooked and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat if necessary.

3. Add Garlic And Tomato Paste

   Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste. Cook for another 2 minutes, letting the garlic become fragrant and the tomato paste deepen in flavor.

4. Add Broth And Spices

   Pour in the beef broth, and stir in the bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer.

5. Add The Cabbage

   Add the chopped cabbage to the pot. Stir everything together and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 20-30 minutes until the cabbage is tender, and the flavors have melded together.

6. Final Taste Test

   Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove the bay leaves, and you’re ready to serve!

Ingredient Insights

Let’s take a deeper look at some of these ingredients and why they’re perfect for this cabbage soup.

• Cabbage: A humble veggie with massive nutritional benefits! Cabbage is rich in vitamin C, an essential antioxidant that supports your immune system. It’s also high in fiber, which helps with digestion and keeps you feeling full longer.
• Ground Beef: The star protein of this dish, ground beef is not only tasty but a good source of iron and B vitamins. The fat content can vary, so you can opt for lean ground beef if you want to reduce calories and fat.
• Beef Broth: Using beef broth instead of water gives the soup a deep, savory flavor that’s hard to beat. It’s a flavorful base that enhances the beef and veggies, making the soup heartier.
• Tomato Paste: It’s concentrated and packs a punch in flavor. Tomato paste helps to balance the richness of the beef and adds a subtle acidity to the soup. Plus, it thickens the broth, creating a more substantial texture.

Expert Tips

• Browning the Beef: When you’re browning the ground beef, don’t rush it. Let it get nice and crispy in places, which will contribute to the deep flavor of the soup.
• Customize the Cabbage: If you like a bit of texture, cut the cabbage into larger chunks. If you prefer it softer, go for finer shreds. This is all about how much ’bite’ you want in your soup!
• Use Bone Broth: If you want a richer, more nutrient-dense broth, try using bone broth instead of regular beef broth. Bone broth is packed with collagen and minerals that are great for your joints and skin.
• Make It a Meal: Want to make this soup even heartier? Add some cooked quinoa or barley to the pot. These grains will absorb the flavors and turn this soup into a full meal.

Recipe Variations

As with any classic recipe, there’s room for plenty of customization. Here are a few ways you can switch up this cabbage soup:

• Spicy Cabbage Soup: For a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes, a chopped jalapeño, or a dash of hot sauce. The heat will balance the sweetness of the cabbage and carrots.
• Vegetarian Version: Simply swap the ground beef for plant-based protein or beans like kidney beans or lentils. You can also increase the amount of veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or potatoes.
• Add Some Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, or dill can elevate the flavor even further. Add them at the end of cooking to preserve their freshness.
• Low-Carb Version: Skip the carrots and substitute the potatoes (if you’re adding them) with cauliflower to keep it low-carb.

Final Words

This easy cabbage soup with ground beef is one of those recipes that’s just so simple, yet so satisfying. It’s a comforting dish that hits all the right notes – hearty, flavorful, and healthy. Whether you’re enjoying it as a meal on a chilly night or a light lunch, this soup is perfect for anyone who loves easy-to-make, nutrient-packed comfort food.