Are you looking for a delicious, healthy, and budget-friendly dinner idea? Look no further! This hearty cabbage soup recipe with ground beef is the perfect solution for a quick and satisfying meal. Packed with flavor and nutrients, this recipe is a fantastic choice for a weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend lunch. It’s also easily customizable, making it perfect for even the pickiest eaters. Get ready to enjoy this simple yet incredibly satisfying homemade cooking experience!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 small green cabbage, shredded (about 6 cups)
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1 bay leaf
Instructions:
Step 1: Browning the Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
Step 2: Sautéing the Vegetables
Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes, or until softened.
Step 3: Adding the Cabbage and Liquids
Stir in the shredded cabbage, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, and bay leaf (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 4: Simmering the Soup
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful the soup will become! Stir occasionally.
Step 5: Serving
Remove the bay leaf (if used) before serving. Enjoy your delicious and healthy cabbage soup!
Cooking Tips for the Best Cabbage Soup:
- For extra flavor: Try adding a tablespoon of tomato paste along with the crushed tomatoes.
- Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like potatoes, zucchini, or green beans.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving.
- Leftovers are great: This soup tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations:
- Cabbage Soup with Sausage: Substitute Italian sausage for the ground beef for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetarian Cabbage Soup: Omit the ground beef and add a can of white beans or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Spicy Cabbage Soup: Add a diced jalapeño or some chili powder for a spicier version.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 15-20 grams
- Fat: 10-15 grams
- Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams
- Fiber: 5-7 grams
This easy recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick and healthy dinner option. It's a great way to use up leftover ground beef, and it's a delicious and satisfying meal the whole family will enjoy. Enjoy your delicious and healthy cabbage soup! Let us know in the comments how yours turned out!