Are you craving a comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly healthy meal that won't keep you stuck in the kitchen all evening? Look no further! This ground beef and cabbage soup recipe is the perfect answer for busy weeknights or a satisfying weekend lunch. It's packed with deliciousness, easy to make, and a fantastic way to use up leftover ground beef. Get ready to experience a truly satisfying and healthy homemade meal that's sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 head of green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 bay leaf
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
-
Brown 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.
-
Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
-
Add Spices: Stir in the thyme, rosemary, pepper, garlic powder, and salt. Cook for another minute, allowing the spices to bloom.
-
Combine Ingredients: Add the sliced cabbage, beef broth, diced tomatoes (undrained), and bay leaf to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.
-
Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 20 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful the soup becomes!
-
Serve: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Cooking Tips for the Best Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup:
- For a richer flavor: Use bone-in beef broth instead of low-sodium broth.
- Add some heat: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick.
- Boost the veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, green beans, or zucchini.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
Variations:
- Spicy Beef and Cabbage Soup: Add a teaspoon of chili powder or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
- Beef and Cabbage Soup with Barley: Add 1/2 cup of pearl barley along with the cabbage for extra heartiness.
- Slow Cooker Version: Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables as directed. Then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe makes about 6 servings. Nutritional information will vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used. This is an approximation based on average values:
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 20-25g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g
- Fiber: Approximately 5-7g
This easy and delicious ground beef and cabbage soup is a perfect example of healthy meals that don't compromise on taste. It's quick dinner ideas made easy, a testament to the power of homemade cooking. Enjoy!