Hearty Beef and Cabbage Soup Recipe
Introduction
This hearty Beef and Cabbage Soup is a comforting meal perfect for chilly days. Packed with vegetables and flavorful beef, it’s both nutritious and satisfying. Plus, it’s easy to prepare in one pot!
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ chopped head cabbage
- 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 2 stalks chopped celery
- 2 medium peeled and chopped carrots
- 1 (16-ounce) can kidney beans, drained
- 3 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and no longer pink.
- Step 2: Add the minced garlic along with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes with their juice, celery, carrots, drained kidney beans, beef broth, and Italian seasoning. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Step 4: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, uncovered, for 1 hour to develop flavors and tenderize the vegetables.
- Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley.
Tips & Variations
- For extra depth, brown the beef in batches to avoid steaming and get a better sear.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the soup.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
- Use leftover cooked beef and reduce simmering time to 30 minutes if short on time.
Storage
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it on the stove over medium heat until hot, stirring occasionally. This soup also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can substitute roughly 4 cups of fresh diced tomatoes. Be sure to cook the soup a bit longer to allow the tomatoes to soften well.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It keeps well refrigerated or frozen, making it a convenient and nutritious option for busy weeknights.
PrintHearty Beef and Cabbage Soup Recipe
This hearty Beef and Cabbage Soup is a comforting, nutritious one-pot meal that combines flavorful lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and aromatic Italian seasoning. Perfect for chilly days, this soup simmers all the flavors together to create a satisfying dish full of protein and fiber.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Meat and Oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables and Beans
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- ½ chopped head cabbage
- 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 2 stalks chopped celery
- 2 medium peeled and chopped carrots
- 1 (16-ounce) can kidney beans, drained
Liquids and Seasoning
- 3 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 pound lean ground beef and cook it until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Add Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in 3 teaspoons minced garlic along with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for about 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Vegetables and Liquids: To the pot, add ½ a chopped head of cabbage, 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, 2 stalks chopped celery, 2 medium peeled and chopped carrots, 1 (16-ounce) can drained kidney beans, 3 ½ cups beef broth, and 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let the soup simmer gently for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, to meld the flavors and soften the vegetables.
- Serve: After simmering, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a touch of color and freshness.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the kidney beans before adding them or cook uncovered during the last 15 minutes to reduce liquid.
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheat well, flavors improve over time.
- Adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of vinegar before serving can brighten the flavors.
Keywords: beef soup, cabbage soup, healthy soup, ground beef recipe, one-pot meal, hearty soup, comfort food
