This nourishing Cabbage Soup is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that brings all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls but with less effort. Packed with ground beef, vegetables, and cabbage in a savory tomato broth, it’s the perfect comfort food, especially on chilly days.
Ingredients:
- 1 large cabbage, roughly chopped
- 2 small onions, finely diced
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) of stewed tomatoes
- 1 pouch Lipton Onion Soup Mix (any flavor works, but beefy onion or classic onion is great)
- 1 large celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1-2 pounds ground beef, depending on how meaty you prefer the soup
- 4-5 cups of water or low-sodium beef broth (enough to cover the vegetables and meat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Spices of your choice: optional but try adding a bay leaf, paprika, garlic powder, or a pinch of chili flakes for added depth of flavor.
Optional Add-ins:
- 1-2 carrots, peeled and sliced thinly for added sweetness
- 1 bell pepper, diced, for a subtle flavor boost
- Fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill for garnish
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, for browning the beef
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
- Chop the cabbage: Remove the core from the cabbage and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Dice the onions and chop the celery into small pieces. If you're adding carrots or bell peppers, slice them thinly at this point.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
- In a separate skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat (optional for flavor).
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Drain excess fat and set aside.
Step 3: Boil the Vegetables
- Fill a large pot or saucepan with about 4-5 cups of water or broth and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, add the chopped cabbage, onions, celery, and any additional vegetables like carrots or bell peppers.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
Step 4: Add the Stewed Tomatoes and Soup Mix
- Stir in the cans of stewed tomatoes (undrained) and the Lipton Onion Soup Mix.
- Mix well to combine all the flavors.
Step 5: Combine the Beef and Soup
- Add the browned ground beef to the pot and stir to distribute evenly.
- Simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together. If you feel the soup is too thick, add more broth or water as needed.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust Seasonings
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and any additional spices like garlic powder, paprika, or chili flakes. If you used a bay leaf, remember to remove it before serving.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
- Once the cabbage and vegetables are tender, remove from heat.
- Ladle the hearty cabbage soup into bowls, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill if desired, and serve hot.
This soup is perfect for cozy evenings or rainy days, and it tastes even better the next day!
Tips:
- Make it vegetarian: You can substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat or extra beans.
- Add rice: For a fuller meal, add cooked rice to each bowl before serving, giving it more of a cabbage roll feel.
- Storing leftovers: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days, and can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave when ready to enjoy again.
Enjoy this healthy, comforting cabbage soup!