This Hearty Cabbage and Beef Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender ground beef with a medley of vegetables, including the star ingredient, cabbage, all simmered in a rich and savory broth. This soup is known for its robust flavor, its heartiness that makes it a satisfying meal on its own, and its versatility, allowing for the inclusion of various vegetables and seasonings to suit different tastes. The ground beef provides a savory base, while the cabbage softens and sweetens as it cooks, adding a unique texture and subtle flavor. Carrots and onions contribute sweetness and aromatic depth, while diced tomatoes add a touch of acidity and a richer body to the broth. The broth itself is typically seasoned with herbs and spices like garlic, bay leaf, and sometimes a hint of paprika or other seasonings to create a well-rounded and comforting flavor profile. This soup is easy to prepare, often requiring just one pot, and it’s even better the next day as the flavors meld together. It’s a budget-friendly and nutritious option, packed with vegetables and protein, perfect for a chilly evening or a satisfying lunch. The hearty nature of this soup makes it a staple in many cuisines, often with regional variations in vegetables and seasonings.
The texture of this Hearty Cabbage and Beef Soup is a delightful combination of tender and slightly firm elements in a rich liquid base. The ground beef, once browned and simmered, becomes tender and easily breaks apart. The cabbage softens considerably during the cooking process, offering a pleasant, slightly wilted texture. Carrots and onions become tender but still retain a bit of their firmness. Diced tomatoes break down, adding to the thickness and body of the broth. The overall texture is comforting and substantial, with the various ingredients providing a satisfying chewiness alongside the smooth, flavorful broth.
The flavor profile of this Hearty Cabbage and Beef Soup is robust and savory, with a subtle sweetness from the vegetables. The ground beef provides a deep, meaty base note. The cabbage, as it cooks, releases a mild sweetness that complements the savory beef. Carrots and onions contribute their inherent sweetness and aromatic depth to the broth. Diced tomatoes add a touch of acidity and a rich, tomatoey flavor. Seasonings such as garlic provide a pungent warmth, while a bay leaf adds a subtle herbaceous undertone. Depending on the recipe, other spices like paprika can introduce a smoky or slightly sweet note. The overall flavor is hearty, well-balanced, and deeply satisfying, making it a classic comfort food.
Hearty Cabbage and Beef Soup is a versatile dish that can be adapted in numerous ways to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Other vegetables like diced celery, bell peppers, or potatoes can be added for increased nutritional value and textural variety. For those who prefer a spicier soup, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can be included. Different types of ground meat, such as turkey or pork, can be substituted for the beef. The broth can be enriched with beef bouillon or stock for a deeper flavor. For a vegetarian version, the meat can be omitted and vegetable broth used as the base, with the addition of lentils or beans for protein. The soup can be served on its own as a complete meal or alongside crusty bread for dipping. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or dill can add a fresh finishing touch.
The preparation of Hearty Cabbage and Beef Soup is relatively straightforward, often requiring just one pot for cooking. The process typically begins with browning the ground beef in a large pot or Dutch oven. Once browned, the beef is usually drained of any excess fat. Then, chopped onions and sometimes garlic are added and sautéed until softened. Next, the shredded cabbage, diced carrots, and diced tomatoes are added to the pot, along with beef broth or stock and any desired seasonings like a bay leaf, salt, pepper, and other herbs or spices. The soup is then brought to a simmer and cooked for a significant amount of time, usually at least 30 minutes to an hour, to allow the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to become tender. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor often becomes. The simplicity of the steps and the relatively hands-off cooking process make this soup a great option for a hearty and flavorful meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, shredded
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional additions: 1 cup diced potatoes, 1 cup diced celery, 1 teaspoon paprika, a pinch of red pepper flakes, fresh parsley for garnish
Equipment:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Spoon or spatula
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions:
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Break it apart with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the pot with the browned beef and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Vegetables: Add the shredded cabbage and diced carrots to the pot. Stir well to combine with the beef and onions. Cook for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage starts to wilt slightly.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes and beef broth. Add the bay leaf, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If using, add any other optional vegetables or spices like diced potatoes, celery, or paprika at this point.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour, to allow the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to become tender. Stir occasionally.
- Adjust Seasoning: After simmering, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning (salt, pepper, herbs) as needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Serve: Ladle the Hearty Cabbage and Beef Soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting and flavorful meal! It’s often even better the next day after the flavors have had more time to combine.