Winter’s chill always brings me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. The aroma of cabbage soup with ground beef would warm our entire home. This hearty recipe isn’t just a meal—it’s a comfort that wraps you in memories and nourishment.
Making the perfect cabbage soup with ground beef is easier than you think. With just a few ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you can turn ordinary pantry staples into a delicious, nutritious meal. This meal feeds both your body and soul.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly dinner or a dish to warm you up, this recipe is perfect. It promises satisfaction in every spoonful.
Table of Contents
Benefits of Making Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef
This cabbage soup with ground beef is more than just a tasty meal. It’s packed with health benefits and practical uses. It’s a great choice for anyone wanting a fulfilling and healthy meal.
Nutritional Powerhouse
This soup is a nutritional powerhouse. It has lean ground beef for protein and cabbage for vitamins and fiber. Each serving gives you:
- 17 grams of protein for muscle support
- 4 grams of dietary fiber for digestive health
- Vitamin A: 3,266 IU for eye and immune function
- Vitamin C: 46 mg to boost immune system
Cost-Effectiveness
If you’re watching your budget, this soup is a smart choice. Ground beef and cabbage are cheap but make a big, filling meal. It’s perfect for feeding many people without spending a lot.
| Nutritional Aspect | Per Serving Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Total Fat | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 13 g |
| Sodium | 426 mg |
Meal Prep Advantages
This soup is great for meal prep. You can:
- Make big batches easily
- Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Freeze it for up to 2 months
- Reheat it fast for quick meals
Pro tip: Put the soup in individual containers for easy lunches or dinners all week.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Cabbage Soup
Making a tasty cabbage soup with ground beef begins with picking the right ingredients. The quality of your soup depends on using fresh, top-notch parts. These parts should blend well to make a meal that’s both rich and fulfilling.
Here are the main ingredients for a great cabbage soup:
- Ground Beef: 1.5 lbs of 90% lean ground beef is the perfect protein base
- Cabbage: 6 cups (about 1 lb) of fresh, chopped cabbage
- Beef broth: 4 cups of low-sodium beef broth
- Tomatoes: 2 (14.5 oz) cans of fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- Aromatics: 6 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
To make your cabbage soup even better, add these extra ingredients:
- Worcestershire sauce: 1 Tbsp plus 2 tsp
- Apple cider vinegar: 1 Tbsp
- Brown sugar: 1 Tbsp packed light brown sugar
- Herbs and spices: Sweet paprika, dried oregano, fresh parsley
This cabbage soup is packed with protein (20g per serving) and low in carbs. Each serving has about 488 calories. It’s a filling yet balanced meal choice.
Pro tip: Always choose fresh ingredients and take time to properly brown your ground beef for maximum flavor in your cabbage soup.
With these ingredients, you’ll make a cabbage soup with ground beef that’s both healthy and tasty.
Kitchen Equipment and Tools Needed
To make tasty cabbage soup with ground beef, you need the right tools. The right cookware and equipment make cooking fun and easy. Here’s what you’ll need to make this healthy and filling meal.
Required Cookware
For great cabbage soup with ground beef, you’ll need these essential items:
- Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot (6-8 quart capacity)
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Sturdy cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
Optional Kitchen Tools
These tools can make your cabbage soup prep easier:
- Food processor for quick vegetable chopping
- Immersion blender for creating smoother textures
- Digital kitchen scale for precise ingredient measurements
- Meat thermometer to check ground beef doneness
Storage Containers
Keeping your cabbage soup fresh is key. Here are some good storage options:
| Container Type | Storage Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Glass meal prep containers | Up to 7 days | Refrigerator storage |
| Freezer-safe plastic containers | Up to 3 months | Long-term freezer storage |
| Vacuum-sealed bags | Up to 4 months | Maximum preservation |
Pro tip: Always use airtight containers to keep moisture out. This helps keep the soup’s flavor and quality. Labeling containers with the date helps you know how fresh they are.
Preparing Your Vegetables and Ground Beef
Starting a tasty cabbage soup with ground beef recipe means getting your ingredients ready right. How well you prepare each part is key to a great dish.
First, get your fresh veggies ready. For this recipe, you’ll need to:
- Wash all vegetables thoroughly under cold running water
- Chop cabbage into bite-sized pieces (approximately 1-inch chunks)
- Dice onions, carrots, and celery into uniform sizes
- Mince garlic for enhanced flavor
Choose high-quality 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio beef for the best taste and texture. Pat the meat dry with paper towels before cooking. Pro tip: Cooking ground beef at medium-high heat helps develop rich, deep flavors.
Browning your ground beef in a large skillet before adding it to the soup is a must. This step caramelizes the meat’s surface. It adds a deeper, more complex flavor to your soup.
With proper preparation, simple ingredients become a hearty, nutritious meal. It will warm and satisfy your whole family.
Step-by-Step Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef Recipe
Making a tasty cabbage soup with ground beef needs careful steps. This soup is full of flavor and good for you. It’s a meal your family will enjoy.
Browning the Meat
Begin by getting your ground beef ready. Choose an 80/20 ratio for the best taste and texture. Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a big pot over medium-high heat.
- Cook ground beef for 8-10 minutes
- Break meat into small crumbles
- Season with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Add 1/2 tsp garlic powder for extra taste
Adding Vegetables
Once the beef is browned, add fresh veggies to your soup. Chop one large onion and sauté it for 5-10 minutes until it’s soft.
| Vegetable | Amount | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Cabbage | 1 lb | Shredded or chopped |
| Diced Tomatoes | 1 (15-oz) can | Undrained |
Simmering Instructions
The last step is simmering to get deep flavors. Put in 6 cups of beef broth and your ingredients.
- Add 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- Include 2 bay leaves (optional)
- Bring soup to a boil
- Reduce heat and simmer for 30-45 minutes
Pro tip: Let the soup rest for 15 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld together perfectly.
Seasoning Tips and Flavor Enhancements
Making a tasty cabbage soup with ground beef is all about the right seasonings. The secret to a great soup is using herbs and spices that make your ingredients taste even better.
Begin with classic seasonings that highlight your ground beef’s flavor:
- Kosher salt (1.5 tsp) to enhance overall flavor
- Fresh ground black pepper (1 tsp) for a subtle kick
- Smoked paprika (1 tsp) for depth and complexity
- Fresh thyme (1 tbsp) for earthy undertones
- Fresh rosemary (1 tbsp) for aromatic richness
Pro tip: The 80/20 fat ratio in ground beef provides an optimal base for flavor absorption, making your seasoning process even more effective.
“Seasoning is the secret language of cooking that transforms ordinary ingredients into extraordinary meals.” – Professional Chef
For a unique twist in your cabbage soup with ground beef, try these special enhancers:
- Worcestershire sauce for umami depth
- A splash of red wine vinegar for brightness
- Bay leaves (2) for subtle background notes
- Tomato paste (2 tbsp) for rich color and taste
When seasoning, remember you can always add more, but you can’t take away. Start with small amounts and taste as you go. Aim for a balanced flavor that lets each ingredient stand out in your cabbage soup recipe.
Cooking Methods: Stovetop, Instant Pot, and Slow Cooker Options
There are many ways to make a tasty cabbage soup with ground beef. You can use the stovetop, Instant Pot, or slow cooker. Each method has its own benefits for making this hearty dish.
There are three main ways to cook your cabbage soup with ground beef. You can use the stovetop, Instant Pot, or slow cooker. Knowing how each method works will help you make the perfect soup every time.
Stovetop Cooking Technique
The stovetop method lets you control the cooking process closely. You’ll need:
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 30-60 minutes
- Total cooking time: About 1 hour
Pressure Cooker Instructions
If you use an Instant Pot, cooking is faster. Here’s how:
- Total cooking time: 20 minutes
- Pressure release: 5 minutes natural release
- Quick release afterward
Slow Cooker Guidelines
The slow cooker is great for those who want to cook without much effort. It’s perfect for:
- Low setting: 5-6 hours
- High setting: 2-3 hours
- It makes the meat tender and the flavors blend well
| Cooking Method | Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stovetop | 15 minutes | 30-60 minutes | 45-75 minutes |
| Instant Pot | 15 minutes | 20 minutes | 35 minutes |
| Slow Cooker | 15 minutes | 2-6 hours | 2-6 hours |
Pick the method that fits your schedule and kitchen best. Each way makes a delicious cabbage soup with ground beef.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Enjoy your cabbage soup with ground beef later by following simple storage tips. Storing it right keeps the taste and nutrients intact.
Refrigeration is the best way to keep your soup fresh. Store it in an airtight container for up to 4 days. A pro tip: Your cabbage soup might taste even better the next day as the flavors blend.
- Refrigerator Storage: 3-4 days in sealed container
- Freezer Storage: Up to 3 months
- Best Storage Containers: Glass or BPA-free plastic with tight-fitting lids
Reheating your leftover cabbage soup is easy. You can choose from several methods to keep it tasty and fresh.
Reheating Methods
- Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat, stirring occasionally
- Microwave: Use 30-second intervals, stirring between each
- Pro Tip: Add a splash of water or broth if the soup seems too thick
“A well-stored soup is a delicious meal waiting to happen!” – Home Cooking Wisdom
For the best results, cool your soup before storing. Always use clean utensils to avoid bacterial growth. Your cabbage soup with ground beef will be a tasty option all week.
Recipe Variations and Customization Ideas
Your cabbage soup with ground beef recipe is super flexible. You can make it your own with simple tweaks. This way, you can enjoy a meal that’s just right for you.
Try these tasty protein swaps for your cabbage soup:
- Ground turkey for a leaner option
- Italian sausage for enhanced flavor
- Ground chicken for a lighter alternative
- Plant-based protein crumbles for vegetarian version
Adding veggies can boost your soup’s health and flavor. Think about adding:
- Zucchini for extra texture
- Bell peppers for sweetness
- Mushrooms for earthy undertones
- Leafy greens like spinach or kale
Spice up your cabbage soup with these flavor combos:
| Spice Blend | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|
| Cayenne + Thyme | Spicy and Herbaceous |
| Rosemary + Red Pepper Flakes | Robust and Warming |
| Smoked Paprika + Cumin | Smoky and Complex |
For a heartier soup, try adding grains or starches. Cooked rice, quinoa, or diced potatoes can make your soup more filling. It’s great for when it’s chilly outside.
Conclusion
Your cabbage soup with ground beef is more than a meal. It’s a journey of comfort, nutrition, and simplicity. With just 20 minutes of prep, you can make a hearty dish for up to 8 people. It’s also packed with nutritional benefits.
This soup shows that healthy eating doesn’t have to be hard or pricey. Using affordable ingredients like ground beef and cabbage, you’ve made a low-calorie meal. It’s full of fiber and protein, making it a great addition to your meals.
Whether you cook it on the stovetop, in an Instant Pot, or slow cooker, it’s a nutritious choice. You can store it in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze it for three months. Each serving has about 320 calories and 18 grams of protein, perfect for a balanced meal.
Cooking is all about being creative and trying new things. Feel free to add more veggies or spices to make it your own. Your culinary journey is just starting, and healthy, tasty meals are waiting for you.
FAQ
How long does it take to make cabbage soup with ground beef?
It takes about 45 to 60 minutes to make this soup. Prep time is 15-20 minutes. Cooking time is 30-40 minutes, depending on your recipe and method.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, you can make it ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. It tastes better after a day.
Is this soup healthy?
Yes, it’s very nutritious. It has protein from beef, vitamins and fiber from cabbage, and is low in calories. Use lean beef and add more veggies for a healthier version.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
You can make it vegetarian by using lentils, mushrooms, or meat substitutes instead of beef. Use vegetable broth for a similar flavor.
What are the best sides to serve with cabbage soup?
Serve it with crusty bread, dinner rolls, cornbread, or a salad. For a fuller meal, try rice, quinoa, or garlic bread.
How can I make the soup less watery?
Use less broth, add tomato paste, or simmer uncovered to thicken it. Puree some veggies for a thicker texture.
Can I use frozen cabbage in this recipe?
Frozen cabbage works too. Thaw and drain it well before adding. It might be softer than fresh cabbage.
What type of ground beef works best?
Use 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and moisture. For fewer calories, try 90/10 or ground turkey.
How can I store leftover cabbage soup?
Store it in airtight containers in the fridge for 3-4 days. Freeze for up to 3 months. Cool it first and reheat well before serving.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, it’s great in a slow cooker. Brown the beef, then add it to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Source Links
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- Cabbage Roll Soup Takes All The Work Out Of The Classic Dinner – https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a45014119/cabbage-roll-soup-recipe/
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- Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup – https://howtofeedaloon.com/slow-cooker-beef-and-barley-soup/
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