Recipes

Meaty Cabbage Soup

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Meaty Cabbage Soup

A Hearty, Flavor-Packed Comfort Food Classic

This Meaty Cabbage Soup is rich, savory, and deeply satisfying—perfect for chilly nights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd. Loaded with tender cabbage, juicy meat, and vegetables in a flavorful broth, it’s both nutritious and budget-friendly.

Whether you make it on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, this soup is guaranteed to warm you from the inside out.

🧾 Ingredients

Protein:

  • 1½ pounds ground beef (or stew beef, pork, or turkey)

Vegetables:

  • 1 medium green cabbage, chopped
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 3 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional)

Liquids:

  • 6 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional, for richness)

Seasonings:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 bay leaf

Optional Add-Ins:

  • 1–2 potatoes, diced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

🥣 Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Meat

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.

Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Add onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and bell pepper.

Sauté for 5–7 minutes until vegetables soften and become fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

Stir in tomato paste (if using), paprika, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Add diced tomatoes and broth.
Drop in the bay leaf and stir well.

Step 4: Simmer

Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat.

Cover and simmer for 20–30 minutes to develop flavor.

Step 5: Add Cabbage

Stir in chopped cabbage (and potatoes if using).

Simmer uncovered for another 20–25 minutes until cabbage is tender.

Step 6: Taste & Adjust

Remove bay leaf.

Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve your Meaty Cabbage Soup with:

  • Crusty bread or garlic toast
  • Cornbread
  • Buttered rolls
  • A simple green salad

Top with:

  • Fresh parsley
  • A dollop of sour cream
  • Grated Parmesan cheese

🥘 Slow Cooker Option

  1. Brown meat and sauté vegetables as above.
  2. Transfer everything to slow cooker.
  3. Add remaining ingredients.
  4. Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
  5. Add cabbage during the last 2–3 hours.

❄️ Storage & Freezing

  • Refrigerator: Up to 4 days
  • Freezer: Up to 3 months
  • Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave

💡 Tips for Best Results

  • Use beef chuck for extra richness
  • Add a splash of vinegar or lemon for brightness
  • Double recipe for meal prep
  • Use bone broth for added nutrition
  • Add beans or rice for a heartier meal

⭐ Final Thoughts

This Meaty Cabbage Soup is a timeless comfort dish that’s simple, nourishing, and deeply flavorful. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, cold evenings, or anytime you want a wholesome, filling meal.

One pot, big flavor, and total satisfaction 🥬🍖

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