Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef

Ingredients

  • For the Soup Base:
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 pound ground beef
    • 1 large onion, chopped
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    • 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
    • 2 celery stalks, sliced
    • 1/2 head of cabbage, coarsely chopped
    • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
    • 6 cups beef broth
    • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
    • 1 bay leaf
    • 1 teaspoon paprika
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional Additions:
    • 1 bell pepper, diced
    • 1 potato, peeled and diced
    • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • For Garnish:
    • Fresh parsley, chopped
    • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Ground Beef:
    • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics:
    • Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the Vegetables:
    • Stir in the sliced carrots, celery, and diced bell pepper (if using). Cook for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
  4. Incorporate the Cabbage and Tomatoes:
    • Add the chopped cabbage and diced tomatoes (with juice) to the pot. Stir to combine.
  5. Create the Broth:
    • Pour in the beef broth and add the tomato paste, bay leaf, paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to dissolve the tomato paste.
  6. Simmer the Soup:
    • Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and let it cook for about 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
  7. Final Touches:
    • If using, stir in the Worcestershire sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
  8. Serve:
    • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving):

  • Calories: 250
  • Protein: 18g
  • Fat: 12g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 800mg

Tips and Variations

  1. Meat Options: Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.
  2. Vegetable Variations: Add other vegetables like green beans, peas, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
  3. Spice It Up: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño.
  4. Thicker Soup: For a thicker soup, add diced potatoes and cook until tender.
  5. Serving Suggestions: This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a simple green salad.

Storage: This soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little broth or water if it becomes too thick.

Enjoy this warm and nourishing cabbage soup, perfect for a cozy meal!