Cabbage soup with ground beef is a hearty and nutritious dish that can be made in just 30 minutes. It’s the perfect option for a cozy, comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and great for your health. Packed with fresh vegetables and lean protein, this soup provides a balanced and satisfying meal for any day of the week. In this post, we’ll guide you through making cabbage soup with ground beef, step-by-step, with tips on variations, calorie count, and more.
Table of Contents
- Why Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef is a Perfect Quick Meal
- The Key Ingredients for Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef
- Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef
- Tips for Making the Best Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef
- Variations of Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef
- Conclusion
Why Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef is a Perfect Quick Meal
Nutritional Benefits of Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef
Cabbage soup with ground beef is not only quick and delicious but also highly nutritious. Cabbage is a low-calorie vegetable that’s rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. It helps improve digestion and supports a healthy immune system. Ground beef, on the other hand, is a great source of protein, iron, and B vitamins, which are essential for muscle development and energy.
Together, these ingredients create a balanced meal that’s both filling and healthy. Whether you’re looking to shed a few pounds or just need a nutritious, comfort-filled dinner, cabbage soup with ground beef is a perfect choice.
Low-Calorie Comfort Food
Many comfort foods are high in calories and fat, but cabbage soup with ground beef provides the best of both worlds—comforting and filling yet low in calories. A single serving of this soup can be a great addition to any healthy eating plan. Since it’s packed with fiber and protein, it’ll keep you full longer without weighing you down. If you’re on a low-calorie or weight-loss diet, this soup is the ideal dish to enjoy without the guilt.
Suitable for Busy Schedules
Another reason cabbage soup with ground beef is a perfect meal is how quick and easy it is to prepare. In under 30 minutes, you can have a warm bowl of hearty soup ready to serve. This makes it a great choice for busy nights when you don’t have a lot of time to cook but still want something healthy and satisfying.
The Key Ingredients for Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef
To make the best cabbage soup with ground beef, you only need a few simple ingredients that can be easily found at your local grocery store.
Ground Beef
Ground beef is the primary source of protein in this recipe. For the healthiest version, opt for lean ground beef (90% lean or higher). This will help you keep the soup lower in fat while still providing plenty of flavor. Brown the ground beef thoroughly to develop rich, savory flavors that will complement the cabbage and broth.
Cabbage
Cabbage is the star vegetable in this soup. It adds a lovely texture and mild flavor, absorbing the flavors of the broth and beef beautifully. You can use either green or red cabbage, depending on your preference, though green cabbage is more commonly used in soups due to its milder taste.
Additional Vegetables
While cabbage and ground beef are the main ingredients, you can add other vegetables to enhance the flavor and nutritional value. Carrots, onions, and celery are classic additions that pair wonderfully with the cabbage. These vegetables add sweetness, crunch, and fiber to the soup, making it more filling and nutritious.
Seasonings and Broth
A good cabbage soup with ground beef requires just a few seasonings to bring out the flavors. Garlic, salt, and pepper are essential for seasoning, but you can also add herbs like thyme, bay leaves, and parsley to elevate the taste. For the broth, you can use beef broth or vegetable broth, depending on your preference. Broth adds depth and richness to the soup, making it a comforting dish.
Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef Recipe Ingredients
Here’s a simple table format to list the ingredients for your cabbage soup with ground beef:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef (lean) | 1 lb (450g) |
| Cabbage (shredded) | 4 cups |
| Carrots (diced) | 2 medium |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 large |
| Celery (chopped) | 2 stalks |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves |
| Beef broth or vegetable broth | 4 cups |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Pepper | ½ tsp |
| Bay leaf | 1 (optional) |
| Thyme (optional) | ½ tsp |
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef
Making cabbage soup with ground beef is easy and quick. Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious soup in under 30 minutes:
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by chopping the cabbage, carrots, onions, and celery. Shred the cabbage finely to ensure it cooks quickly and evenly. Dice the carrots and chop the onion and celery into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic cloves. Having all your ingredients prepped before you begin cooking will make the process go smoothly.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large pot, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat, if necessary, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Broth
Once the ground beef is cooked, add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften. After that, sauté for one more minute after adding the garlic. Next, pour in the broth and bring everything to a boil.
Step 4: Simmer and Serve
Add the shredded cabbage to the pot, along with the bay leaf and thyme. Stir everything together, reduce the heat to low, and let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld together. Once done, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Serve the cabbage soup with ground beef hot and enjoy!
Tips for Making the Best Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef
Adjusting the Thickness of the Soup
If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer for a bit longer to allow some of the liquid to reduce. Alternatively, you can add a little more cabbage to absorb the broth. If it’s too thick, just add more broth to reach your desired consistency.
Flavor Enhancements
For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding some additional spices. A pinch of red pepper flakes will give your soup a little heat, or a splash of apple cider vinegar can add a tangy kick. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill can also be sprinkled on top as a garnish.
Making it a Meal
Pair your cabbage soup with a side of whole-grain bread, a light salad, or even a protein-packed dish like grilled chicken or a boiled egg to make it a more complete meal.
Variations of Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef
Adding More Vegetables
Feel free to experiment by adding other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or potatoes. These vegetables add more flavor, texture, and nutrients to your cabbage soup with ground beef.
Spicy Cabbage Soup
If you enjoy a little heat, make your cabbage soup spicy by adding jalapeños, chili flakes, or hot sauce. This variation will bring an exciting new layer of flavor to the dish.
Low-Carb Options
For those on a low-carb or keto diet, you can modify the recipe by omitting starchy vegetables like potatoes or carrots. Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a low-carb alternative.
Making it in the Slow Cooker
If you prefer to prepare your cabbage soup in advance, you can make it in a slow cooker. Simply brown the ground beef and add it to the slow cooker with the other ingredients. Set the slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours, and you’ll have a delicious soup waiting for you when you come home.
Conclusion
Cabbage soup with ground beef is the ultimate comfort food that’s both easy to make and incredibly healthy. It’s a low-calorie, high-protein, and nutrient-packed meal that can be made in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or something to meal prep for the week, this recipe is perfect for any occasion.
Enjoy this delicious, hearty soup with your favorite sides and feel free to customize it with extra veggies or seasonings. It’s a versatile, flavorful dish that everyone will love!
Calories per Serving:
Approximately 250 calories per serving (based on 1/6 of the recipe).
