cabbage beef soup

Nothing warms you up like a steaming bowl of Cabbage Beef Soup — a classic, hearty, and nutritious meal. This soup combines tender beef chunks, fresh cabbage, tomatoes, and aromatic vegetables in a flavorful broth. It’s easy to make, filling, and perfect for cozy dinners or batch cooking for the week.

Preparation Time & Difficulty:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

• Difficulty: Easy to Medium
  (Simple chopping and simmering; great for beginner cooks.)

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ pounds beef stew meat or chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 cups beef broth (preferably low sodium)

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

• 4 cups green cabbage, shredded

• 3 large carrots, sliced

• 2 celery stalks, sliced

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

• 1 bay leaf

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Equipment Needed:

• Large pot or Dutch oven

• Wooden spoon

• Knife and cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add beef cubes and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove beef and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, add chopped onions and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Broth and Beef

Return browned beef to the pot. Pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir in thyme, smoked paprika (if using), bay leaf, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender.

Step 5: Add Vegetables

Add shredded cabbage, sliced carrots, and celery to the pot. Simmer uncovered for an additional 30 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.

Step 6: Adjust Seasoning

Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Step 7: Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy hot.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping.

• Pair with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

• Top with a dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese for extra richness.

Storage:

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freeze: Freeze soup in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat on the stove.

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 6 servings):

Tips & Variations:

• For a quicker version, use ground beef instead of stew meat and reduce simmer time.

• Add potatoes or turnips for more heartiness.

• Spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne.

• Use other greens like kale or spinach if you prefer.

• Make it paleo or keto-friendly by avoiding canned tomatoes or using fresh ones and adjusting carbs.

Why You’ll Love This Soup:

• Hearty, warming, and packed with protein and veggies.

• Easy to make in one pot with minimal prep.

• Perfect for meal prep and freezes well.

• Naturally gluten-free and comforting.