Cabbage Soup

Cabbage Soup is a delightful, low-carb option that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. This hearty soup features ground beef, tender cabbage, and juicy tomatoes, all simmered together for a rich flavor. Perfect for chilly nights or meal prep, this recipe allows you to enjoy healthy leftovers throughout the week. Whether you need a quick lunch or a cozy dinner, Cabbage Soup fits the bill.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just over 50 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Low Carb Delight: With only 8 grams of carbs per serving, it’s perfect for those following low-carb diets.
• One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze!
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize with your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your taste.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for lunches throughout the week.

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Tools and Preparation

To make this Cabbage Soup efficiently, you’ll need some essential tools. Using the right equipment ensures your cooking process is smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: A sturdy pot is crucial for browning the beef and simmering the soup evenly.
• Cutting board: This provides a safe surface for chopping your vegetables quickly and efficiently.
• Sharp knife: A good knife makes cutting cabbage and other ingredients much easier.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot while mixing ingredients.

Ingredients

This low carb soup features ground beef, deliciously tender cabbage, and tomatoes. Everything is conveniently cooked in a single pot on the stovetop, and leftovers can be enjoyed for lunches throughout the week. Got a pressure cooker? Check out Instant Pot Cabbage Soup.

For the Soup

• 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
• 1 pound ground beef (Note 1)
• 5 cups chopped green cabbage (Note 2)
• 5 cups beef stock (Note 3)
• 1 cup riced cauliflower (Note 4)
• 1/2 cup diced carrots
• 1.5 teaspoons table salt
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground thyme
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

How to Make Cabbage Soup

Step 1: Brown Beef

Add beef and carrots to a large pot over medium-high heat. Using a stiff utensil, cook until browned, about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Add Everything Else

Keeping everything in the pot, add diced tomatoes (including liquid), chopped cabbage, beef stock, riced cauliflower, salt, oregano, and thyme. Stir everything together for about one minute.

Step 3: Simmer Soup

Increase heat to bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the pot and decrease heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook until the cabbage is very tender, about 30 minutes.

Step 4: Serve

Uncover the pot and stir well. Top with fresh parsley before serving or save leftovers for later enjoyment.

How to Serve Cabbage Soup

Cabbage soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re having it as a light lunch or a hearty dinner, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• A slice of fresh, crusty bread complements the soup perfectly. Use it to soak up the delicious broth.

Top with Cheese

• Sprinkle grated cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor. Cheddar or Parmesan works wonderfully with cabbage soup.

Add a Dollop of Sour Cream

• A spoonful of sour cream adds creaminess and tang to each bowl. It balances the flavors beautifully.

Serve with a Side Salad

• A crisp green salad on the side can provide freshness and crunch. Consider a simple vinaigrette for added zest.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Fresh parsley or dill can enhance the presentation and flavor. Scatter them over the soup before serving.

How to Perfect Cabbage Soup

Perfecting cabbage soup involves attention to detail and a few smart tips. Follow these guidelines to make your soup even better.

• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh cabbage and ripe tomatoes for optimal flavor. Fresh ingredients make all the difference in taste.

• Brown the Beef Well: Ensure the ground beef is browned thoroughly. This adds depth and richness to the overall flavor profile.

• Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go! Feel free to adjust salt, oregano, and thyme according to your preferences for a personalized touch.

• Simmer Longer: If you have time, let it simmer longer than 30 minutes. This allows flavors to meld beautifully and enhances tenderness.

Best Side Dishes for Cabbage Soup

Pairing side dishes with cabbage soup can create a more fulfilling meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the soup.
2. Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw adds crunch and complements the warm soup nicely.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide a healthy and flavorful contrast.
4. Cheese Quesadillas: These cheesy treats are easy to make and pair well with the savory soup.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Stuffed bell peppers filled with rice or quinoa can be filling alongside your cabbage soup.
6. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges offer a satisfying crunch that goes well with any soup.
7. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread adds a delightful twist, balancing out the savory flavors of the soup.
8. Simple Rice Pilaf: Lightly seasoned rice pilaf makes a great base for soaking up the broth from your cabbage soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making cabbage soup can be simple, but small errors can ruin the taste or texture. Here are some mistakes to avoid while preparing this dish.

• Using too much liquid: Adding excess beef stock can make your cabbage soup watery. Stick to the recommended amount for a rich flavor.
• Not browning the beef properly: Skipping this step leads to less flavor in your soup. Ensure you brown the ground beef thoroughly for a deeper taste.
• Overcooking the cabbage: Cooking cabbage for too long makes it mushy. Aim for a tender texture but avoid overcooking it during simmering.
• Neglecting seasoning: Failing to season your soup adequately will result in blandness. Taste and adjust salt and herbs as needed throughout the cooking process.
• Using low-quality canned tomatoes: Poor-quality tomatoes can affect the overall flavor of your cabbage soup. Choose a good brand for better results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Cabbage soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing Cabbage Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage.
• Cabbage soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Cabbage Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through.
• Microwave: Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat on medium-low, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making cabbage soup that might help you enjoy this dish even more!

What is Cabbage Soup?

Cabbage soup is a hearty dish made primarily with cabbage, meat, and tomatoes, often enjoyed as a low-carb option.

Can I make Cabbage Soup ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare cabbage soup in advance and store it in the refrigerator or freezer for later enjoyment.

How long does Cabbage Soup last in the fridge?

Cabbage soup stays fresh in the refrigerator for about 4 days when stored properly.

Can I customize my Cabbage Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables or spices according to your taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

This delicious cabbage soup recipe is not only easy to make but also versatile enough for various dietary needs. Whether you enjoy it as a comforting meal or use it as part of a meal prep strategy, it’s sure to satisfy. Feel free to customize the ingredients based on what you have at home!