Ground Beef Cabbage Soup

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Delicious ground beef cabbage soup in a bowl, garnished with fresh herbs.

Ground Beef Cabbage Soup Recipe

Warm and comforting, Ground Beef Cabbage Soup is a hearty dish that packs a punch of flavor and nutrition in every bowl. Perfect for chilly evenings or weeknight dinners, this recipe is not just delicious but also customizable. Follow the easy directions below to create a satisfying meal for you and your family.

Ingredients

For US measurements:

  • 1 small cabbage
  • 10.5 oz (300 g) ground beef
  • 1 medium onion
  • 3 medium potatoes
  • 2 medium carrots
  • 1 tbsp caraway seeds (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 3 tbsp chopped parsley
  • 2 tsp instant vegetable broth (optional)
  • Approx. 4 cups (1 liter) water
  • Oil or clarified butter

For European metric measurements:

  • 1 small cabbage
  • 300 g ground beef
  • 1 medium onion
  • 3 medium potatoes
  • 2 medium carrots
  • 1 tbsp caraway seeds (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 3 tbsp chopped parsley
  • 2 tsp instant vegetable broth (optional)
  • Approx. 1 liter water
  • Oil or clarified butter

Directions

  1. Prep the Vegetables: Start by peeling and finely chopping the onion.

  2. Sauté the Onions: In a large pan, melt some clarified butter or oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become transparent.

  3. Cook the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  4. Prepare Other Vegetables: While the meat is cooking, peel the potatoes and cut them into small cubes. Cut the cabbage into small pieces, and chop the carrots into small cubes.

  5. Combine Ingredients: Add the prepared vegetables (potatoes, cabbage, and carrots) to the pan with the ground beef. Stir well to combine.

  6. Add Liquid: Pour in enough water or broth to cover all the ingredients. If using, add caraway seeds and the instant vegetable broth. Adjust seasoning according to your taste.

  7. Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. Cook until all the vegetables are tender.

  8. Finish and Serve: Once cooked, stir in the chopped parsley and check for seasoning one last time. Serve hot in bowls.

Nutritional Information

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1 cup)
  • Calories: Approximately 250 kcal
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Fiber: 5 g

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Cooking Tips and Tricks

  1. Use Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to reduce the fat content in the soup while still maintaining flavor.

  2. Enhance Flavor with Broth: For an extra depth of flavor, consider using homemade broth or bone broth instead of water. This will enrich the taste of your soup significantly.

  3. Extra Texture: If you enjoy a little crunch, add a handful of frozen peas or green beans in the last 5-10 minutes of cooking. This adds a pop of color and texture to your soup.

Possible Variations

  1. Vegetarian Version: Substitute ground beef with lentils or a mix of your favorite chopped vegetables. Use vegetable broth and add more spices to enhance the flavor.

  2. Spicy Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, add diced jalapeños or a spoonful of chili paste when cooking the ground beef for a spicy kick!

Enjoy every warm spoonful of this ground beef cabbage soup, perfect for meal prepping, feeding a crowd, or just enjoying leftovers for lunch the next day! It’s bound to become a family favorite.