This recipe delivers a comforting, flavorful hamburger cabbage soup that's perfect for a chilly evening or a budget-friendly weeknight meal. It's packed with vegetables, lean protein, and satisfying hearty flavors, making it a wholesome and delicious choice for the whole family. We'll cover everything from prepping the ingredients to mastering the perfect broth, ensuring your soup is a guaranteed hit.
What Makes This Hamburger Cabbage Soup Recipe Special?
This isn't your average hamburger soup. We've focused on creating a recipe that balances the richness of ground beef with the freshness of cabbage and other vegetables. The result is a deeply flavorful soup that's both satisfying and surprisingly light. We'll use simple techniques to coax maximum flavor from each ingredient, resulting in a soup that's far superior to canned alternatives.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef (lean or extra lean)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
- 4 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
- 2 cups water
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
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Add the Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the chopped cabbage, beef broth, water, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, and bay leaf.
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Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it becomes! Consider simmering for an hour for maximum flavor development.
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Remove the Bay Leaf: Before serving, remove the bay leaf.
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Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use other types of cabbage?
Yes! Red cabbage, Savoy cabbage, or even Napa cabbage can be substituted for green cabbage. Keep in mind that the color and slight sweetness might change the overall flavor profile. Red cabbage, for instance, will add a beautiful color and a slightly sweeter taste.
What kind of ground beef is best?
Lean or extra lean ground beef is recommended to reduce the fat content. However, you can use regular ground beef if you prefer a richer flavor, just be sure to drain off any excess grease after browning.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, green beans, or zucchini. Add them along with the carrots and celery to ensure they cook properly.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef as instructed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
How can I make this soup spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the soup while it simmers.
How do I store leftover soup?
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s even better the next day!
This hearty and healthy hamburger cabbage soup recipe is a versatile and delicious meal that's sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!
