Cabbage Soup

This Cabbage Soup is a delightful, low-carb dish that brings together the hearty flavors of ground beef and tender cabbage. Perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prep for busy weeks, this soup offers both nutrition and comfort in every bowl. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can enjoy warming bowls of this nourishing soup at any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With all ingredients cooked in one pot, cleanup is a breeze!
• Flavorful and Filling: The combination of beef, cabbage, and tomatoes creates a rich flavor that satisfies your hunger.
• Versatile for Meal Prep: This soup keeps well in the fridge, making it an ideal choice for lunches throughout the week.
• Low Carb Delight: Perfect for those following low-carb or keto diets without sacrificing taste.
• Customizable Ingredients: You can easily adjust the vegetables or spices to suit your preferences.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Cabbage Soup, having the right tools will help streamline your cooking process. Below are essential items you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Stiff utensil (like a wooden spoon)
• Measuring spoons
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: A must-have for cooking soups, allowing ample space for ingredients to simmer together beautifully.
• Stiff utensil: Essential for browning meat evenly while mixing everything together in the pot.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate amounts of spices and salt for perfect seasoning.

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Ingredients

For the Base

• 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
• 1 pound ground beef
• 5 cups chopped green cabbage

For the Flavor

• 5 cups beef stock
• 1 cup riced cauliflower
• 1/2 cup diced carrots

For Seasoning

• 1.5 teaspoons table salt
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground thyme

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

How to Make Cabbage Soup

Step 1: Brown Beef

Add ground beef and diced carrots to a large pot over medium-high heat. Use a stiff utensil to break down the beef as it cooks. Sauté until browned, about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Add Everything Else

Keeping everything in the pot, add the canned tomatoes (including their 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. Once simmering, cover the pot and reduce heat to medium-low. Let it simmer until the cabbage is very tender, which takes about 30 minutes.

Step 4: Serve

After simmering, uncover the pot and give it a good stir. Top with chopped parsley before serving hot or store leftovers for later enjoyment.

How to Serve Cabbage Soup

Cabbage soup is a hearty dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or pairing it with sides, there are plenty of options to enhance your meal.

With Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette: A warm, crusty baguette is perfect for dipping into the soup.
• Garlic Bread: The savory flavors of garlic bread complement the soup’s taste beautifully.

Topped with Cheese

• Shredded Cheddar: Sprinkle some sharp cheddar on top for a rich, creamy flavor.
• Parmesan: Grated parmesan adds a salty kick that elevates the dish.

As a Meal Prep Option

• Lunch Containers: Portion out cabbage soup into containers for easy lunches throughout the week.
• Freezer Bags: Freeze individual servings for quick meals on busy days.

How to Perfect Cabbage Soup

To make your cabbage soup even better, consider these simple tips. They can help you achieve the perfect balance of flavors and texture.

• Bold Flavor Base: Start by sautéing onions before adding other ingredients for a deeper flavor.
• Fresh Herbs: Add fresh herbs like thyme or dill at the end of cooking for a burst of freshness.
• Adjust Consistency: If the soup is too thick, add more beef stock until desired consistency is reached.
• Season Well: Always taste and adjust salt and spices before serving to ensure optimal flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Cabbage Soup

Pairing side dishes with cabbage soup can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes with garlic make a comforting side that pairs nicely with soup.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted to perfection add color and nutrition to your meal.
3. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
4. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread adds a delightful texture and sweetness to balance the savory soup.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Peppers stuffed with rice and ground meat create a hearty addition alongside the soup.
6. Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad provides additional nutrients while being light and fluffy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making cabbage soup can be straightforward, but there are some common mistakes to avoid for the best flavor and texture.

• Boldly Skipping the Browning Step: Failing to brown the ground beef can result in a less flavorful soup. Always start by browning the meat to develop rich flavors.

• Boldly Ignoring Fresh Ingredients: Using old or wilted cabbage can affect taste and texture. Choose fresh cabbage for the best results in your cabbage soup.

• Boldly Overcooking Cabbage: Cooking cabbage too long leads to mushiness. Simmer just until tender for a satisfying crunch.

• Boldly Forgetting Seasoning Adjustments: Not tasting your soup before serving may leave it bland. Adjust salt and spices according to your preference before serving.

• Boldly Storing Improperly: Storing leftover soup in unsuitable containers can lead to spoilage. Use airtight containers for better preservation.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Best consumed within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Cabbage Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing quality.

Reheating Cabbage Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat soup in an oven-safe dish, covering it with foil.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making cabbage soup.

Can I use other meats in Cabbage Soup?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, lamb, or even chicken for a different flavor profile while keeping it hearty.

What vegetables can I add to Cabbage Soup?

Feel free to customize by adding vegetables like bell peppers, celery, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor!

How do I make Cabbage Soup spicier?

To spice up your cabbage soup, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños during cooking for an extra kick.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or beans and use vegetable broth instead of beef stock for a delicious vegetarian option.

Final Thoughts

This Cabbage Soup is not only low in carbs but also packed with flavor and nutrients. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on what you have at home. Try adding your favorite veggies or spices for a unique twist each time!