Stuffed Cabbage Soup is a warm and comforting dish that brings the flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls to a simple and easy soup format. It’s a hearty meal perfect for chilly days and is sure to please the whole family. With savory ground beef, tender cabbage, and rich tomatoes, this soup offers a delightful blend of ingredients that work together beautifully.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is not just delicious; it is also practical. Stuffed Cabbage Soup is easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights. The ingredients are affordable and often found in your pantry. Plus, it is a one-pot meal which means less mess and more time to enjoy with your family. Whether you’re warming up after a long day or feeding a crowd, this soup is satisfying and full of flavor.
How to Make Stuffed Cabbage Soup
Making Stuffed Cabbage Soup is simple and can be done in just a few steps. You will need to cook the ground beef and onions, sauté the cabbage, and combine everything in a pot to create a hearty meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- 1 yellow onion (chopped)
- 4 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 1/2 head cabbage (cut into 8 wedges and sliced thickly)
- 1 can chopped tomatoes (8 ounces – not drained)
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups rice (cooked)
Directions:
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and cook it, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once browned, drain the beef and set it aside on a plate.
- In the same pot, add two tablespoons of butter and the chopped onion. Sauté until the onion is tender. Remove it from the pot and set it aside with the ground beef.
- Add another two tablespoons of butter to the pot and add the sliced cabbage. Cook it until the cabbage is tender and starts to wilt.
- Return the ground beef and onion to the pot with the cabbage.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and chopped tomatoes. Stir in the Italian seasoning. Let the mixture simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Before serving, add the cooked rice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
How to Serve Stuffed Cabbage Soup
Serve Stuffed Cabbage Soup hot, directly from the pot. It’s delicious on its own or can be paired with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Consider garnishing with freshly chopped herbs or shredded cheese for extra flavor.
How to Store Stuffed Cabbage Soup
To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Keep the soup in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.
Tips to Make Stuffed Cabbage Soup
- Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
- Feel free to add more vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for added nutrients and flavor.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of beef broth.
- Adjust the seasonings to your taste; adding a bit of red pepper flakes can give it a kick!
Variation
You can make a vegetarian version by substituting the ground beef with plant-based meat or lentils. You can also add beans for extra protein and fiber.
FAQs
1. Can I make Stuffed Cabbage Soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef and onions first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
2. Is this soup freezer friendly?
Absolutely! Stuffed Cabbage Soup freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep.
3. Can I use different kinds of meat?
Yes, you can use ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter meat option. The flavor will still be delicious!
Enjoy making and sharing this comforting Stuffed Cabbage Soup! It’s perfect for any occasion and sure to become a family favorite.
Stuffed Cabbage Soup
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef Use lean ground beef for a healthier option
- 1 yellow onion chopped yellow onion
- 1/2 head cabbage (cut into wedges and sliced thickly)
Tomato Base
- 1 can chopped tomatoes (8 ounces, not drained)
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
Broth and Seasonings
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt Adjust to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper Adjust to taste
Cooking Essentials
- 4 tablespoons butter Divided for cooking
Final Touch
- 2 cups cooked rice
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and cook it, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once browned, drain the beef and set it aside on a plate.
- In the same pot, add two tablespoons of butter and the chopped onion. Sauté until the onion is tender. Remove it from the pot and set it aside with the ground beef.
- Add another two tablespoons of butter to the pot and add the sliced cabbage. Cook it until the cabbage is tender and starts to wilt.
Cooking
- Return the ground beef and onion to the pot with the cabbage.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and chopped tomatoes. Stir in the Italian seasoning. Let the mixture simmer for 15-20 minutes.
Serving
- Before serving, add the cooked rice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
