Beef and Cabbage Soup

How to make Beef and Cabbage Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound 90% lean ground beef
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt, divided
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided, plus more for garnish
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 small or 1/2 medium head green cabbage, roughly chopped (about 5 cups)
• 1 (28-ounce) can fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• Chopped fresh parsley and/or dill, for serving, optional
• Sour cream, for serving, optional

Directions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
3. Cook this mixture, stirring often, until the beef is browned and broken into small pieces, and the onion is softened, about 10 minutes.
4. Stir in the beef broth and water. Use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the Dutch oven for extra flavor.
5. Next, add the roughly chopped cabbage, crushed tomatoes, chopped carrots, Worcestershire sauce, the remaining 2 teaspoons of salt, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Bring this to a simmer over medium-high heat.
6. Once it’s simmering, reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the uncooked rice and cover the pot.
7. Let the soup simmer, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables and rice are tender, which should take about 35 minutes.
8. When ready, divide the soup between bowls. You can garnish with parsley, dill, sour cream, and additional black pepper if desired.
9. Serve hot! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Why You’ll Love This Beef and Cabbage Soup

This Beef and Cabbage Soup is a warm and comforting dish. It is packed with hearty ingredients that give it a rich flavor. The combination of tender ground beef, fresh vegetables, and flavorful spices creates a nutritious meal in a bowl. This soup is not only delicious but also easy to make, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or chilly days.

The addition of rice makes this soup filling. It’s a complete meal that finds a balance between comfort food and nutrition. Plus, it can be made in one pot, which means easy cleanup!

Here are more reasons to love this soup:

• Nutritional Value: This recipe is full of vitamins and minerals from the cabbage, carrots, and tomatoes. Simplistically, the beef provides protein, making this soup satisfying.
• Versatile and Adaptable: You can add different vegetables or swap out the beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Freezer Friendly: You can prepare a big batch and freeze portions to enjoy later.

What to Serve With Beef and Cabbage Soup

Beef and Cabbage Soup can be enjoyed on its own, but pairing it with some sides can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to serve alongside:

| Serving Suggestions |
|——————————|
| Crusty bread or rolls |
| Grilled cheese sandwiches |
| Salad with a light vinaigrette|
| Roasted vegetables |
| Garlic bread |

Each of these sides complements the flavors of the soup while adding extra nutrition and texture to your meal.

How to Store Beef and Cabbage Soup

Storing Beef and Cabbage Soup is quite simple. Here’s how to do it right:

1. Cool Down: Let the soup cool to room temperature before storing it.
2. Airtight Container: Transfer the soup to an airtight container. Make sure to leave some space at the top, as the soup may expand when frozen.
3. Refrigeration: In the refrigerator, the soup will last for up to 4 days.
4. Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the soup. It will stay good for about 3 months. Just ensure the container is freezer-safe.

When ready to serve, reheat on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through.

Tips and Mistakes to Avoid

To make the most out of your Beef and Cabbage Soup, here are a few tips:

• Don’t Rush the Browning: Make sure to cook the ground beef thoroughly until browned. This adds depth to the flavor.
• Chop Veggies Evenly: Aim for uniform sizes when chopping the vegetables to ensure they cook evenly.
• Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the amount of salt and pepper to taste. This is especially important if you’re using a stock with higher sodium.
• Cook Rice Separately: If you plan to freeze leftovers, consider cooking the rice separately. This way, it won’t soak up all the soup’s liquid.

Variations

1. Add More Vegetables: You can add vegetables like bell peppers, celery, or peas for more nutrition and flavor.
2. Different Proteins: Try using ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different taste.
3. Spicy Version: Add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
4. Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute rice with quinoa or omit the grains altogether for a low-carb version.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken instead of beef?
  Yes, you can definitely use ground chicken or turkey. Just remember to adjust the cooking time since poultry tends to cook more quickly than beef.

• Is this soup suitable for freezing?
  Yes, this soup freezes well. Just ensure you use a freezer-safe container and leave some space for expansion.

• How can I make this soup thicker?
  If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add more rice, or use a cornstarch slurry. Simply mix equal parts cornstarch and cold water, then stir it into the soup until it reaches your desired thickness.

• What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
  You can substitute with regular paprika, but it won’t have that smoky flavor. Alternatively, adding a touch of liquid smoke might give a similar effect.

By preparing this Beef and Cabbage Soup, you create a comforting dish that not only warms the body but also fills the kitchen with delightful aromas. It’s a perfect example of simple, nutritious cooking. Enjoy your bowl of goodness!

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