This Ground Beef Cabbage Soup brings the cozy flavors of traditional cabbage rolls into a quick and effortless one-pot dish. It’s packed with ground beef, tender cabbage, and rice simmered in a rich tomato broth, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights or cold winter days.
Gone are the days of labor-intensive cabbage rolling! This soup offers all the comforting taste with a fraction of the effort. Pair it with crusty bread for a hearty meal your family will love, or freeze leftovers for a meal-prep win. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, combining old-world charm with modern simplicity.
Full Recipe:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
- 4 cups green cabbage, chopped
- 1 small green pepper, seeded and chopped
- 3 cups beef stock
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 15 ounces canned diced tomatoes
- 30 ounces canned tomato sauce (two 15-ounce cans)
- 1/2 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
Directions:
- Peel away and discard the first several leaves of the cabbage. Dice the rest and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spatula until cooked through.
- Add the chopped onion, garlic, cabbage, and green pepper to the pot. Season with additional salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the onions soften.
- Stir in the beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, rice, and thyme.
- Cover the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the rice and vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the parsley and brown sugar. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with crusty bread if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 250 kcal (approx.) Servings: 6 servings
Ground Beef Cabbage Soup: A Comfort Food Classic Reimagined
When it comes to hearty, warming meals that feel like a comforting hug on a cold day, Unstuffed Cabbage Soup stands out as a timeless classic. This recipe offers all the rich, savory flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls but in a much simpler, faster form. Perfect for busy weeknights or for those who love comfort food without the hassle, this soup is a wholesome, one-pot wonder that’s sure to become a family favorite.
The Origins of Ground Beef Cabbage Soup
Ground Beef Cabbage Soup draws its roots from the traditional stuffed cabbage rolls, a beloved dish in various cuisines, including Eastern European, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern. Stuffed cabbage rolls typically consist of ground meat and rice wrapped in cabbage leaves, cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce. While delicious, the process of blanching cabbage leaves, rolling the filling, and securing each bundle can be time-intensive.
Unstuffed Cabbage Soup simplifies this labor-intensive dish, turning it into a no-fuss, flavorful soup that preserves the essence of the original recipe. It’s a creative adaptation that allows even the busiest home cooks to enjoy the classic taste without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why Ground Beef Cabbage Soup is a Must-Try
This soup is more than just a simplified version of stuffed cabbage rolls. It’s a celebration of flavors, textures, and the joy of sharing meals with loved ones. Here’s why this recipe deserves a spot in your meal rotation:
- Ease and Convenience: The simplicity of this recipe makes it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. It requires only one pot, minimal prep, and no intricate techniques. From start to finish, the entire dish comes together in under an hour.
- Nutrient-Packed: Loaded with cabbage, tomatoes, and protein-rich ground beef, this soup is as nutritious as it is delicious. Cabbage is a powerhouse of vitamins C and K, while the tomatoes provide antioxidants like lycopene.
- Budget-Friendly: Using affordable ingredients like cabbage, rice, and ground beef, this recipe is perfect for families or anyone looking to stretch their grocery budget without compromising on flavor or quality.
- Customizable: Unstuffed Cabbage Soup is a versatile dish that can be tailored to suit different dietary needs and preferences. Whether you swap ground beef for turkey or chicken, use brown rice or quinoa, or add extra veggies, the possibilities are endless.
The Heartwarming Flavors of Ground Beef Cabbage Soup
What sets this soup apart is its perfect balance of flavors. The tender bites of cabbage meld seamlessly with the savory ground beef, while the rice adds a comforting texture. The tomato-based broth, enhanced with a hint of sweetness from brown sugar and a touch of Worcestershire sauce, ties everything together beautifully. The result is a soup that’s rich, hearty, and satisfying—ideal for cozy evenings or family gatherings.
Cabbage, often an underrated ingredient, shines as the star of this dish. Its mild flavor allows it to absorb the robust, savory notes of the broth, while its texture adds a delightful crunch. Meanwhile, the thyme and parsley infuse the soup with fresh, herbaceous undertones, elevating the dish to restaurant-quality levels.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Ground Beef Cabbage Soup
Achieving the perfect Unstuffed Cabbage Soup doesn’t require culinary expertise, but a few tips can make your cooking experience even better:
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh cabbage, high-quality ground beef, and ripe canned tomatoes for the best flavor. Fresh herbs like parsley and thyme can make a noticeable difference.
- Don’t Skip the Browning: Browning the ground beef adds depth to the soup’s flavor. Make sure to cook it thoroughly and drain any excess fat for a lighter version.
- Adjust the Texture: If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer a little longer to reduce the liquid. Conversely, add more beef stock if you like it brothier.
- Make it Ahead: Like most soups, this recipe tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. It’s a fantastic option for meal prep or leftovers.
- Storage and Reheating: Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days or in the freezer for up to two months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave to maintain the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
Unstuffed Cabbage Soup is a meal in itself, but pairing it with the right accompaniments can make it even more enjoyable. Serve it with crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the flavorful broth. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the soup. For a traditional touch, consider adding a dollop of sour cream on top.
A Versatile Dish for All Seasons
While this soup is particularly comforting during cold winter months, it’s versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round. Its light yet hearty nature makes it a satisfying lunch or dinner, whether you’re curled up on a snowy evening or enjoying a breezy spring afternoon.
Variations to Explore
Unstuffed Cabbage Soup is a canvas for culinary creativity. Here are a few variations to try:
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, and use vegetable stock instead of beef stock for a vegetarian or vegan-friendly option.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Low-Carb Option: Replace the rice with cauliflower rice to reduce the carbohydrate content while keeping the dish hearty and satisfying.
- Different Proteins: Try ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a new flavor profile.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
In a world where time is often in short supply, Unstuffed Cabbage Soup offers a practical yet delicious solution to weeknight dinners. It bridges the gap between nostalgia and modern cooking, preserving the soul of a classic dish while adapting to contemporary lifestyles. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or preparing meals for the week, this recipe delivers on every front: taste, convenience, and comfort.
Conclusion
Ground Beef Cabbage Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a comforting embrace on a busy day, a reminder of family dinners, and a testament to the power of simple ingredients. Its rich flavors, versatility, and ease of preparation make it a standout dish that’s worth adding to your culinary repertoire.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this soup is a delightful way to bring warmth and flavor to your table. So grab your favorite soup pot, gather the ingredients, and savor the joy of making—and sharing—this deliciously satisfying meal.