Ingredients
Scale
- 2 Tbsp Avocado Oil: Avocado oil is our preferred choice for sautéing in this recipe due to its high smoke point and mild flavor. It’s a healthy fat that won’t impart any unwanted taste to the vegetables, allowing their natural flavors to shine. You can also substitute with olive oil or another neutral cooking oil if you don’t have avocado oil on hand. The oil is crucial for preventing the vegetables from sticking to the pot and helps to develop their flavors through gentle sautéing.
- 1 Medium Yellow Onion, Chopped: Onions form the aromatic foundation of countless savory dishes, and this soup is no exception. Yellow onions are a versatile choice, offering a balanced flavor that becomes sweeter and milder as they cook. Chopping the onion into small pieces ensures that it cooks evenly and releases its flavors effectively into the soup. Don’t skimp on the onion – it contributes significantly to the overall depth of flavor.
- 3 Large Carrots, Chopped: Carrots add a touch of sweetness and vibrant color to the soup. They also provide a subtle earthy note and a pleasing texture that complements the other vegetables. We use large carrots to ensure they hold their shape during cooking and don’t become mushy. Chopping them into bite-sized pieces makes them easy to eat and ensures they cook through evenly. Carrots are not just for flavor and texture; they also contribute valuable nutrients to this healthy soup.
- 4 Cloves Garlic, Minced: Garlic is a powerhouse of flavor, adding a pungent and savory dimension to the soup. Minced garlic releases its aromatic oils more readily than chopped garlic, infusing the soup with its characteristic aroma and taste. Four cloves provide a noticeable garlic presence without being overpowering. If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add an extra clove or two! Fresh garlic is always preferred for its brighter flavor, but in a pinch, you can use pre-minced garlic from a jar.
- 1 lb Ground Beef: Ground beef is the star protein of this soup, providing heartiness and a rich, savory flavor. We recommend using lean ground beef (around 85% lean) to minimize excess grease in the soup while still retaining enough fat for flavor. Browning the ground beef separately before adding it to the soup is crucial for developing a deep, meaty flavor that enhances the overall taste profile. Ground beef not only adds flavor but also makes this soup a truly satisfying and filling meal.
- 4 Large Ripe Tomatoes, Chopped: Ripe tomatoes contribute acidity, sweetness, and a juicy texture to the soup. They break down during cooking, creating a flavorful and slightly thickened broth. Chopping the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces ensures they cook down evenly and integrate well into the soup. Using ripe tomatoes is key for the best flavor; look for tomatoes that are firm but yield slightly to gentle pressure and have a vibrant red color. In the off-season, you can substitute with a 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes, but fresh tomatoes will always provide a brighter and fresher taste.
- 4 Cups Chicken Broth or Beef Broth: Broth forms the liquid base of the soup, bringing all the ingredients together and adding another layer of flavor. Chicken broth offers a lighter and slightly milder flavor, while beef broth provides a richer and more robust taste that complements the ground beef. You can choose either broth depending on your preference or what you have on hand. Using a good quality broth is important for the overall flavor of the soup. Low-sodium broth is recommended to control the salt level and allow you to season the soup to your liking.
- 1 Tbsp Italian Seasoning: Italian seasoning is a blend of dried herbs, typically including oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram. It adds a warm, herbaceous, and savory note that beautifully complements the other flavors in the soup. Italian seasoning is a convenient way to add a complex herbal profile without having to measure out individual herbs. If you don’t have Italian seasoning, you can create your own blend using equal parts of the dried herbs mentioned above.
- ¼ tsp Black Pepper, to taste: Black pepper adds a subtle spice and enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients. Freshly ground black pepper is always preferred for its brighter and more pungent flavor. Start with ¼ teaspoon and adjust to taste. Remember, you can always add more pepper, but you can’t take it away!
- Sea Salt, to taste: Sea salt is used to season the soup and bring out the flavors of all the ingredients. Sea salt has a slightly cleaner and more mineral-rich taste compared to table salt. Seasoning with salt is crucial for balancing the flavors and making the soup taste its best. Add salt gradually, tasting as you go, until the soup is seasoned to your liking.
- 1 Large Head Green Cabbage, Chopped (about 6–8 cups): Green cabbage is the star vegetable of this soup, providing a slightly sweet and earthy flavor, as well as a satisfyingly tender texture. Green cabbage is readily available, affordable, and holds up well during cooking. Chopping the cabbage into bite-sized pieces ensures it cooks evenly and is easy to eat in the soup. A large head of cabbage will yield approximately 6-8 cups chopped, which is the perfect amount for this recipe. Cabbage is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making this soup a healthy and wholesome choice.
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a large, thick-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering and heated through, add the chopped yellow onion, carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté these aromatic vegetables, stirring occasionally, for about 3 to 5 minutes, or until they begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent. Sautéing these vegetables first releases their flavors and creates a flavorful base for the soup. Don’t rush this step; allowing the vegetables to soften slightly will enhance the overall taste.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Scoot the sautéed vegetables to one side of the pot, creating a clear space in the center. Add the 1 pound of ground beef to the pot. Allow the ground beef to brown undisturbed for about 3 minutes on one side. This searing process helps to develop a rich, savory crust on the meat, adding depth of flavor to the soup. Flip the beef and brown for another 2 to 3 minutes on the other side. Once browned on both sides, use a spatula or spoon to break up the ground beef into smaller pieces. Stir the browned ground beef into the sautéed vegetables, combining all the ingredients in the pot.
- Add Remaining Ingredients and Simmer: Now it’s time to bring all the components of the soup together. Add the remaining ingredients to the pot: chopped ripe tomatoes, chicken or beef broth, Italian seasoning, black pepper, sea salt (start with a generous pinch and adjust to taste later), and the chopped green cabbage. Stir everything well to combine, ensuring all the ingredients are evenly distributed and the ground beef is mixed with the vegetables and broth.
- Bring to a Boil and Simmer: Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a full boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the pot with a lid and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes, or until the cabbage has wilted and become tender. Simmering allows the flavors to meld together and the cabbage to soften to the perfect texture. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size of your cabbage pieces and your desired tenderness.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: After simmering for 30 minutes, it’s crucial to taste the soup and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Taste the broth and add more sea salt, black pepper, or Italian seasoning if needed. Remember, seasoning is a personal preference, so adjust until the soup tastes perfectly balanced and flavorful to you. This step is essential for ensuring the soup is seasoned to perfection.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once you’re satisfied with the seasoning and the cabbage is tender, the Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup is ready to serve! Ladle the hot soup into bowls and enjoy immediately. This soup is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with crusty bread, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flair. Savor the comforting warmth and delicious flavors of your homemade Ground Beef and Cabbage Soup!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: One Normal Portion
- Calories: 350-400
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Fiber: 5-7g
- Protein: 25-30g