Cabbage beef soup is a comforting and satisfying dish that is perfect for chilly days or when you’re craving a hearty meal. This soup is packed with vegetables, tender beef, and savory broth, making it a nutritious and delicious option for lunch or dinner. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make cabbage beef soup from scratch, with step-by-step instructions for preparing the ingredients and cooking the soup to perfection. Let’s get started!
Ingredients for Cabbage Beef Soup
For the Soup Base:
- 1 pound (450g) stewing beef, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 small head cabbage, chopped
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 6 cups (1.5 liters) beef broth
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for cooking
Optional Ingredients for Flavor:
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
How to Make Cabbage Beef Soup
Preparing the Ingredients:
- Prep the Vegetables:
- Dice the onion, mince the garlic, peel and slice the carrots, slice the celery, and chop the cabbage.
- Brown the Beef:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
Cooking the Soup:
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- In the same pot, add a bit more olive oil if needed.
- Add the diced onion and garlic to the pot and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the Vegetables:
- Stir in the sliced carrots and celery, and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Return the browned beef to the pot.
- Add the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes (with their juices), beef broth, bay leaves, and any optional seasonings.
- Simmer the Soup:
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, covered, for about 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the beef is cooked through.
- Season to Taste:
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve:
- Remove the bay leaves before serving.
- Ladle the cabbage beef soup into bowls and serve hot.
About the Main Ingredients
Beef: Stewing beef is used in this recipe for its tenderness and rich flavor. It’s important to brown the beef before adding it to the soup to develop a deep, savory taste.
Cabbage: Cabbage is a hearty vegetable that adds texture and flavor to the soup. It’s low in calories but high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to the dish.
Vegetables: Carrots, celery, onion, and garlic add depth of flavor and nutrients to the soup. They also provide color and texture, making the dish visually appealing.
Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes add acidity and sweetness to the soup. They also contribute to the rich broth and help balance the flavors of the other ingredients.
Beef Broth: Beef broth serves as the base of the soup, providing a rich and savory flavor. You can use store-bought beef broth or homemade broth for this recipe.
Cabbage beef soup is a simple and delicious dish that is perfect for a cozy meal at home. With its hearty ingredients and savory broth, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.
