This Cabbage Soup recipe is a comforting and satisfying dish, perfect for colder months or when you’re craving something warm and nutritious. With just a handful of simple ingredients like cabbage, onions, tomatoes, and ground beef, this soup comes together quickly and offers a delightful blend of flavors. The addition of Lipton Onion Soup Mix provides a savory base, making this recipe not only easy but packed with flavor.
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Whether you’re making it as part of a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, cabbage soup is a great way to incorporate vegetables into your diet while enjoying a filling, hearty meal. Let’s dive into the ingredients, the step-by-step process, and some helpful tips and variations to make this recipe perfect for you.
Ingredients Overview
1. Cabbage (1 large head):
Cabbage is the heart of this soup. It’s rich in vitamins and antioxidants, adding a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a tender texture to the dish. It’s also a low-calorie vegetable, making this soup a healthy option. When cooked, cabbage becomes soft and flavorful, absorbing the soup’s broth and spices.
2. Onions (2 small, diced):
Onions bring sweetness and depth to the soup. When sautéed or simmered, onions release natural sugars, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish. You can use yellow or white onions for this recipe, but red onions work just as well if you prefer a slightly sharper taste.
3. Stewed Tomatoes (2 cans):
Canned stewed tomatoes add a tangy and rich tomato flavor to the broth, balancing the sweetness of the onions and the earthiness of the cabbage. These tomatoes often come seasoned, which adds extra flavor without needing additional spices.
4. Lipton Onion Soup Mix (1 pouch, any flavor):
Lipton Onion Soup Mix is the secret ingredient that brings a burst of flavor to this cabbage soup. The mix is made with dehydrated onions, herbs, and seasonings, creating a savory base for the soup with minimal effort. You can choose any flavor of the mix, but the classic onion flavor works best.
5. Celery (1 large stalk, chopped small):
Celery adds a crisp texture and a subtle savory flavor to the soup. Chopping it into small pieces allows it to soften while simmering and blend seamlessly into the broth.
6. Ground Beef (1-2 pounds, cooked and drained):
Ground beef gives the soup a hearty, protein-rich component, making it more filling and satisfying. Browning the beef before adding it to the soup develops a richer flavor and allows the fat to be drained off for a healthier option. You can use lean ground beef for an even lighter version of the soup.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by chopping the cabbage into bite-sized pieces and dicing the onions and celery. Set these vegetables aside while you prepare the base of the soup.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a separate skillet, brown 1-2 pounds of ground beef over medium heat. Break up the beef into smaller pieces as it cooks. Once fully browned, drain the excess fat to make the soup less greasy and healthier. Set the cooked beef aside for later.
Step 3: Prepare the Soup Base
Fill a large saucepan or stockpot halfway with water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Once simmering, add the chopped cabbage, diced onions, and celery to the pot. Allow the vegetables to cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until they start to soften.
Step 4: Add the Tomatoes and Seasoning
Once the vegetables have softened, add the 2 cans of stewed tomatoes (with the liquid) to the soup. The tomatoes will add flavor and a slight acidity, which balances the sweetness of the cabbage and onions.
Now, stir in the Lipton Onion Soup Mix. The dehydrated onions and spices will dissolve into the broth, enhancing the soup with a robust, savory flavor. If you’d like, you can add extra spices to suit your taste. Common additions include garlic powder, paprika, thyme, or even a pinch of chili flakes for some heat.
Step 5: Incorporate the Ground Beef
Add the cooked and drained ground beef to the soup. Stir everything together and let it simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the beef to fully absorb the seasoned broth.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust
Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasonings if necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or any other spices you prefer. If the soup tastes too bland, a little more of the Lipton Onion Soup Mix or some garlic powder can add a nice boost of flavor.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls and serve hot. This soup is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. The warm, hearty flavors are sure to satisfy!
Tips and Tricks for Making the Best Cabbage Soup
Customize the Vegetables: Don’t feel limited to just cabbage, onions, and celery. You can add other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini to the soup for more variety and nutrition. These vegetables will add color and additional flavors to the soup.
Lean Ground Beef: If you’re looking to make a lighter version of this soup, opt for lean ground beef (90% lean or higher) or even ground turkey. Both options are lower in fat but still add the hearty protein that makes this soup filling.
Canned Tomatoes Variety: If you don’t have stewed tomatoes, you can substitute them with diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, or even tomato sauce. Each of these options will give a slightly different texture and flavor, but they all work well in the soup.
Use Broth Instead of Water: For an even richer flavor, swap out the water for beef broth or vegetable broth. This will add depth and a more robust taste to the soup, complementing the beef and vegetables nicely.
Add Rice or Barley: If you want to make the soup even heartier, consider adding cooked rice, barley, or quinoa to the pot during the last few minutes of simmering. These grains will soak up the flavorful broth and add extra texture.
Leftovers and Storage: This soup stores beautifully! You can keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. It’s also freezer-friendly, making it a perfect option for meal prep. Just store in individual portions for easy reheating.
Spice It Up: If you like a bit of heat, add crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the soup. The slight kick of spice can balance out the sweetness of the cabbage and the richness of the beef