How to Make Hearty Beef and Cabbage Soup in Simple Steps
If you’re looking for a cozy, satisfying meal that warms both your heart and belly, a hearty beef and cabbage soup is the perfect choice. It’s easy to make, affordable, and nutritious, making it an ideal dish for busy families or anyone craving comfort food. Plus, the ingredients are simple and widely available, so you don’t need to search high and low to create this delicious soup. Let’s dive into how you can make it step by step.
Why Beef and Cabbage Soup?
Beef and cabbage soup is a classic meal for cold days, long evenings, and anytime you want something filling yet wholesome. The beef provides rich, savory flavors and protein, while the cabbage adds lightness and essential nutrients. Together, they create a perfectly balanced dish that’s easy to customize based on your preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this soup is that it doesn’t require a long list of fancy items. You likely already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen.
Here’s what you’ll need:
– 1 pound (450 grams) of beef stew meat (or ground beef as a more budget-friendly option)
– 1 small head of cabbage, roughly chopped
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
– 4 cups of beef broth (store-bought or homemade)
– 2 cups of water
– 1 can of diced tomatoes (about 14 ounces)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 bay leaf
– Optional: fresh parsley or thyme as garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how you can prepare a hearty beef and cabbage soup with easy-to-follow steps:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients and doing the chopping. Dice the onion, peel and slice the carrots, cube the potatoes, and chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic and cut your beef into small chunks if it isn’t already cubed.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Place a large pot or Dutch oven on the stove over medium-high heat. Add two tablespoons of olive oil or vegetable oil to the pot. Once the oil is hot, add the beef and sprinkle it with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook the meat until it becomes brown on all sides, which will add a lot of flavor to the soup. Don’t worry if the beef isn’t fully cooked—it’ll finish cooking in the soup later.
Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside on a plate. Keep any leftover oil or juices in the pot; this will help flavor your vegetables.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the onion turns soft and translucent. Add the carrots and potatoes next, stirring them around in the pot for another 3 minutes. This step allows the vegetables to absorb some of the rich flavors left behind by the beef.
Step 4: Build the Soup
Once your veggies are lightly sautéed, add the beef back to the pot. Pour in the beef broth, water, and canned diced tomatoes (including the liquid from the can). Stir everything well and toss in the bay leaf for extra flavor.
Bring the soup to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low to let it simmer. Cover the pot and allow it to simmer for 15-20 minutes so the beef and vegetables can cook fully.
Step 5: Add the Cabbage
Once the potatoes and carrots are tender, add the chopped cabbage to the pot. Cabbage cooks relatively quickly, so it only needs about 10 minutes of simmering. Stir the cabbage into the soup, ensuring it’s evenly mixed with the other ingredients.
Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of paprika for extra flavor.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
When the cabbage is tender and the soup is bubbling gently, it’s ready to serve. Remove the bay leaf before serving, as it’s not meant to be eaten. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if you like. Pair it with crusty bread or buttered rolls for a complete and comforting meal.
Tips for Customizing Your Soup
- Want extra flavor? Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to the broth for more depth.
- Prefer a thicker soup? Stir in a slurry made of 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water.
- Love spice? Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper for a kick of heat.
- Vegetarian option: Swap the beef with mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead.
Conclusion
Making hearty beef and cabbage soup is simple, satisfying, and perfect for any occasion. With just a few fresh ingredients, a little prep work, and some love, you can create a dish that feeds your soul and keeps you warm. This soup is also great for leftovers; just store it in the fridge, and reheat it later for another delicious meal. Give it a try, and let this comforting classic become a regular in your kitchen!
Enjoy cooking and happy eating! 😊
