Picture a steaming bowl of Hamburger Cabbage Soup, where the savory aroma of browned beef mingles with the earthy scent of cabbage and a hint of thyme.
This comforting, one-pot wonder is incredibly easy to make, perfect for a cozy night in.
As it simmers, the flavors meld beautifully, turning simple ingredients into a heartwarming delight.
Let’s bring this delicious dish to life and savor its enticing transformation together.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large pot
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 cutting board
- 1 knife
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium head cabbage, chopped
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Hamburger Cabbage Soup, here’s a suggested timeline:
Timeline:
0:00 – 0:05 (5 minutes)
– Reading & Setup: Take a few minutes to read through the entire recipe and gather all necessary ingredients and equipment. Set up your workspace.
0:05 – 0:15 (10 minutes)
- Prep Work:
- Chop 1 large onion.
- Mince 2 cloves of garlic.
- Chop 1 medium head of cabbage.
- Slice 2 carrots.
- Chop 2 stalks of celery.
0:15 – 0:18 (3 minutes)
- Heating & Browning:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add 1 pound of ground beef and cook until browned.
0:18 – 0:21 (3 minutes)
- Sautéing:
- Remove the beef and set it aside.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until onions are translucent.
0:21 – 0:23 (2 minutes)
- Combining Ingredients:
- Return the beef to the pot.
- Add the chopped cabbage, 2 cups of beef broth, 1 can of diced tomatoes, sliced carrots, and chopped celery.
0:23 – 0:25 (2 minutes)
- Seasoning:
- Season with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and add 1 bay leaf.
0:25 – 0:30 (5 minutes)
- Boiling:
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
0:30 – 0:50 (20 minutes)
- Simmering:
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
0:50 – 0:55 (5 minutes)
- Resting & Final Touches:
- Remove the bay leaf.
- Let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
Additional Tips:
- Consider browning the ground beef thoroughly for a richer flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to taste and add red pepper flakes for spice if desired.
- This soup can be refrigerated for up to three days, making it ideal for meal prep.
Adjust as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add ground beef to the pot and cook until browned.
Remove beef and set aside, then add onion and garlic to the pot and sauté until onions are translucent.
Return the beef to the pot and add the chopped cabbage, beef broth, diced tomatoes, carrots, and celery.
Season with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and add the bay leaf.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pot.
Simmer for 20-25 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
Serving Tips
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth and add a satisfying crunch.
- Grated Parmesan: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of savory richness.
- Fresh Herbs: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or dill to add a burst of freshness and color.
- Side Salad: Pair with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a revitalizing contrast.
- Pickles: Offer a side of pickles for a tangy flavor that complements the hearty soup.
Storage
Store Hamburger Cabbage Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
For longer storage, freeze in portion-sized containers for up to three months.
Freezing
To freeze Hamburger Cabbage Soup, let it cool completely.
Then transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags.
Store for up to three months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat Hamburger Cabbage Soup, warm it gently on the stove over medium heat until thoroughly heated.
Stir occasionally and add a splash of water or broth if it thickens.
Final Thoughts
Hamburger Cabbage Soup is a delicious and hearty dish that’s perfect for a cozy meal.
With its blend of ground beef, fresh vegetables, and flavorful seasonings, this soup offers a satisfying and nutritious option for lunch or dinner.
The recipe is straightforward and can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences.
Whether you prefer it mild or with a bit of a kick, this soup is sure to please.
It’s also a great choice for meal prep, as it stores well in the refrigerator for a few days.
Enjoy the robust flavors and comforting warmth of this American classic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef. Use 1 pound of ground turkey. Heat olive oil in a pot, brown turkey thoroughly, continuing with the same steps. Adjust seasoning as turkey may need more salt.
What Type of Cabbage Works Best for This Soup?
You should use green cabbage for ideal results. Its firm texture holds up well during simmering, ensuring the soup remains hearty. Chop it into 1-inch pieces for even cooking, enhancing the overall consistency and flavor distribution.
Are There Any Vegetarian Alternatives for Beef Broth?
Replace beef broth with 2 cups vegetable broth for a vegetarian alternative. Maintain the soup’s depth by adding 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika. These substitutions guarantee a savory, robust flavor profile.
How Can I Make This Soup Gluten-Free?
To make this soup gluten-free, guarantee all ingredients are labeled gluten-free. Substitute gluten-free beef broth. Verify spices and canned tomatoes don’t contain gluten. Follow standard cooking techniques, and you’ll have a delicious, gluten-free meal.
Can I Add Potatoes to the Soup?
You can add potatoes to the soup. Dice 2 medium potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Add them with the cabbage for even cooking. Make certain the potatoes are tender by simmering the soup for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Hamburger Cabbage Soup
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Knife
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2 clove garlic minced
- 1 medium head cabbage chopped
- 2 cup beef broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 ounces
- 2 carrot sliced
- 2 stalk celery chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add ground beef to the pot and cook until browned.
- Remove beef and set aside, then add onion and garlic to the pot and sauté until onions are translucent.
- Return the beef to the pot and add the chopped cabbage, beef broth, diced tomatoes, carrots, and celery.
- Season with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and add the bay leaf.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pot.
- Simmer for 20-25 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
Notes
