Hearty Cabbage Soup: Easy Steps to Comforting Goodness

There’s something heartwarming about the rich, savory aroma of bubbling soup on a chilly afternoon. My hearty cabbage soup fills the kitchen with cozy scents, and it’s beloved for its fresh flavors and warm embrace, perfect for any family gathering.

This comforting dish brings together tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and plenty of veggies, all simmered to perfection. Like your grandma’s favorite soup, but ready in under an hour! Plus, it uses pantry staples, making it a go-to on busy days.

I started whipping up this soul-soothing soup back in 2018 when my kids wanted something warm and filling after a long day. They devoured it, and my youngest can still remember the warmth on her spoon. The key? Don’t rush the simmering timeletting those flavors meld is what makes it special. After years of blogging, recipes like this remind me why I started: to share those nourishing moments that bring families together.

Yesica Andrews

Hearty Cabbage Soup Recipe: Delicious and Easy Guide

This hearty cabbage soup is the perfect easy hearty cabbage vegetable soup that warms you up on chilly days. Packed with fresh veggies and fragrant spices, this ground beef hearty cabbage soup alternative is a flavorful, one-pot meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Enjoy a simple, vegan-friendly option that’s also budget-friendly and gluten-free.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 yellow onion diced
• 2 sticks of celery sliced
• 4 carrots peeled and sliced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper plus more to taste
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme
• 2 teaspoons caraway seed optional but strongly recommended
• 2 cups gold potatoes peeled and diced
• 10-12 cups green cabbage chopped into 1” pieces
• 1 14.5 ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 8 cups low-sodium vegetable broth or 4 cups broth 4 cups water
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

 

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until hot. Add the diced onion, sliced celery, and carrots, cooking for about 3 to 5 minutes until they start to brown. Stir in the minced garlic, black pepper, fresh thyme, and caraway seeds, cooking for another minute until the aroma develops. Incorporate the cubed potatoes, chopped cabbage, crushed tomatoes, and vegetable broth into the pot, mixing everything well. Initially, the soup will be thick but as it cooks, the cabbage will release its moisture. Bring the mixture to a rapid boil on high heat, then lower the heat to medium and let it simmer gently for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage softens and becomes translucent. Check seasoning and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Serve the soup warm, garnished with freshly ground black pepper if you like. Store leftovers in the fridge and consume within 5 days.

Notes

• For an oil-free version, toast the caraway seeds in a dry pan over medium heat for 60 to 90 seconds until they smell fragrant. Add 1/4 cup water or extra vegetable broth to the pan to prevent sticking before proceeding with the recipe, adding more liquid as needed.

Why You’ll Love This Hearty Cabbage Soup

• Comforting Coziness: This soup warms you from the inside out, making it perfect for chilly evenings.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday veggies and pantry staples, you can whip it up without a last-minute grocery run.
• Nutritious Goodness: Packed with fiber and nutrients from all those veggies, it’s a real feel-good meal.
• Family Favorite: It’s a dish everyone will love, just like the classic recipes passed down through generations.

Key Ingredients and Tools

• Fresh Cabbage: The star of the show! Look for a solid head of green cabbage for the best flavor.
• Flavorful Broth: Using low-sodium vegetable broth helps keep things cozy without overwhelming saltiness.
• Aromatics: Onion, garlic, carrots, and celery bring warmth and depth to the soup.
• Tools: A large pot or Dutch oven is perfect for simmering all those delicious flavors together.

How It Works: Step-by-Step

1. Aromatics First: Start by warming olive oil in your pot. Add diced onion, sliced celery, and carrots, sautéing for 3-5 minutes until they start to brown. Then, stir in minced garlic, black pepper, thyme, and optional caraway seeds for about a minute.
2. Bring It Together: Toss in diced potatoes, chopped cabbage, crushed tomatoes, and your broth. Give it a good stir! It might look thick, but don’t worrythe cabbage will release more liquid as it cooks.
3. Simmer Away: Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat. Let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.

Troubleshooting Tips

• If Your Soup Is Too Thick: Just add a bit more broth or water to loosen it up while it simmers.
• If It Lacks Flavor: This might mean you need to adjust the seasoning. Salt and pepper are your best friends; taste as you go!
• Don’t Rush the Cooking: The longer you let the flavors combine, the better your soup will be!

Tweaks and Customizations

• Make It Hearty: Toss in some cooked beans or lentils to add protein and make it heartier.
• Herb Variations: Switch up the fresh thyme with basil or oregano for a different flavor profile.
• Make It Oil-Free: Sauté the veggies in a splash of vegetable broth instead of olive oil for a lighter version.

Serving and Storage Tips

Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve this cozy soup as a Sunday dinner with crusty bread, or enjoy it as a simple weeknight meal.

Ingredient Overview

Expert Says

Hearty cabbage soup is not only comforting but also packed with nutrients like vitamin K and fiber, which are essential for digestive health. The long simmering process enhances its flavors while breaking down the cabbage, making it easier for your body to absorb these beneficial compounds.

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The Cozy Journey to Hearty Cabbage Soup

This hearty cabbage soup didn’t come together overnight; it took many pots and plenty of lessons learned. I remember the first attempt when I mistakenly added too much salt, turning it into an unintentional salt lick! But after each tweak, it finally became a comforting hug in a bowl, and I’m thrilled to share it with you.

FAQs ( Hearty Cabbage Soup )

Conclusion

You’re going to love how this hearty cabbage soup turns out! In under an hour, your kitchen will fill with comforting aromas, making it impossible for anyone to resist. Each spoonful offers warmth and nourishmenttruly a hug in a bowl.

Feel free to play around with ingredients; adding your favorite beans or herbs can take this soup to the next level. And a little tip from my kitchen: it reheats beautifully, so don’t hesitate to make a big batch for the week ahead!

I’d love to hear how your family enjoys this recipe! Did you grow up with a cabbage soup of your own? Share your photos or memories, and don’t forget to save this comforting dish for those chilly evenings ahead. Happy cooking!