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Cozy Deconstructed Cabbage Roll Soup

deconstructed cabbage roll soup - featured image
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A hearty and comforting soup that captures the flavors of classic cabbage rolls without the fuss of wrapping. This easy homemade recipe combines ground beef, cabbage, and a tangy tomato broth for a cozy meal perfect for chilly days.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (85% lean)
  • 4 cups shredded green cabbage (about 1 small head)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425g) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 410g) diced tomatoes with juices
  • 4 cups (960 ml) beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Optional: 1 cup cooked rice (200g)

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  2. Add the finely chopped onion to the beef and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Stir in smoked paprika and dried thyme. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
  4. Add shredded cabbage and cook together for 5 minutes, letting the cabbage soften and absorb flavors.
  5. Pour in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with juices, and beef broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
  6. Simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes until cabbage is tender but not mushy and flavors meld.
  7. Stir in white vinegar. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. If desired, stir in cooked rice and heat through.
  8. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Notes

Drain excess fat after browning beef to avoid greasy soup but leave a little for flavor. Do not overcook cabbage to prevent mushy texture. Use good quality beef broth for best flavor. Add rice cooked separately at the end to avoid mushiness. Soup tastes better the next day as flavors meld. Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: cabbage roll soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, ground beef soup, cabbage soup, homemade soup, cozy soup, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://lucastable.com/cozy-deconstructed-cabbage-roll-soup-recipe-easy-homemade-comfort-food/