bowl of cabbage soup with ground meat

Here’s a hearty, comforting recipe for a Bowl of Cabbage Soup with Ground Meat — simple, filling, and great for meal prep. It’s like a deconstructed stuffed cabbage roll in soup form.

🍲 Cabbage Soup with Ground Meat

🕒 Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 30–35 min | Serves: 4–6

🥩 Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 lb (450g) ground meat (beef, turkey, pork, or chicken)

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 cups chopped green cabbage (about ½ medium head)

• 2 medium carrots, sliced

• 1 can (14.5 oz / 400g) diced tomatoes

• 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for richer flavor)

• 4 cups beef or chicken broth

• 1 tsp salt, or to taste

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)

• ½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning

• Optional: ¼ cup uncooked white rice or cauliflower rice

🔪 Instructions:

1. Brown the Meat
   In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground meat, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Remove excess fat if needed.

2. Sauté Aromatics
   Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.

3. Add Veggies and Tomatoes
   Stir in the chopped cabbage and carrots. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Add Liquids and Seasoning
   Pour in diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato paste (if using), broth, paprika, thyme, and a bit more salt and pepper. If using rice, add it now.

5. Simmer
   Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until cabbage and carrots are tender and rice is cooked.

6. Taste and Adjust
   Add more seasoning if needed. If it’s too thick, splash in extra broth or water.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy touch.

• Add crushed red pepper for heat.

• Pair with crusty bread or buttered rye toast.

🔄 Variations:

• Low-carb: Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice or skip it.

• Spicy: Add ½ tsp chili flakes or a diced jalapeño with the onions.

• More veggies: Throw in bell peppers, zucchini, or celery.

Want a version tailored for slow cooker, Instant Pot, or meal prep/freeze-ahead batches?