Your Secret Weapon for a Healthy and Hearty Meal: How to Make Hamburger and Cabbage Soup with a Twist
What To Know
- Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weekday meal or a cozy and comforting meal for a cold winter’s night, this soup has got you covered.
- If you like a thicker soup, you can add a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and water) to the soup and simmer until thickened.
- Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a novice in the kitchen, this simple and nutritious soup is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
In the realm of comfort foods, few dishes surpass the warmth and sustenance of a hearty hamburger and cabbage soup. This humble yet satisfying dish is not only easy to make but also versatile, allowing you to customize it to your liking. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weekday meal or a cozy and comforting meal for a cold winter‘s night, this soup has got you covered.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large head of cabbage, shredded
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Ground Beef:
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned and crumbly, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
- Drain any excess fat.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
- Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the Cabbage:
- Stir in the shredded cabbage and cook for a few minutes until it starts to wilt.
4. Create the Broth:
- Add the beef broth, water, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, and basil to the pot.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Simmer:
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
6. Adjust Seasonings:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, herbs, or spices to your liking.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the hamburger and cabbage soup hot with your favorite toppings, such as crusty bread, sour cream, or shredded cheese.
Tips for a Perfect Soup:
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of ground beef and ground pork.
- If you don’t have shredded cabbage, you can use thinly sliced cabbage.
- Add other vegetables to your soup, such as potatoes, green beans, or corn.
- If you like a thicker soup, you can add a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and water) to the soup and simmer until thickened.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.
Variations:
- Creamy Hamburger and Cabbage Soup: Add 1 cup of heavy cream or sour cream to the soup for a creamy and indulgent texture.
- Cheesy Hamburger and Cabbage Soup: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese or a mixture of shredded cheeses for a cheesy and comforting twist.
- Spicy Hamburger and Cabbage Soup: Add a chopped jalapeño or serrano pepper to the soup for a spicy and flavorful variation.
Benefits of Hamburger and Cabbage Soup:
- Nutrient-Rich: This soup is packed with vegetables, making it a nutritious and filling meal.
- Comforting: The warm and hearty soup is perfect for cold weather or when you’re feeling under the weather.
- Versatile: You can easily customize the soup to your liking by adding different vegetables, spices, or toppings.
- Budget-Friendly: This soup is relatively inexpensive to make, using simple and affordable ingredients.
In a nutshell:
Making hamburger and cabbage soup is a culinary endeavor that will reward you with a delicious and satisfying meal. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a novice in the kitchen, this simple and nutritious soup is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. So, gather your ingredients, follow these step-by-step instructions, and prepare to indulge in a comforting and flavorful bowl of hamburger and cabbage soup.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Can I use frozen ground beef for this soup?
A: Yes, you can use frozen ground beef. Simply thaw it before cooking.
Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables in a skillet, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
Q: How do I store leftover hamburger and cabbage soup?
A: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.