Beef And Cabbage Soup With Potatoes Recipe

Beef and cabbage soup with potatoes is one of those timeless comfort foods that seems to transcend seasons. Whether you’re battling a chill in the air during autumn or seeking something hearty after a busy day, this soup checks all the boxes: warm, filling, and downright satisfying. It’s a dish that draws from simple ingredients but delivers deep, rich flavors that make you feel right at home. The combination of tender beef, sweet cabbage, and earthy potatoes creates a balanced, nourishing meal that’s perfect for both casual dinners and special gatherings.

This soup has roots in various cuisines, with slight regional variations, but the beauty of it lies in how adaptable it is. You can play with the seasonings, add different vegetables, or adjust the thickness of the broth depending on what you’re in the mood for. Plus, the leftovers-if you’re lucky enough to have any-only get better as they sit, making it a great choice for meal prep or a make-ahead dish.

Beef And Cabbage Soup With Potatoes Recipe

This recipe for Beef and Cabbage Soup with Potatoes is both straightforward and delicious. It makes a large pot, perfect for feeding a family or having plenty of leftovers for the week ahead. The tender beef, paired with the cabbage’s subtle sweetness and the potatoes’ heartiness, makes this a soup you’ll come back to time and time again.

Ingredients Needed

• Beef stew meat: 1.5 to 2 pounds (chuck or brisket works best)
• Cabbage: 1 medium head, chopped
• Potatoes: 4-5 medium, peeled and cubed
• Carrots: 2 large, sliced
• Onion: 1 large, chopped
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
• Celery: 2 stalks, chopped
• Beef broth: 6 cups (preferably low-sodium)
• Tomato paste: 2 tablespoons
• Bay leaves: 2
• Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon
• Salt and pepper: To taste
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
• Fresh parsley: Chopped, for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the beef: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, add the beef stew meat in batches, browning each piece on all sides. This helps build flavor. Remove the beef and set it aside.
2. Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Cook for about 5 minutes until they start to soften. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute, letting the aroma fill the kitchen.
3. Deglaze and add liquids: Stir in the tomato paste, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits. Add the beef broth, then return the beef to the pot. Toss in the bay leaves and dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
4. Add potatoes and cabbage: Once the soup is simmering, add the cubed potatoes and chopped cabbage. Stir everything together, making sure the cabbage wilts into the broth. Let the soup simmer for 45 minutes to an hour, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are fully cooked.
5. Season and serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving, then ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
6. Enjoy: Serve your beef and cabbage soup with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad to complete the meal.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this soup serves a distinct purpose, contributing to both the flavor and texture of the dish. Here’s a closer look at why these ingredients work so well together:

• Beef stew meat: This cut of beef is ideal for slow cooking. As it simmers, it becomes tender and absorbs the flavors from the broth, giving the soup a rich, meaty taste.
• Cabbage: Besides adding a subtle sweetness to the broth, cabbage provides a slight crunch and a lovely texture that contrasts with the tender beef and potatoes. It’s also packed with nutrients like Vitamin C and fiber.
• Potatoes: Potatoes are a classic ingredient in soups because they add heartiness and help thicken the broth. They absorb the flavors of the soup, making each spoonful satisfying.
• Carrots and celery: These aromatic vegetables build the base flavor of the soup. They add both sweetness and depth, creating a balanced and flavorful profile.
• Beef broth: The foundation of the soup, beef broth brings richness and a savory depth that complements the beef, while allowing the vegetables to shine.
• Herbs and spices: Bay leaves and thyme give the soup an earthy fragrance. These herbs infuse the broth with subtle complexity, rounding out the dish.
• Garlic: A little garlic adds a wonderful kick, enhancing the savory flavors without overpowering them.

Expert Tips

• Browning the beef: Don’t skip this step! Browning the beef before simmering not only creates a rich flavor base but also helps develop that deep, comforting taste. It’s an essential step for achieving that ’wow’ factor.
• Slicing the cabbage: Aim for large, hearty pieces of cabbage rather than small shreds. This way, the cabbage will hold up better during the long simmer and add a nice texture to the soup.
• Adjusting seasoning: Taste the soup at the end of cooking, especially if you’re using store-bought broth. Some broths are saltier than others, so you may need less salt.
• Thickening the soup: If you prefer a thicker broth, you can mash some of the potatoes into the soup. This will create a creamier texture without having to add any cream.

Recipe Variations

This recipe is highly versatile, so feel free to mix it up based on your preferences or what you have in the fridge. Here are a few variations you can try:

• Add beans: For extra protein and fiber, consider adding white beans or kidney beans. They’ll also contribute to the soup’s texture and make it more filling.
• Switch up the veggies: While cabbage and potatoes are classic, you could experiment with other vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or leeks to bring new flavors to the soup.
• Spicy twist: Add a bit of heat with some red pepper flakes or a diced chili pepper. This will give the soup a subtle kick without overwhelming the other flavors.
• Use different meats: Instead of beef stew meat, you can swap in ground beef or even sausage for a slightly different flavor profile. Ground beef will make the soup a bit more textured, while sausage will add a smoky element.

Final Words

Beef and cabbage soup with potatoes is a beautifully simple, yet incredibly hearty dish. Its blend of tender meat, sweet cabbage, and earthy potatoes provides comfort in every spoonful. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or make your own tweaks, this soup offers flexibility and satisfaction that can’t be beat.

It’s also a great dish to serve to guests or bring to a potluck-it scales easily and feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Plus, as with most soups, it only gets better the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping.