Cabbage Soup With Meat Recipe

If there’s one comfort food that strikes a perfect balance between nourishing and indulgent, it’s cabbage soup with meat. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy evening at home or need a meal that’s filling and nutritious, this dish delivers on all fronts. The combination of tender cabbage, hearty chunks of meat, and a flavorful broth is not only comforting but also incredibly satisfying. It’s one of those recipes that can easily become a staple in your kitchen, especially because it’s customizable, hearty, and easy to make.

Cabbage soup with meat brings together humble ingredients in a surprisingly delicious way, creating a meal that’s filling and comforting without being overly heavy. It’s also surprisingly versatile-you can swap out different types of meat or add extra vegetables, depending on what you have on hand. There’s so much to explore with this dish, and I’m excited to dive into all the details, from the ingredients to expert tips. Let’s take a closer look at how to make this tasty, nourishing dish from scratch!

Cabbage Soup With Meat Recipe

This is a classic and easy-to-follow recipe that brings the rich flavors of slow-simmered meat and tender cabbage together. Perfect for any day of the week, whether you’re feeding a family or just making a big batch to enjoy throughout the week. The broth should be flavorful yet light, allowing the cabbage and meat to shine. Here’s the recipe breakdown:

Ingredients Needed

• 1 medium head of cabbage – coarsely chopped
• 1 lb beef stew meat or pork shoulder – cubed into bite-sized pieces
• 1 large onion – chopped
• 2 carrots – peeled and sliced
• 2 stalks celery – chopped
• 4 cloves garlic – minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes – drained
• 6 cups beef or vegetable broth – or as needed for desired soup consistency
• 2 tbsp olive oil – for sautéing
• 1 tsp salt – adjust to taste
• 1/2 tsp black pepper – adjust to taste
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika – optional, but adds depth
• 1 tsp dried thyme – or fresh thyme if available
• 1 bay leaf – for added flavor
• 1 tsp sugar – optional, but helps balance acidity from the tomatoes
• Fresh parsley – chopped, for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Prep The Vegetables And Meat

   • Start by prepping all your ingredients. Chop the cabbage into large, bite-sized pieces. Slice the carrots and celery into thin, uniform rounds. Mince the garlic and chop the onion. Cube your meat of choice (beef stew meat or pork shoulder) into bite-sized chunks.

2. Sear The Meat

   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the cubed meat in batches, making sure not to crowd the pan. Sear the meat on all sides until browned (about 5-7 minutes per batch). Remove the meat from the pot and set it aside.

3. Sauté The Aromatics

   • In the same pot, reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent. Add the garlic, carrots, and celery, and continue sautéing for another 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.

4. Add The Broth And Seasonings

   • Pour in the broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits left from searing the meat. Stir in the diced tomatoes, thyme, bay leaf, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the seared meat back into the pot.

5. Simmer The Soup

   • Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer gently for about 45 minutes, or until the meat is tender and the flavors meld together.

6. Add The Cabbage

   • Add the chopped cabbage to the pot and stir. Continue to simmer for another 30 minutes until the cabbage is tender but still has a slight bite to it. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar if the acidity from the tomatoes is too strong.

7. Garnish And Serve

   • Before serving, discard the bay leaf and sprinkle the soup with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers on the side for a complete meal.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this cabbage soup with meat serves a specific role in creating a balanced, flavorful, and hearty dish.

• Cabbage: The star of the soup, cabbage is packed with nutrients like fiber, vitamins K and C, and antioxidants. It also adds a slightly sweet flavor and hearty texture to the soup.
• Meat: You can use a variety of meats for this soup. Beef stew meat is commonly used because it’s well-suited for slow cooking and adds richness to the broth. Pork shoulder can be a fantastic alternative, adding a slightly different flavor and tenderness. Both choices contribute to the depth of the dish.
• Vegetables: Carrots and celery are typical aromatic vegetables in this soup, contributing natural sweetness and flavor. The onions and garlic provide a savory base, while the bay leaf and thyme infuse the soup with a fragrant herbal essence.
• Broth: A good broth is essential. It’s the liquid that brings all the flavors together and keeps the soup light but flavorful. Beef broth adds a richer taste, while vegetable broth can be a lighter alternative.
• Tomatoes: The addition of diced tomatoes gives the soup a slightly tangy and acidic kick that balances the richness of the meat and broth.

Expert Tips

1. Slow Cooking for Flavor: To really develop the flavor, it’s best to let the soup simmer for at least 45 minutes. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will meld and deepen.
2. Adding Acidity: If you prefer a slightly tangier soup, add a tablespoon of vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end of cooking to brighten up the flavors. This will enhance the cabbage and balance the richness of the meat.
3. Better Meat Texture: If using beef stew meat, look for well-marbled cuts, as the fat will render and make the meat tender during slow cooking. For pork, pork shoulder is the best option.
4. Customize with Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herbs. A few sprigs of rosemary or a dash of dill can add a unique twist.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Version: For a lighter, vegetarian option, you can omit the meat and use vegetable broth as the base. Add more hearty vegetables like potatoes, zucchini, and parsnips for texture and flavor.
• Spicy Cabbage Soup: To kick up the heat, add a chopped chili pepper, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the soup for a spicy version.
• Beans & Legumes: For extra protein and fiber, consider adding beans (like kidney beans or white beans) or lentils. They’ll cook right along with the vegetables and meat, adding texture and heartiness.
• Smoked Meat: For a smoky flavor, consider adding a few pieces of smoked sausage or ham to the pot. The smokiness infuses the broth, making for a more complex flavor profile.

Final Words

Cabbage soup with meat is one of those rare dishes that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s cozy, comforting, and deeply satisfying, all while being relatively simple to prepare. You can adjust the ingredients to your liking, whether you prefer a more vegetable-heavy soup or a richer, meatier version. What makes this recipe particularly great is that it’s the kind of meal that becomes better over time, which means you can make a big pot and enjoy leftovers for days!