Discover a heartwarming twist on traditional cabbage rolls with this Hearty Cabbage Roll Soup. Combining all the delicious flavors of classic cabbage rolls into a convenient, one-pot meal, this soup is perfect for cozy dinners and meal prepping. Packed with lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and wholesome grains, it’s a nutritious and satisfying dish that brings comfort and warmth to your table.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, quartered and sliced
- 1 sweet red peppers, cored and cut into small cubes
- A few sprigs of fresh thyme, leaves picked
- 1 small green cabbage, chopped (about 6-7 cups)
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 3 x 8 oz cans of tomato puree
- 1/2 cup of quinoa or non-cooked brown rice
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tbsp honey
Preparation:
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the lean ground beef and season with salt and pepper. Cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it is thoroughly browned.
- Once fully cooked, transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the sliced carrots and diced red bell pepper, cooking for another 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Return the cooked ground beef to the pot.
- Stir in the fresh thyme leaves and chopped cabbage.
- Pour in the low-sodium beef broth and crushed tomatoes, mixing well.
- Add Grains and Seasonings:
- Add the uncooked brown rice or quinoa to the pot, followed by the bay leaf and honey.
- Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the Soup:
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
- Let the soup simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the rice/quinoa and vegetables are tender.
- Season and Serve:
- Take out the bay leaf from the pot and discard it.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh thyme if desired.
Conclusion:
This Hearty Cabbage Roll Soup is a delicious and convenient way to enjoy the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the fuss. Perfect for family dinners or meal prepping, this soup is nutritious, flavorful, and easy to make. Enjoy the warmth and comfort it brings, knowing you’re serving a meal that’s both satisfying and wholesome.