Cabbage soup with hamburger is a hearty, comforting dish that combines tender vegetables and savory ground meat in a warm broth. This nutritious soup is perfect for chilly days or any time you crave a filling meal that is also light on the wallet. Packed with flavors and nutrients, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a delightful culinary experience.
Why We Love This Cabbage Soup with Hamburger Recipe
This comforting dish is a favorite among families for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to make. You can throw everything into a slow cooker and let it simmer while you go about your day. Secondly, it’s versatile; you can adapt it to suit your taste or use whatever vegetables you have on hand. The combination of cabbage and hamburger creates a filling soup that doesn’t feel heavy, making it perfect for any occasion. Moreover, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in more vegetables, and you can easily make a large batch to feed a crowd or save leftovers for busy nights.
Ingredients about Cabbage Soup with Hamburger
To make this delicious cabbage soup with hamburger, gather the following ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 2-3 pounds hamburger (or ground turkey)
- 1 head of cabbage, chopped
- 2 cups celery, diced
- 2 cups white or yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 5-6 cups beef broth
- 2 (14 oz) cans diced tomatoes with basil, oregano, and garlic
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- 2 teaspoons basil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Black pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon salt (optional)
How to Make Cabbage Soup with Hamburger Directions
Creating a pot of warming cabbage soup with hamburger couldn’t be simpler. Start by cooking the hamburger in a skillet over medium heat. As it cooks, break it apart with a spatula, ensuring that it cooks evenly. If there is any excess grease, drain it off before moving on to the next step.
Next, transfer the cooked hamburger into a crock pot. Add the chopped cabbage, diced celery, diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot. This combination of ingredients will bring a burst of flavor and nutrition to your soup.
Now, pour in the beef broth. It’s the broth that will create the foundation of your soup, bringing everything together. Next, add the two cans of diced tomatoes, including their juices. These tomatoes add a beautiful acidity that balances out the richness of the beef.
After pouring in the liquid, it’s time to season your soup. Sprinkle in the oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and, if you prefer, a pinch of salt. Stir everything together well, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed.
Set your slow cooker to high for 5-6 hours or low for 6-8 hours. It’s a slow cooking process that allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally if you can. When the vegetables are tender and the soup is aromatic, your cabbage soup with hamburger is ready to be enjoyed.
How to Serve Cabbage Soup with Hamburger
Serving cabbage soup with hamburger is easy and enjoyable. You want to present this hearty meal in a way that invites everyone to dig in. Start by ladling the hot soup into bowls. A sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dash of extra black pepper can add a nice touch to the presentation.
You can pair this soup with crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal. The bread can be great for dipping, soaking up the delicious broth. If you like cheese, shredded cheese can also make a delightful topping, adding a creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soup’s rich flavors. Set the table with warm bread and your favorite condiments, such as hot sauce, for those who enjoy a little kick.
Enjoy this comforting dish with family, friends, or even solo on a cold night. The beauty of cabbage soup with hamburger is that it’s a meal that warms not only your stomach but your heart as well.
Expert Tips: Cabbage Soup with Hamburger
To perfect your cabbage soup with hamburger, here are some expert tips that can take your meal to the next level. First, consider using a leaner ground meat option, like ground turkey. It lightens the dish while still offering great flavor.
Next, if you prefer more robust flavors, you can sauté the onion and garlic in the skillet before adding them to the crock pot. This step can deepen the flavors of your soup. Additionally, if you love spicy food, feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes or even add diced jalapeños for an extra kick.
When it comes to vegetables, feel free to get creative. Adding root vegetables like carrots or potatoes can increase the nutrients and add texture. If you have leftover vegetables from the week, toss them in to reduce waste and enhance the soup’s flavor profile.
Lastly, taste your soup before serving. If you find it needs more depth, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a hint of lemon juice. Both can brighten the dish and enhance its overall flavor.
How to Store Cabbage Soup with Hamburger
Storing cabbage soup with hamburger is straightforward, making it easy to enjoy as leftovers or meal prep for later. Once your soup has cooled down, transfer it to an airtight container. Make sure the lid is tightly sealed to keep the soup fresher for longer.
You can store the soup in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. If you’d like to keep it for a longer period, freezing is a great option. Pour the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Frozen cabbage soup can last for up to 3 months.
To reheat, if you’re thawing from the freezer, let it sit in the refrigerator overnight before warming it up. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until it’s hot throughout. Remember to adjust the seasoning as needed after freezing, as some flavors might mellow out.
Variation of Cabbage Soup with Hamburger
One of the joys of cabbage soup with hamburger is its versatility; you can easily create variations to suit your taste preferences. If you’re in the mood for a lighter version, substitute half of the hamburger for more vegetables. Adding extra greens like spinach or kale not only adds nutrition but also enhances the soup’s color and texture.
If you want a touch of sweetness, consider adding diced carrots or even a bit of corn. These ingredients impart a natural sweetness that contrasts nicely with the cabbage and tomatoes.
For a different flavor profile, experiment with using various herbs and spices. You can swap out oregano and basil for Italian seasoning or even fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for a fresher taste.
If you’re looking to make this dish vegetarian, simply replace the ground meat with plant-based protein or even beans. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to maintain that savory flavor. Additionally, you can add lentils or chickpeas for an extra boost of protein and texture.
You can also play around with different types of tomatoes. Try using fire-roasted diced tomatoes for a deeper, smoky flavor.
FAQ
What are the main ingredients in cabbage soup with hamburger?
The main ingredients include ground meat (hamburger or turkey), cabbage, celery, onions, garlic, green bell pepper, beef broth, diced tomatoes, and various spices.
Can I make cabbage soup with hamburger in advance?
Yes! This soup is great for meal prep. You can make a large batch ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freeze it for later use.
How long does cabbage soup with hamburger last?
When stored in the fridge, it can last about 3-4 days. If you freeze it, it will remain good for about 3 months.
Can I adjust the spice levels in cabbage soup with hamburger?
Absolutely! You can easily increase or decrease the amount of red pepper flakes or add other spices according to your preference.
Is it okay to add other vegetables to the soup?
Definitely! Feel free to add any leftover vegetables you have at home or experiment with carrots, potatoes, or leafy greens for added nutrition.
Cabbage Soup with Hamburger
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 2-3 pounds hamburger (or ground turkey) Can use ground turkey for a leaner option.
- 1 head cabbage, chopped
- 2 cup celery, diced
- 2 cup white or yellow onion, diced
- 1 each green bell pepper, diced
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 5-6 cups beef broth
- 2 14 oz cans diced tomatoes with basil, oregano, and garlic Include the juices.
Spices
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- 2 teaspoons basil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes Adjust to taste.
- to taste black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (optional) Use if desired.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the hamburger in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Drain any excess grease and transfer the cooked hamburger to a crock pot.
- Add chopped cabbage, diced celery, diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot.
Cooking
- Pour in the beef broth, followed by the diced tomatoes including their juices.
- Sprinkle in the oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and optional salt. Stir well to combine.
- Set the slow cooker to high for 5-6 hours or low for 6-8 hours, stirring occasionally.
Serving
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve with crusty bread or a simple salad.
- Top with fresh herbs or extra black pepper if desired.
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