There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of vegetable beef soup, especially when it’s packed with hearty ingredients like tender beef, fresh vegetables, and the subtle crunch of cabbage.
This award-winning vegetable beef soup recipe with cabbage is a crowd-pleaser that combines rich flavors and nourishing ingredients to create a wholesome meal perfect for chilly days or whenever you need a satisfying bowl of goodness.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is straightforward to follow and delivers a restaurant-quality soup right at home. The addition of cabbage not only adds texture but also boosts the nutritional value, making this soup both delicious and healthy.
Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in extra veggies for the whole family!
Ready to impress your loved ones with this classic yet elevated soup? Let’s dive into the recipe and discover why this vegetable beef soup with cabbage has earned its accolades.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegetable beef soup recipe stands out for several reasons that make it a staple in many kitchens. First, it’s incredibly flavorful, thanks to the combination of slow-simmered beef broth and fresh herbs that infuse the soup with depth and warmth.
The beef is tender and juicy, perfectly balancing the garden-fresh vegetables and the slightly sweet crunch of cabbage.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can easily swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand or prefer, making it a flexible option for various dietary needs.
It also freezes beautifully, so you can prepare a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
Finally, this soup is a one-pot wonder, minimizing cleanup while maximizing your comfort food cravings. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 4 cups beef broth (preferably low sodium)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 2 cups green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 cups cabbage, shredded
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Equipment
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle for serving
- Optional: Slow cooker or Instant Pot for alternative cooking methods
Instructions
- Prepare the beef: Pat the beef stew meat dry with paper towels to ensure a nice sear. Heat olive oil in your pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding and brown all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Remove beef and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same pot, lower the heat to medium. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add vegetables: Stir in carrots, celery, and potatoes. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine flavors.
- Deglaze and add liquids: Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Return the browned beef to the pot.
- Season the soup: Add dried thyme, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
- Simmer: Let the soup simmer gently for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add cabbage and green beans: About 15 minutes before the end of cooking, stir in the shredded cabbage and green beans. This preserves their texture and color.
- Final seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Enjoy with crusty bread or your favorite side.
Tips & Variations
“For an even richer flavor, try browning the beef in batches to get a deeper crust and more caramelized bits in your pot.”
- Slow Cooker Option: Brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic separately, then combine all ingredients except cabbage and green beans in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add cabbage and green beans in the last 30 minutes.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other seasonal vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or peas for a unique twist.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of homemade chilli powder for a warming heat boost.
- Beef Alternatives: For a lighter version, substitute beef with lean ground turkey or use a plant-based beef substitute for a vegetarian-friendly twist.
- Extra Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs can be added during simmering for more fragrant results.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1.5 cups) |
---|---|
Calories | 280 kcal |
Protein | 25 g |
Fat | 12 g |
Carbohydrates | 18 g |
Fiber | 4 g |
Sodium | 600 mg |
Vitamin C | 40% DV |
Iron | 20% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This vegetable beef soup with cabbage pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides to create a complete meal. For a rustic touch, serve it with warm, crusty bread or garlic rolls to soak up the flavorful broth.
A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the heartiness of the soup.
For an indulgent comfort meal, add a dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese on top. If you prefer a lighter option, steamed brown rice or quinoa can be served alongside or added directly into the soup for extra texture and nutrition.
Want more wholesome meal ideas? Check out these recipes: A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion, Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals, and Vegan Fall Soup Recipes To Warm Your Cozy Evenings.
Conclusion
This award-winning vegetable beef soup with cabbage is a timeless classic that brings warmth, nutrition, and comfort in every spoonful. Its rich broth, tender beef, and crisp cabbage make it a hearty dish perfect for any season, especially when you crave something soothing and filling.
The recipe’s simplicity combined with its depth of flavor makes it an excellent choice for family dinners or meal prepping for the week ahead.
By following this recipe, you’re not only making a delicious meal but also investing in wholesome ingredients that nourish your body and soul. Plus, the versatility of this soup means you can customize it to your taste or dietary needs without losing its essence.
So grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and enjoy this award-winning soup that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!
📖 Recipe Card: Award Winning Vegetable Beef Soup with Cabbage
Description: A hearty and flavorful vegetable beef soup featuring tender beef, fresh cabbage, and a medley of vegetables. Perfect for a comforting meal any time of the year.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT1H30M
Total Time: PT1H50M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups cabbage, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add beef and brown on all sides, about 5 minutes.
- Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
- Pour in beef broth and water; bring to a boil.
- Add carrots, celery, diced tomatoes, and thyme.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.
- Add chopped cabbage and cook for another 20 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 28 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 20 g
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