Meaty Cabbage Soup

by

🥣 Meaty Cabbage Soup (Crockpot)

Description

Meaty Cabbage Soup is a hearty, comforting slow-cooker meal packed with tender cabbage, savory ground meat, vegetables, and rich tomato broth. This rustic soup is filling yet wholesome, making it perfect for cold days, meal prep, or anyone looking for a nutritious one-pot dinner. The crockpot does most of the work, allowing the flavors to slowly deepen and blend beautifully.

⏱️ Prep & Cook Time

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes

  • Cook Time: 6–8 hours (LOW) or 3–4 hours (HIGH)

  • Total Time: Up to 8 hours

🍲 Servings

6 servings

🛒 Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)

  • 1 small head green cabbage, chopped

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 3 carrots, sliced

  • 2 celery stalks, chopped

  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes

  • 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce

  • 4 cups beef broth

  • 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • 1 tsp paprika

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

  • ½ tsp dried thyme

  • 1 bay leaf

  • Optional: red pepper flakes (for heat)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Brown the Meat:
    In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.

  2. Add to Crockpot:
    Transfer cooked meat to the slow cooker.

  3. Layer Vegetables:
    Add cabbage, onion, garlic, carrots, and celery.

  4. Add Liquids & Seasonings:
    Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Add all spices and bay leaf.

  5. Cook:

    • LOW: 6–8 hours

    • HIGH: 3–4 hours

  6. Finish & Serve:
    Remove bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning. Serve hot.

📝 Notes

  • The cabbage will shrink significantly as it cooks—this is normal.

  • Soup thickens slightly as it cools.

  • Flavor improves even more the next day.

💡 Tips for Best Results

  • For richer flavor: Brown meat with onions and garlic.

  • For low-carb: Skip carrots or reduce tomato sauce.

  • For extra protein: Add white beans or kidney beans.

  • For thicker soup: Stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste.

  • Freezer-friendly: Cool completely before freezing.

🧮 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

  • Calories: 230

  • Protein: 18g

  • Carbohydrates: 14g

  • Fiber: 5g

  • Fat: 12g

  • Sodium: 680mg

(Values vary based on ingredients used.)

🌱 Health Benefits

  • Cabbage: High in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants

  • Protein-rich: Keeps you full longer

  • Low calorie: Great for weight-conscious meals

  • Gut-friendly: Supports digestion

  • Heart-healthy: Can be made lean and low-sodium

❓ Q & A

Q: Can I use a different meat?
A: Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage work well.

Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Absolutely—omit meat and use vegetable broth with beans or lentils.

Q: How long does it last in the fridge?
A: Up to 4 days in an airtight container.

Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Yes, it freezes well for up to 3 months.

Q: Does cabbage get mushy?
A: No, it becomes tender but holds texture when slow-cooked properly.

Leave a Comment