When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of Beef Vegetable Soup with Cabbage to warm the soul. This hearty, flavor-packed soup is the perfect comfort food, blending tender beef, an array of fresh vegetables, and fragrant herbs for a satisfying and nourishing meal. Whether you’re craving a cozy night in or need to feed a hungry crowd, this Beef Vegetable Soup with Cabbage recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.

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Why Choose Beef Vegetable Soup with Cabbage?

Not only is Beef Vegetable Soup with Cabbage deliciously comforting, but it’s also packed with a wealth of nutritional benefits. The combination of protein-rich beef, fiber-filled vegetables, and vitamin-packed herbs and spices makes this soup a wholesome and satisfying option. Plus, the versatility of the ingredients allows you to customize the recipe to your taste preferences or dietary needs.

When you’re in the mood for a heartwarming dish that will nourish your body and delight your taste buds, Beef Vegetable Soup with Cabbage is a fantastic choice. Its warm, savory flavors and tender texture will have you coming back for more bite after bite.

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Beef:

2 Tablespoons olive oil
2.5 pounds roast beef (with marbleized fat throughout) – cut into 2-3 inch chunks
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper – to taste
3 Tablespoons tomato paste
5-6 cups mixture of water and lower-sodium beef broth – use 1/2 water, 1/2 packaged broth

For the Soup:

1 Tablespoon olive oil
2 leeks (2 cups) – light green and white parts chopped
2 stalks celery (1 cup) – chopped
4 carrots (3 cups) – chopped
4 cloves garlic – minced
1 medium cabbage (about 10 cups) – chopped
15 oz. tomato sauce
7-8 cups lower-sodium beef broth – can use reserved broth
1 teaspoon thyme
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
3 bay leaves
Salt and pepper – to taste

This Beef Vegetable Soup with Cabbage is not only delicious, but it’s also a nutritional powerhouse. The beef provides a hearty serving of protein, while the assortment of vegetables – from carrots and celery to cabbage and leeks – offer a wealth of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The addition of fragrant herbs and spices, like thyme and Worcestershire sauce, further enhance the soup’s flavor profile and health benefits.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Beef Vegetable Soup with Cabbage

1. Brown the Beef

Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season the beef chunks with a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper, then brown them on all sides. This important step not only seals in the beefy flavor but also creates a delicious fond (or browned bits) on the bottom of the pot that will infuse the soup with even more flavor. Once the beef is nicely browned, stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the paste to caramelize and deepen in color.

Next, add the 5-6 cup mixture of water and beef broth to the pot. Bring the liquid to a simmer, then cover and let the beef cook for 1-2 hours, or until it’s fork-tender and practically falling apart. This slow cooking process ensures the beef becomes meltingly soft and infuses the soup with its rich, beefy essence.

2. Prepare the Soup Base

While the beef is simmering, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a separate large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped leeks, celery, carrots, and minced garlic, and sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. This aromatic base sets the foundation for the flavorful soup.

3. Add Cabbage and Liquids

Once the vegetable base is ready, stir in the chopped cabbage, tomato sauce, and 7-8 cups of beef broth (you can use the reserved broth from the beef if desired). Add the thyme, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaves, then let the soup come to a gentle simmer.

4. Combine and Simmer

When the beef is tender, add it and its cooking liquid to the vegetable mixture. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become perfectly tender.

5. Season and Serve

Before serving, remove the bay leaves and adjust the salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the steaming Beef Vegetable Soup with Cabbage into bowls and enjoy its warm, comforting goodness. This soup is delightful on its own, but you can also serve it with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or even a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra indulgent touch.

Tips for Perfect Beef Vegetable Soup

Choosing the Right Beef

When it comes to Beef Vegetable Soup with Cabbage, the type of beef you use can make all the difference. Look for a well-marbled roast beef or chuck roast, as the fat throughout the meat will keep it tender and juicy as it simmers in the broth. Leaner cuts like sirloin or round can also work, but they may require a bit more cooking time to achieve the desired tenderness.

Vegetables and Seasoning Variations

While the recipe calls for a delicious blend of cabbage, carrots, celery, and leeks, feel free to experiment with other seasonal vegetables, such as potatoes, zucchini, or green beans. You can also play with the herbs and spices, swapping the thyme for rosemary, adding a pinch of smoked paprika, or even a dash of red wine vinegar for a touch of acidity.

Cooking Methods

If you’re short on time, you can easily adapt this Beef Vegetable Soup with Cabbage recipe for the slow cooker or Instant Pot. For the slow cooker, simply brown the beef as directed, then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and let it simmer on low for 6-8 hours. In the Instant Pot, use the sauté function to brown the beef, then pressure cook the soup on high for 30-40 minutes, allowing for a natural release.

Leftover Ideas and Storage Tips

How to Store Leftovers

Leftover Beef Vegetable Soup with Cabbage can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer-term storage, the soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until steaming hot.

Creative Leftover Uses

Don’t let those delicious leftovers go to waste! Beef Vegetable Soup with Cabbage can be repurposed in all sorts of creative ways. Use it as a base for a hearty casserole, mix it into a batch of cheesy baked potatoes, or even serve it over a bed of cooked pasta or rice for a comforting, one-bowl meal.

Vegetable Beef Stew – A classic stew that’s similar to the soup, with a thicker, heartier texture.
Cabbage Roll Soup – A flavor-packed soup that captures the essence of traditional cabbage rolls.
Beef and Barley Soup – A nourishing soup that combines tender beef, hearty barley, and an array of vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients are needed to make beef vegetable soup with cabbage?

The main ingredients for Beef Vegetable Soup with Cabbage include:
– Beef (such as a roast or chuck roast)
– Olive oil
– Tomato paste
– Beef broth or stock
– Cabbage
– Carrots, celery, leeks, and garlic
– Thyme, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves
– Salt and pepper

How long should the soup simmer to make the beef tender?

The beef should simmer for 1-2 hours, or until it’s fork-tender and easily shreds apart. This slow cooking process ensures the beef becomes meltingly soft and infuses the soup with its rich, beefy flavor.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for the slow cooker or Instant Pot. For the slow cooker, brown the beef as directed, then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and let it simmer on low for 6-8 hours. In the Instant Pot, use the sauté function to brown the beef, then pressure cook the soup on high for 30-40 minutes, allowing for a natural release.

How should leftover soup be stored and reheated?

Conclusion

Beef Vegetable Soup with Cabbage is a comforting, nourishing, and downright delicious dish that’s perfect for chilly weather. With its tender beef, an array of fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs and spices, this soup is sure to become a new family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal on a cold night or a hearty option to feed a crowd, this recipe is a winner. So, grab your soup pot and get ready to enjoy the warmth and satisfaction of Beef Vegetable Soup with Cabbage.

Looking for more tasty ideas? Visit Elena’s Fast & Flavorful Recipes on Pinterest for a treasure trove of easy meals, comforting bakes, and fun kitchen inspiration!

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