CABBAGE SOUP WITH HAMBURGER

Looking for a comforting, hearty soup that’s easy to make and packed with flavor? This Cabbage Soup with Hamburger is the perfect solution! Ideal for chilly days or when you need a satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and delicious, this soup combines the savory goodness of ground beef with tender cabbage and a medley of seasonings. The best part? It’s made in the crock pot, allowing you to set it and forget it while the flavors meld together perfectly. Read on to discover how to make this flavorful soup and enjoy a warm, satisfying dish with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

• 2-3 pounds of hamburger (can substitute 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 basil, oregano, garlic diced tomatoes
• 2 teaspoons oregano
• 2 teaspoons basil
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Few shakes of black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt (optional)

Directions:

1. Brown the Hamburger:

• In a skillet over medium heat, brown the hamburger until fully cooked. If using ground turkey, ensure it is thoroughly cooked and browned. Drain any excess fat before transferring the meat to the crock pot.

2. Combine Ingredients:

• Place the browned hamburger into the crock pot. Add the chopped cabbage, diced celery, white or yellow onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic.

3. Add Broth and Tomatoes:

• Pour in the beef broth and add the cans of basil, oregano, garlic diced tomatoes. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.

4. Season the Soup:

• Add the oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and optional salt. Stir well to incorporate the seasonings throughout the soup.

5. Cook the Soup:

• Cover the crock pot and cook on high for 5-6 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. The soup is done when the vegetables are tender and the flavors are well combined.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

• Once the cooking time is complete, give the soup a final stir. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting, savory flavors of this cabbage soup!

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips

1. Ideal Accompaniments: Serve your cabbage soup with a side of warm crusty bread or a light salad for a well-rounded meal. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can enhance the flavor and presentation.
2. Garnishes: Add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top of each serving for extra richness. Freshly chopped green onions or a squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten up the soup.
3. Temperature: The soup can be enjoyed hot straight from the crock pot. For an even more comforting meal, reheat individual servings in the microwave or on the stove, ensuring it’s heated through.

Storage Tips

1. Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Ensure the container is sealed properly to maintain freshness and prevent any odors from other foods in the fridge.
2. Freezing: To freeze, let the soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Label with the date for easy identification. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and reheat thoroughly before serving.
3. Reheating: Reheat frozen soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can use a microwave-safe dish to reheat individual portions. Be sure to stir the soup occasionally to ensure even heating.
4. Portioning: For convenience, consider portioning the soup into single-serving containers before freezing. This makes it easy to defrost and reheat just the amount you need.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your delicious cabbage soup with hamburger over multiple meals while maintaining its flavor and quality.

Variations:

1. Add Extra Vegetables:
   • Carrots: Dice or slice carrots and add them to the soup for added sweetness and crunch.
   • Potatoes: Add cubed potatoes for a heartier texture and more filling soup.
   • Green Beans: Chop green beans and stir them in for extra color and nutrition.
2. Use Different Meats:
   • Ground Turkey: Swap the hamburger for ground turkey for a leaner option.
   • Ground Chicken: Try ground chicken for a lighter flavor and less fat.
   • Sausage: Use crumbled Italian sausage or chorizo for a spicier, more robust flavor.
3. Make It Vegetarian:
   • Vegetable Broth: Replace the beef broth with vegetable broth.
   • Plant-Based Meat: Substitute the hamburger with a plant-based meat alternative.
   • Additional Beans: Incorporate beans like kidney beans or black beans for protein.
4. Add Grains or Pasta:
   • Rice: Stir in cooked rice towards the end of cooking for added texture.
   • Pasta: Add small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or orzo to the soup for a more filling dish.
5. Spice It Up:
   • Hot Sauce: Add a few dashes of hot sauce to the soup for extra heat.
   • Cayenne Pepper: Sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
   • Paprika: Add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor and a touch of heat.
6. Incorporate Different Herbs:
   • Thyme: Add a few sprigs of fresh thyme for a different herbal note.
   • Rosemary: Use a small amount of rosemary for a fragrant, woody flavor.
   • Bay Leaves: Toss in a bay leaf while cooking for added depth of flavor (remove before serving).
7. Add a Touch of Sweetness:
   • Corn: Stir in a cup of corn kernels for a subtle sweetness and extra texture.
   • Sweet Potatoes: Substitute some of the regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a hint of sweetness.
8. Creamy Variation:
   • Cream: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking for a creamy version of the soup.
   • Cream Cheese: Add a few tablespoons of cream cheese for a rich and creamy texture.
9. Use Different Tomato Variations:
   • Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: Use fire-roasted diced tomatoes for a smoky flavor.
   • Tomato Sauce: Replace diced tomatoes with tomato sauce for a smoother texture.
10. Herbed Variation:
    • Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley, cilantro, or dill before serving for a burst of fresh flavor.

Feel free to experiment with these variations to tailor the soup to your preferences and dietary needs, creating a dish that’s uniquely yours!

FAQs:

1. Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

• Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, ground chicken, or even crumbled sausage for the hamburger. Each will impart a different flavor and texture to the soup.

2. How can I make this soup vegetarian?

• To make this soup vegetarian, use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and replace the hamburger with a plant-based meat alternative or simply omit the meat. You can also add beans for extra protein.

3. Can I freeze this soup?

• Yes, you can freeze this soup. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

4. How long does this soup last in the refrigerator?

• The soup will last for up to 4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. Make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving.

5. Can I add pasta or rice to this soup?

• Yes, you can add cooked pasta or rice to the soup. Stir them in towards the end of cooking. For best results, cook pasta or rice separately and add them just before serving to prevent them from becoming too mushy.

6. What can I do if the soup is too bland?

• If the soup is bland, try adjusting the seasoning. Add more salt, pepper, or spices like paprika or cayenne pepper. You can also add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

7. Can I use fresh cabbage instead of frozen?

• Yes, fresh cabbage works perfectly. Just chop it into bite-sized pieces and add it to the soup as directed.

8. How can I thicken the soup?

• To thicken the soup, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water, or blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender to create a thicker texture.

9. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

• Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Brown the hamburger and bacon first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.

10. What other vegetables can I add to this soup?

• You can add a variety of vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, green beans, or potatoes. Just chop them into small pieces and add them to the soup at the beginning of cooking.

These FAQs cover common questions and adjustments for making the perfect Cabbage Soup with Hamburger. Enjoy experimenting with different variations to suit your tastes!