Cabbage Soup Ground Beef (Printable Version)

# What You'll Need:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 - 1 pound lean ground beef
03 - 1 medium onion, chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 2 carrots, sliced
06 - 4 cups shredded green cabbage
07 - 2 cups canned diced tomatoes
08 - 4 cups beef broth

→ Seasonings

09 - 1 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
11 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
12 - 2 bay leaves

→ Optional Add-ins

13 - 1 cup chopped celery
14 - 1 cup diced zucchini
15 - 1 cup diced potatoes
16 - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces. Drain excess fat.
02 - Add chopped onions and garlic to the pot. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the carrots and cook for another 5 minutes.
03 - Add shredded cabbage and diced tomatoes to the pot. Stir and cook for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
04 - Pour in beef broth. Add salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 20–30 minutes until cabbage is tender.
05 - Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove bay leaves and serve hot with optional garnishes.

# Helpful Notes:

01 - Add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice before serving for extra brightness.
02 - Soup can be frozen for up to 3 months; store toppings separately.
03 - Leftovers improve in flavor after a day in the fridge.