Cabbage Meatball Soup Recipe
A comforting and hearty cabbage meatball soup that combines tender vegetables, savory meatballs, and flavorful broth. This easy-to-make soup is perfect for a cozy meal, featuring a balance of textures and spices that will warm you up on any day.
- Author: lucas
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 ribs celery, chopped
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Broth and Vegetables
- 6 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 4 cups chopped green cabbage (about ¼ medium head)
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with chilies (such as Rotel, with juices)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (more to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Meatballs
- 16 to 20 ounces frozen meatballs (or cooked homemade meatballs)
- Prepare the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, chopped carrots, and celery. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add Flour and Oregano: Stir in the all-purpose flour and dried oregano with the vegetables. Cook for an additional minute to combine and release flavors, ensuring the flour coats the vegetables well.
- Add Liquids and Vegetables: Pour in the beef or chicken broth, then add the chopped green cabbage and diced tomatoes with chilies, including the juices. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir everything together thoroughly.
- Add Meatballs: Gently stir in the frozen or cooked meatballs, ensuring they are submerged in the broth and the vegetable mixture.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20 to 25 minutes until the cabbage is tender and the meatballs are heated through.
- Final Simmer and Rest: Uncover the pot and simmer the soup for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to concentrate. Turn off the heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving to deepen the flavors.
Notes
- Use beef or chicken broth based on preference or what you have on hand.
- For a spicier soup, choose diced tomatoes with hot chilies or add extra chili flakes.
- Frozen meatballs can be pre-cooked or fully frozen; just ensure they are heated thoroughly in the soup.
- Adjust salt and pepper to your taste, especially if using broth with added sodium.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
Keywords: cabbage soup, meatball soup, easy soup recipe, hearty soup, comfort food, weeknight dinner