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Best Authentic Cabbage Soup Recipe

This Authentic Cabbage Soup Recipe is a hearty, timeless comfort dish made with tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and aromatic spices. Simple, nourishing, and full of deep flavor, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Eastern European
Calories: 285
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium head green cabbage chopped
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 medium carrots sliced
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 –2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
  2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart.
  3. Add onion and garlic and sauté until softened.
  4. Stir in smoked paprika and black pepper and cook briefly.
  5. Add cabbage and carrots and cook until slightly wilted.
  6. Pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes.
  7. Add apple cider vinegar, salt, and bay leaves.
  8. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered.
  9. Cook for about 50 minutes until cabbage is tender.
  10. Remove bay leaves, adjust seasoning, and serve hot.

Notes

Do not overcook the cabbage to avoid a mushy texture. The apple cider vinegar balances the richness and enhances overall flavor.