Unstuffed Cabbage Soup (Healthy Version)

Indulge in the comforting flavors of cabbage rolls without the fuss with this hearty Unstuffed Cabbage Soup. Packed with lean ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and wholesome grains like brown rice or quinoa, this soup offers a nutritious twist on a classic dish.

Simmered in a rich broth of beef, crushed tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, each spoonful delivers a blend of savory and sweet notes enhanced by a touch of honey. Perfectly balanced and nourishing, this soup is a satisfying meal on its own, promising warmth and goodness in every bowl.

Unstuffed Cabbage Soup (Healthy Version)

Ingredients:

1 tbsp olive oil

1 lb lean ground beef

Kosher salt and ground pepper, to taste

1 medium yellow onion, diced finely

2 cloves garlic , minced

2 medium carrots, quartered and sliced

1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced

A few spears of fresh thyme, leaves picked

1 small green cabbage, chopped (about 6-7 cups)

4 cups low-sodium beef broth

3 x 8 oz cans crushed tomatoes

1/2 cup brown rice, uncooked, or quinoa

1 bay leaf

1 tbsp honey

Instructions:

Heat the oil in a large dutch oven pot over medium heat.

Add ground beef and cook, mincing the meat with a wooden spatula as it browns. Season with salt and pepper.

Stir in the onion, garlic, carrots, pepper and thyme, and cook for a few more minutes, until veggies start to soften.

Add 1/2 cup of broth to deglaze the pot, stirring all the way through the bottom.

Add the remaining ingredients and stir well to combine.

Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is done and the cabbage is tender.

Remove and discard the bay leaf and serve soup hot!

Notes:

Choosing Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to keep the soup healthier. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative.

Seasoning: Season the ground beef well with salt and pepper while browning to build layers of flavor from the beginning.

Vegetable Preparation: Ensure vegetables like onions, garlic, carrots, and bell pepper are diced and sliced uniformly to ensure even cooking and distribution of flavors.

Deglazing the Pot: Adding a small amount of broth to deglaze the pot after browning the beef helps incorporate the flavorful browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pot into the soup.

Simmering Time: Simmer the soup gently after adding all ingredients to allow flavors to meld together. This also ensures the cabbage and rice (or quinoa) cook thoroughly.

Adjusting Sweetness: The addition of honey balances the acidity of the tomatoes. Adjust the amount based on personal preference for sweetness.

Texture Preference: Adjust the cooking time based on how tender you prefer the cabbage and the rice (or quinoa). Ensure the grains are fully cooked before serving.

Herb Flavor: Fresh thyme adds a subtle earthy flavor. If preferred, you can substitute with other herbs like rosemary or oregano for variation.

Storage and Reheating: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for several days and can be frozen for longer storage. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to adjust consistency.

Serving Suggestions: Serve the soup hot, optionally garnished with freshly chopped parsley or a dollop of sour cream for added richness.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 8 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I substitute the ground beef with another type of meat?

Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even pork as a substitute for the ground beef to suit your preferences.

How can I make this soup vegetarian?

To make this soup vegetarian, omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

You can also add extra vegetables or beans for protein.

Can I use white rice instead of brown rice or quinoa?

Yes, you can substitute white rice for brown rice or quinoa.

Adjust the cooking time accordingly as white rice cooks faster than brown rice.

How do I adjust the seasoning if I’m using regular (not low-sodium) beef broth?

If using regular beef broth, taste the soup before adding additional salt.

Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed to avoid over-salting.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.

It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

What can I serve with this soup?

Serve the soup with crusty bread, dinner rolls, or a side salad for a complete meal.

It also pairs well with a dollop of sour cream or grated cheese.

How can I reduce the cooking time for this soup?

To reduce the cooking time, you can chop the vegetables smaller and increase the heat slightly while simmering.

Check for doneness of the rice (or quinoa) and cabbage more frequently.

Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh thyme?

Yes, you can substitute dried thyme for fresh thyme.

Use about 1 teaspoon of dried thyme instead of fresh thyme spears.

Why is honey added to the soup?

Honey is added to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and enhance the overall flavor profile of the soup.

You can adjust the amount of honey based on your preference for sweetness.

How can I make this soup spicier?

To add spice, you can include a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when sautéing the vegetables.

Adjust the amount to suit your desired level of spiciness.