Print

Cabbage Meatball Soup Recipe

4.5 from 108 reviews

A hearty and comforting Cabbage Meatball Soup featuring tender meatballs, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful broth, perfect for a cozy meal any day.

Ingredients

Scale

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
  • 6 cups beef broth or chicken broth
  • 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with chilies (such as Rotel, with juices)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt, or more to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Vegetables

  • 4 cups chopped green cabbage (about ¼ medium head)

Protein

  • 16 to 20 ounces frozen meatballs (or cooked homemade meatballs)

Instructions

  1. Heat and sauté vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, chopped carrot, and celery. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Add flour and oregano: Stir in the all-purpose flour and dried oregano, cooking for an additional 1 minute to combine flavors and slightly thicken the base.
  3. Add liquids and vegetables: Pour in the beef or chicken broth, then add the chopped green cabbage and the can of diced tomatoes with chilies, including the juices. Season with salt and black pepper.
  4. Add meatballs: Stir in the frozen meatballs, distributing them evenly throughout the soup.
  5. Simmer the soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 20 to 25 minutes until the cabbage is tender and the meatballs are heated through.
  6. Final simmer and rest: Remove the lid and simmer uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to allow the soup to thicken slightly and flavors to concentrate. Let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving for optimal flavor melding.

Notes

  • You can substitute frozen meatballs with homemade cooked meatballs for a fresher taste.
  • If you prefer a spicier soup, use diced tomatoes with chilies or add additional chili flakes.
  • Adjust salt and pepper to taste, especially if your broth is salted.
  • This soup freezes well – let it cool completely before freezing in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
  • For a thicker soup, increase the flour to 2 tablespoons or simmer uncovered longer.

Keywords: cabbage soup, meatball soup, easy dinner soup, comfort food, one pot meal, hearty soup