Cabbage Meatball Soup Recipe
A hearty and comforting Cabbage Meatball Soup featuring tender meatballs, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful broth, perfect for a cozy meal any day.
- Author: Dana
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 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
- 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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add meatballs: Stir in the frozen meatballs, distributing them evenly throughout the soup.
- 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.
- 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