When the cold winter winds start to blow, there's nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of soup to soothe your soul. And while cabbage might give this particular soup its name, it's the ground beef that truly makes it hearty and satisfying. This cabbage and ground beef soup is not only delicious but also relatively easy to make, making it a perfect choice for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.

Let's start with the ingredients. You'll need a head of cabbage, which should be chopped into bite - sized pieces. Cabbage is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that adds a lovely crunch and a mild, slightly sweet flavor to the soup. Next, you'll require about 1 pound of lean ground beef. Lean ground beef is a great source of protein and will add a rich, meaty taste to the dish. For the base of the soup, you'll want some onions, garlic, and carrots. Onions bring a sweet and savory note, garlic adds a pungent kick, and carrots contribute a touch of natural sweetness and color.

To begin the cooking process, heat a large pot over medium - high heat. Add a little bit of olive oil to the pot. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onions and sauté them until they become translucent. This usually takes about 3 - 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and continue to cook for another minute or so, being careful not to burn the garlic as it can quickly turn bitter. After that, add the ground beef to the pot. Break up the beef with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Cook the ground beef until it's browned all over, which should take around 5 - 7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat from the cooked ground beef.

Now, it's time to add the chopped carrots to the pot. Stir them in with the beef and onions, and let them cook for a few minutes until they start to soften. After that, add the chopped cabbage to the pot. The cabbage will start to wilt down as it cooks. Pour in some beef broth. You can use either store - bought or homemade beef broth. The beef broth will give the soup its flavorful base. You can also add a can of diced tomatoes, which will add acidity and more flavor to the soup. Season the soup with salt, pepper, and a dash of your favorite herbs. Some good herb choices include thyme, oregano, and parsley. These herbs will enhance the overall taste of the soup.

Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 - 40 minutes. During this time, the flavors will meld together beautifully, and the vegetables will become tender. As the soup simmers, you might notice that the liquid reduces a bit, thickening the soup slightly. If you prefer a thinner soup, you can add a little more broth or water as needed.

Once the soup is ready, it's time to serve it. You can ladle the warm soup into bowls and top it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for an extra touch of creaminess. This soup is perfect to serve on a chilly winter night. It's filling enough to be a complete meal on its own, but you can also pair it with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad. The combination of the warm, savory soup and the crunchy bread is simply divine.

Not only is this cabbage and ground beef soup delicious, but it's also a healthy option. Cabbage is low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Ground beef provides protein, and the vegetables in the soup add a variety of nutrients. So, you can enjoy this hearty soup without feeling guilty.

Moreover, this soup is quite customizable. If you don't like cabbage, you can substitute it with other leafy greens like kale or spinach. You can also add other vegetables such as celery or bell peppers to make the soup even more colorful and nutritious. If you're a fan of spicier flavors, you can add some red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to give the soup a bit of a kick.

In conclusion, this cabbage and ground beef soup is a wonderful addition to your winter dinner repertoire. It's easy to make, full of flavor, and packed with nutrients. Whether you're cooking for your family or having a quiet night in by yourself, a bowl of this warm, comforting soup will surely make your winter evenings more enjoyable. So, the next time the cold weather hits, head to the kitchen and whip up a batch of this delicious soup. Your taste buds and your body will thank you for it.