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Cabbage Meatball Soup Recipe

4.5 from 123 reviews

A hearty and comforting cabbage meatball soup made with tender meatballs, fresh vegetables, and flavorful broth. This easy one-pot recipe combines sautéed onion, carrots, and celery with cabbage, diced tomatoes, and meatballs simmered to perfection for a warm, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 ribs celery, chopped
  • 4 cups chopped green cabbage (about ¼ medium head)

Liquids & Broth

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 6 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
  • 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with chilies (such as Rotel, with juices)

Spices & Seasonings

  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon salt (more to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Protein

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

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, chopped carrots, and chopped celery. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
  2. Add Flour and Oregano: Stir in the all-purpose flour and dried oregano. Cook for an additional 1 minute to allow the flour to toast and develop flavor.
  3. Add Broth and Vegetables: Pour in the beef or chicken broth, then add the chopped cabbage and the can of diced tomatoes with chilies (including the juices). Season with salt and black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
  4. Incorporate Meatballs: Gently stir in the frozen meatballs, making sure they are evenly distributed in the soup.
  5. Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the meatballs are heated through.
  6. Finish Cooking: Uncover the pot and continue to simmer the soup for 5 minutes more to slightly thicken and meld flavors.
  7. Rest and Serve: Remove the soup from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.

Notes

  • The soup can be made with either beef or chicken broth depending on preference.
  • Use homemade meatballs for a fresher taste or frozen meatballs for convenience.
  • Adjust salt according to taste after simmering, as broth and canned tomatoes can add saltiness.
  • For a spicier soup, use diced tomatoes with chilies or add extra chili flakes.
  • This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be frozen for longer storage.

Keywords: cabbage soup, meatball soup, easy soup recipe, healthy soup, one pot meal, winter soup