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Sweet and sour beef and cabbage soup

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Warm, comforting, and full of flavor, this Sweet and Sour Beef and Cabbage Soup is a hearty twist on a classic Eastern European favorite. It combines ground beef, tender cabbage, and rich tomato broth with a perfect balance of sweetness and tang. Simple to make and budget-friendly, it’s an ideal one-pot meal for cold nights or make-ahead lunches.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef

  • 1 small onion, diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 4 cups chopped green cabbage

  • 1 large carrot, peeled and grated or sliced

  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes

  • 1/4 cup tomato paste

  • 6 cups beef broth

  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)

  • 2 tbsp brown sugar (adjust to taste)

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • Olive oil for cooking

  • Optional: 1/2 tsp caraway seeds or bay leaf for added depth

Instructions

  • Brown the Beef:
    In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if needed.

  • Sauté Aromatics:
    Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.

  • Add Vegetables and Tomatoes:
    Mix in the cabbage and carrots. Stir to combine, then add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Bring to a boil.

  • Flavor the Broth:
    Stir in vinegar, brown sugar, paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. If you’re using bay leaf or caraway seeds, add them now.

  • Simmer:
    Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer for 25–30 minutes, until the cabbage is tender and flavors are well blended. Adjust seasoning to taste.

 

  • Serve:
    Ladle into bowls and serve hot, optionally with crusty bread or a dollop of sour cream on top.

Notes

  • Make It Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

  • Freezer Friendly: Cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

  • Vegetarian Option: Substitute beef with lentils or plant-based crumbles, and use vegetable broth.

  • Extra Tang: Add a bit more vinegar or a splash of lemon juice before serving for extra zing.

  • Low-Carb Friendly: Omit the brown sugar or replace it with a low-carb sweetener like erythritol.

Find it online: https://psrecipeswillow.com/2025/04/sweet-and-sour-beef-and-cabbage-soup/