Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Meat

 Hearty Cabbage Soup with Ground Meat

Ingredients:

– 1 pound ground beef or pork
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
– 1 small head of cabbage, chopped
– 2 carrots, sliced
– 2 celery stalks, sliced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil

 Instructions:

1. **Prepare the Vegetables:**
– Wash and chop all the vegetables as described.

2. **Cook the Meat:**
– In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

3. **Cook the Aromatics:**
– Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

4. **Add the Vegetables and Broth:**
– Add the chopped cabbage, carrots, celery, and green beans to the pot. Stir to combine. Pour in the beef or vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Stir well.

5. **Season the Soup:**
– Add the dried thyme, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to incorporate the seasonings.

6. **Simmer:**
– Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.

7. **Serve:**
– Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve with crusty bread if desired.

Enjoy your hearty cabbage soup with ground meat and vegetables!