Easy Cabbage Meatball Soup 

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meatballs:
   In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until fully incorporated. Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter, and set them aside.
2. Cook the Meatballs:
   Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 5-6 minutes. You don’t need to cook them all the way through, as they will finish cooking in the soup later. Once browned, remove the meatballs from the pot and set them aside.
3. Make the Soup Base:
   In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and stir to combine. Bring the broth to a simmer.
4. Add Vegetables and Meatballs:
   Once the broth is simmering, add the shredded cabbage, carrots, and potatoes (if using). Stir everything together and add the dried thyme. Return the browned meatballs to the pot, gently nestling them into the broth. Let the soup simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through, and the vegetables are tender.
5. Season the Soup:
   Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. The flavors will meld together beautifully as it cooks, so adjust the seasoning to your liking.
6. Serve and Garnish:
   Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve with a side of crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.

Tips for the Perfect Cabbage Meatball Soup

• Use Lean Meat: Ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of beef for a lighter version of this soup. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning to match the milder flavor of the leaner meat.
• Add Extra Veggies: If you want to pack even more nutrition into this soup, feel free to add other veggies like celery, zucchini, or green beans. They’ll cook down nicely and blend well with the other ingredients.
• Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapeño to the soup for a kick.
• Make It a Freezer Meal: This soup freezes well! If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply reheat on the stove and enjoy a quick, comforting meal.
• Browning the Meatballs: While you don’t have to fully cook the meatballs before adding them to the soup, browning them in the pot adds extra flavor and depth to the broth. It’s a simple step that really enhances the overall dish.

Why This Soup is a Must-Try

Easy Cabbage Meatball Soup is the epitome of comfort food. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and can be tailored to suit your taste preferences. The combination of meatballs, cabbage, and broth creates a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for cozy dinners with the family, casual gatherings, or meal prep for the week. Plus, it’s an affordable dish that stretches well for larger groups or leftovers.

This soup is a true winner in both taste and convenience, and once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again. So, grab your ingredients, set your Crock Pot (or stovetop) to work, and enjoy a bowl of warmth and comfort with Easy Cabbage Meatball Soup today!