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The rich, savory aroma of Easy Cabbage Meatball Soup wafting through your kitchen is enough to bring back memories of cozy family dinners and chilly evenings spent indoors. On one particular rainy afternoon, I realized I was tired of the cycle of mundane takeout meals that left me feeling uninspired. So, I decided to create something that not only warmed the soul but also invited the senses to indulge.

By combining wholesome ingredients like tender meatballs, fresh cabbage, and vibrant vegetables, this dish transforms into an inviting bowl of comfort. It’s incredible how something this delicious can be made with just a handful of pantry staples and a little bit of love. Best of all, you can whip it up in about an hour and have a meal that’s perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy night at home or a gathering with friends.

Ready to bring a heartwarming classic back to your table? Let’s dive into this yummy Easy Cabbage Meatball Soup recipe that’s sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters!

Why is Easy Cabbage Meatball Soup a must-try?

Warmth and Comfort: This soup embraces you with its hearty flavors and aromatic spices, making it the ultimate comfort food for chilly evenings.

Wholesome Ingredients: Packed with nutritious veggies and protein-rich meatballs, it’s a bowl of goodness that the whole family can enjoy.

Quick and Easy: In just about an hour, you can have this fulfilling dish on the table, saving you from fast food temptations.

Endless Versatility: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or adjust seasonings, allowing you to customize each bowl to your taste!

Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: This recipe is sure to impress family and friends alike, turning every meal into a special occasion. Discover more delightful ideas in our cozy recipes collection!

Easy Cabbage Meatball Soup Ingredients

For the Meatballs
• Ground beef or pork – 500 grams, use half and half for a richer flavor.
• Ripe tomato – 80 grams, adds freshness to the meatballs.
• Egg yolk – 1, helps bind the meatballs together.
• Extra virgin olive oil – 4 tablespoons for sautéing and enhancing flavor.
• Garlic clove – 1, minced, infuses the meatballs with savory aroma.
• Onion – 50 grams, minced, for that perfect base flavor.
• Short-grain rice – 50 grams, absorbs flavors and adds heartiness.
• Parsley – 1½ tablespoons, minced for brightness.
• Dill – 1½ tablespoons, minced, complements the meatballs beautifully.
• Mint – ⅔ teaspoon, minced, adds a refreshing twist.
• Sweet paprika – 1 teaspoon, brings a smoky warmth.
• Thyme – ½ teaspoon, enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Salt – ⅔ teaspoon, to taste, brings all the flavors to life.
• Ground pepper – ⅓ teaspoon, adds a touch of spice.

For the Soup Base
• Extra virgin olive oil – 10 tablespoons, perfect for sautéing the veggies.
• Ripe tomatoes – 450 grams, chopped/diced, a key component of the broth.
• Garlic cloves – 2, finely chopped for enhanced flavor.
• Tomato paste – 2 teaspoons, thickens and intensifies the tomato flavor.
• Tomato sauce – 10 tablespoons (tomato passata), adds depth to the broth.
• Hot water or stock – 8 cups, for a rich and savory soup base.
• Bay leaf – 1, imparts a lovely aromatic quality to the soup.

For the Vegetables
• Green bell pepper – 100 grams, diced, adds a sweet crunch.
• Celery stalks – 70 grams, including leaves, chopped, for added texture.
• White cabbage – 450 grams, shredded, the star of this Easy Cabbage Meatball Soup!
• Short-grain rice – 100 grams, rinsed before adding for fluffiness.
• Parsley – 2 tablespoons, minced, for garnish and freshness.
• Dill – 1½ tablespoons, minced, enhances the flavor of the soup.
• Lemon juice – 6 tablespoons, fresh, adds a zesty finish.
• Extra lemon – to serve with for a refreshing twist.

Gather these wholesome ingredients, and get ready to savor a bowl of comfort!

How to Make Easy Cabbage Meatball Soup

Combine all ingredients for the meatballs in a mixing bowl. Knead together until well blended, ensuring a good mix of flavors in each bite.
Shape the mixture into 12 round meatballs, roughly 60 grams each. Place them on a dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up, making them easier to handle.
Heat 5 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large cooking pot over high heat. This will create the base for a deliciously aromatic soup.
Add the diced tomatoes and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant, allowing the tomatoes to soften and release their juices.
Mix in the tomato paste and tomato sauce. Season generously with salt, then cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon.
Pour in the hot water or stock. Add the bay leaf and bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, filling your kitchen with inviting smells.
Add the meatballs one at a time into the bubbling broth. Wait approximately 30 seconds between each addition to ensure the soup maintains its high temperature.
Simmer over medium heat for 20 minutes, leaving the pot lid slightly ajar. This will help develop complex flavors while allowing some steam to escape.
Stir in the shredded cabbage, chopped celery, and diced bell pepper. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and continue cooking for another 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Incorporate the rinsed rice and the remaining 5 tablespoons of olive oil. Cook for 20-25 minutes or until the rice is fluffy and cooked through.
Mix in the minced parsley, dill, and fresh lemon juice. Cook for an additional minute then turn off the heat as the vibrant herbs infuse the soup.
Let the soup rest for 30 minutes on the warm stove. This allows it to thicken and the flavors to meld beautifully before serving.

Optional: Serve with extra lemon wedges for a refreshing splash of brightness.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Easy Cabbage Meatball Soup?

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of hearty soup to cozy up your dinner table, and pairing it with the right sides can elevate your meal to the next level.

Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty loaf is perfect for soaking up every last drop of broth—satisfying and comforting.
Garlic Breadsticks: These cheesy, flavorful delights provide a crunchy contrast to the soup’s silky texture, making each bite irresistible.
Simple Green Salad: A refreshing mix of greens with a tangy vinaigrette offers a bright, crisp balance, complementing the richness of the meatballs.
Roasted Veggies: Seasonal roasted vegetables add a delightful sweetness and rustic charm, creating a hearty and colorful side that pairs beautifully with the soup.
Lemon Wedges: Serving extra lemon allows guests to brighten their bowls to their liking. Just a squeeze can elevate the soup’s flavors beautifully.
Chilled Glass of White Wine: A crisp, chilled white wine adds a refreshing touch that cuts through the heartiness, creating an elegant dining experience.
Fruit Sorbet: For dessert, a light and fruity sorbet cleanses the palate, providing a refreshing contrast to the savory soup, perfect for a complete meal.
Pasta Salad: A cold, pasta salad tossed with fresh herbs and vegetables is a crowd-pleaser, complimenting the warmth of the soup with its cool texture.

Tips for the Best Easy Cabbage Meatball Soup

Perfect Meatballs: Ensure your meatball mixture is well-combined, which will enhance the flavor. Refrigerating them helps maintain their shape while cooking.

Controlled Heat: When adding meatballs, maintain a rolling boil before introducing each one. This prevents them from breaking apart.

Flavor Balance: Taste the broth as it simmers. Adjust salt and lemon juice for the perfect balance of flavors in your Easy Cabbage Meatball Soup.

Vegetable Freshness: Use fresh vegetables for a vibrant taste and texture. Adding them at the right time ensures they remain tender-crisp.

Thickening Tip: Allow the soup to rest off the heat for about 30 minutes to thicken before serving—this brings all those delicious flavors together beautifully!

How to Store and Freeze Easy Cabbage Meatball Soup

Fridge: Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools to room temperature before sealing to maintain freshness.

Freezer: Freeze the soup in portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Leave some space at the top as the soup expands when frozen.

Reheating: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the stove or in the microwave until piping hot. Enjoy your Easy Cabbage Meatball Soup just as it was when freshly made!

Note: Avoid freezing with added rice; simply add fresh cooked rice when reheating for the best texture.

Make Ahead Options

Easy Cabbage Meatball Soup lends itself perfectly to meal prep, making busy weeknights a breeze! You can prepare the meatballs and refrigerate them up to 24 hours in advance, helping them hold their shape and flavor. Additionally, you can chop vegetables and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To keep everything fresh, be sure to refrigerate the broth separately. When you’re ready to enjoy your cozy soup, simply reheat the broth, add the prepped meatballs, and continue with the cooking instructions. This way, you’ll have a hearty, delicious meal with minimal effort on your busy nights!

Easy Cabbage Meatball Soup Variations

Feel free to customize this hearty soup to suit your taste and dietary needs!

Dairy-Free: Substitute olive oil with avocado oil for a different flavor without dairy.
Vegetarian: Use plant-based meat alternatives and vegetable broth for a meatless version that still satisfies.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to bring some heat to your bowl.
Extra Veggies: Toss in some diced carrots or zucchini for added nutrition and texture; they bring a lovely sweetness!
Herb Explosion: Fresh basil or cilantro can replace parsley and dill, offering a refreshing twist to the classic flavors.
Rice Alternatives: Quinoa or barley can be used in place of short-grain rice for a unique texture and nutritious boost!
Citrus Zing: Include lime juice instead of lemon for a different, late-summer citrus touch that brightens up the dish.
Hearty & Filling: Add drained beans or lentils for an extra dose of protein and fiber, making it even more satisfying.

With these simple twists, you can discover new flavors and ensure every bowl is a delightful surprise! Enjoy the journey of creating your perfect Easy Cabbage Meatball Soup!

Easy Cabbage Meatball Soup Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right tomatoes for the meatballs?
Absolutely! Look for ripe, firm tomatoes without any dark spots or blemishes. The best choice is to opt for tomatoes that are heavy for their size and slightly fragrant. These tomatoes will contribute a fresh flavor to your meatballs and make them even more delightful.

What is the best way to store leftovers?
Very! After enjoying your delicious soup, store any leftovers in an airtight container. It’s crucial to let it cool to room temperature first to maintain freshness. Properly stored, your Easy Cabbage Meatball Soup can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze the soup? How?
Of course! To freeze, portion the soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top since it will expand when frozen. It’s best to freeze without the rice; instead, prepare fresh rice when you reheat it. The soup can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then gently reheat on the stove until piping hot.

What should I do if my meatballs are falling apart while cooking?
Oh no! If this happens, it usually means the mixture wasn’t combined well enough or that it’s too wet. To troubleshoot, make sure you mix the meatball ingredients thoroughly and consider adding a bit more rice or breadcrumbs to help bind them together. When adding them to the soup, allow the broth to return to a boil before adding each meatball; this helps them set.

Are there any dietary concerns I should be aware of?
Absolutely! This recipe contains common allergens such as gluten (from the bread crumbs, if used) and can also be modified to accommodate dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, simply substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit them altogether. Always check with your guests regarding allergies prior to serving to ensure everyone enjoys a safe meal.

What can I substitute for ingredients I don’t have?
The more the merrier! If you lack a specific herb or vegetable, don’t hesitate to swap them out. For instance, spinach would be a lovely alternative to cabbage, and ground turkey or chicken can replace the beef or pork in your meatballs. You can even play with herbs like basil or cilantro for an added twist!