DINNER

Hearty Cabbage Meatball Soup for Cozy Nights

by Fatima Garcia

•

22 de January de 2026

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Cabbage Meatball Soup is a heartwarming dish perfect for cozy nights. This recipe combines juicy meatballs, tender cabbage, and rich broth to create a comforting meal that warms you from the inside out. With its blend of savory flavors and healthy ingredients, this soup is not just delicious but also a fantastic way to enjoy cabbage, a vegetable often underrated in comfort food. Let’s dive into how to make this fulfilling dish that is sure to become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Meatball Soup

This Cabbage Meatball Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a complete dining experience. Here are a few reasons to adore it:

It’s a hearty meatball and cabbage soup that fills you up.
Loaded with nutrients, it’s a healthy cabbage meatball soup recipe.
This one-pot cabbage meatball soup is easy to make and clean up.
Perfect for cold weather, it offers comfort in every spoonful.
The savory cabbage meatball soup is family-friendly and a hit among kids.
It’s flexible—add vegetables or change the meat for variety.

Ingredients for Cabbage Meatball Soup

Gather these items:

500 grams Ground beef or pork (use half and half for a richer flavor)
80 grams Ripe tomato (adds freshness to the meatballs)
1 Egg yolk (helps bind the meatballs together)
4 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil (for sautéing and enhancing flavor)
1 Garlic clove (minced, infuses the meatballs with savory aroma)
50 grams Onion (minced, for that perfect base flavor)
50 grams Short-grain rice (absorbs flavors and adds heartiness)
1.5 tablespoons Parsley (minced for brightness)
1.5 tablespoons Dill (minced, complements the meatballs beautifully)
0.67 teaspoon Mint (minced, adds a refreshing twist)
1 teaspoon Sweet paprika (brings a smoky warmth)
0.5 teaspoon Thyme (enhances the overall flavor profile)
0.67 teaspoon Salt (to taste, brings all the flavors to life)
0.33 teaspoon Ground pepper (adds a touch of spice)
10 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil (perfect for sautéing the veggies)
450 grams Ripe tomatoes (chopped/diced, a key component of the broth)
2 Garlic cloves (finely chopped for enhanced flavor)
2 teaspoons Tomato paste (thickens and intensifies the tomato flavor)
10 tablespoons Tomato sauce (tomato passata, adds depth to the broth)
8 cups Hot water or stock (for a rich and savory soup base)
1 Bay leaf (imparts a lovely aromatic quality to the soup)
100 grams Green bell pepper (diced, adds a sweet crunch)
70 grams Celery stalks (including leaves, chopped, for added texture)
450 grams White cabbage (shredded, the star of this Easy Cabbage Meatball Soup!)
100 grams Short-grain rice (rinsed before adding for fluffiness)
2 tablespoons Parsley (minced, for garnish and freshness)
1.5 tablespoons Dill (minced, enhances the flavor of the soup)
6 tablespoons Lemon juice (fresh, adds a zesty finish)
Extra lemon (to serve with for a refreshing twist)

How to Make Cabbage Meatball Soup Step-by-Step

Step 1: Combine all ingredients for the meatballs in a mixing bowl. Knead together until well blended, ensuring a good mix of flavors in each bite.
Step 2: 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.
Step 3: Heat 5 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large cooking pot over high heat.
Step 4: Add the diced tomatoes and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 5: Mix in the tomato paste and tomato sauce. Season generously with salt, then cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Step 6: Pour in the hot water or stock. Add the bay leaf and bring the mixture to a vigorous boil.
Step 7: Add the meatballs one at a time into the bubbling broth. Wait approximately 30 seconds between each addition.
Step 8: Simmer over medium heat for 20 minutes, leaving the pot lid slightly ajar.
Step 9: 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.
Step 10: 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.
Step 11: Mix in the minced parsley, dill, and fresh lemon juice. Cook for an additional minute then turn off the heat.
Step 12: Let the soup rest for 30 minutes on the warm stove.

Pro Tips for the Best Cabbage Meatball Soup

Keep these in mind:

Serve with extra lemon for a refreshing twist.
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.
This soup can be frozen for later use.
For a low-carb cabbage meatball soup, substitute rice with cauliflower rice.

Best Ways to Serve Cabbage Meatball Soup

Consider these serving ideas:

Enjoy it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
Top with fresh herbs for added flavor.
Pair it with a crisp salad for a complete meal.

How to Store and Reheat Cabbage Meatball Soup

To store your soup, let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage. When reheating, you can gently warm it on the stovetop or microwave. Make sure to stir well to ensure even heating, especially if frozen.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cabbage Meatball Soup

What is cabbage meatball soup?

Cabbage Meatball Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish made with tender meatballs, fresh cabbage, and a rich broth. It’s a comforting meal that’s perfect for family dinners.

Can I make cabbage meatball soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a few days. The flavors often deepen and improve after a day in the fridge.

How do I avoid common mistakes with cabbage meatball soup?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure your meatballs are properly mixed and chilled before adding them to the soup to prevent them from breaking apart. Also, taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

Variations of Cabbage Meatball Soup You Can Try

Here are some variations to consider:

For a Cabbage and meatball stew, add potatoes or carrots for added heartiness.
Substitute the meat with turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Incorporate different vegetables like zucchini or kale for more nutrition.

For more tips on making hearty soups, check out our guide on soup making and discover how to enhance flavors.

Hearty Cabbage Meatball Soup for Cozy Nights - Cabbage Meatball Soup - additional detail

For additional information on the health benefits of cabbage, visit Healthline.

Lastly, if you’re looking for more delicious recipes, check out our collection of comforting soups that are perfect for any season.

Enjoy your Cabbage Meatball Soup and the cozy nights it brings!

About the Author

Fatima Garcia