Hearty Cabbage Beef Soup (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1 lb ground beef
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 4 cups beef stock
06 - 1 (15 oz) can of diced tomatoes
07 - 1 cup cooked white rice
08 - 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
09 - 2 cups shredded cabbage
10 - 1 cup water
11 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
12 - 1 teaspoon dried basil
13 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
14 - Salt and black pepper for seasoning
15 - Fresh parsley for topping (optional)
16 - 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional for a touch of sweetness)

# Instructions:

01 - Warm up some olive oil in a big pot on medium heat. Toss in the ground beef and use a wooden spoon to break it into pieces. Cook for around 5-7 minutes until it's fully browned.
02 - Mix in the onion and garlic, stirring occasionally, and let them soften for about 3-4 minutes.
03 - Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, water, cooked rice, cabbage, basil, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Give it all a good stir and bring everything to a rolling boil.
04 - Turn the heat down low and let the pot simmer gently for 30-40 minutes so the cabbage softens and everything tastes great together.
05 - If you'd like, toss in the brown sugar to mellow the tomato tang. Take it off the heat and taste to see if it needs more seasoning.
06 - Ladle into bowls while it's hot, and sprinkle fresh parsley on top if you want.

# Notes:

01 - Craving more heat? Sprinkle in some chili flakes.
02 - If it's too thick, add extra broth to thin it out.
03 - Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for later.