
This hearty cabbage soup recipe delivers a flavorful and nourishing meal, made with rich beef bones, savory herbs, and a medley of vegetables. Simmered for hours to develop deep flavor, the soup is both economical and satisfying, perfect for feeding a crowd or freezing for future meals. The use of lemon juice, paprika, and parsley gives it a bright yet cozy finish. A handwritten gem likely used for generations of comforting family dinners, this recipe offers flexibility for modern adjustments while staying true to its wholesome roots.
Ingredients
For the broth base:
- 1 4 lb chuck roast
- 4 lbs soup bones
- 6 quarts water
- 2 carrots (cut up)
- ½ onion (large, chopped)
- 2 stalks celery (cut up)
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- ¾ tsp ground black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 or 3 bay leaves
After straining broth:
- 32 oz sauerkraut (rinsed & drained)
- 4 cups celery (chopped)
- 6 carrots (diced)
- 2 onions (large, chopped)
- 32 oz tomatoes (2 cans, including juice)
- 8 tsp beef bouillon (or 8 cubes)
- ½ cup parsley (fresh, snipped )
- ⅓ cup sugar
- ⅓ cup lemon juice
- 4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp hot pepper sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Broth
- Combine chuck roast, soup bones, water, carrots, onion, celery, thyme, pepper, garlic, and bay leaves in a large stock pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2½ to 3 hours until meat is tender.
Step 2: Prepare Meat and Broth
- Remove meat and set aside.
- Strain the broth and discard the vegetables and bones.
- Cut the meat into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Seasonings
- Return strained broth and cut-up meat to the pot.
- Add chopped celery, diced carrots, chopped onions, tomatoes with juice, beef bouillon, parsley, sugar, lemon juice, salt, paprika, and hot pepper sauce.
Step 4: Add Sauerkraut
- Stir in the rinsed and drained sauerkraut.
Step 5: Final Simmer
- Simmer the soup slowly for 1 to 1½ hours until vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
- Serve hot.
Tips
- Use bone-in chuck roast for richer broth.
- Replace canned tomatoes with fresh chopped tomatoes for a lighter flavor.
- Add potatoes or turnips for extra heartiness.
- Add a splash of vinegar instead of lemon juice if preferred.
- Stir in hot sauce or crushed red pepper for more heat.
- Use beef bouillon cubes or powdered bouillon as written for depth of flavor.
- Substitute some cabbage with sauerkraut (as noted in the card) for tanginess.
- Freeze in quart containers for make-ahead meals.
- Add barley or rice during the final simmer for a thicker soup.
Nutrition
Calories: 285kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 24gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 72mgSodium: 890mgPotassium: 820mgFiber: 4gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 9500IUVitamin C: 52mgCalcium: 110mgIron: 3.1mg
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