Tex-Mex Cabbage Soup

Tex-Mex Cabbage Soup is a delightful combination of flavors that will warm you up on chilly days. This hearty soup features ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and zesty taco seasoning, making it perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. With its nutritious ingredients and comforting taste, Tex-Mex Cabbage Soup stands out as a filling meal that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: In just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready to simmer.
• Nutritious and Filling: Packed with vegetables and lean protein, this soup is both healthy and satisfying.
• Flavorful Comfort Food: The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates a rich flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Ingredient Options: Easily customize the recipe by adding your favorite beans or other vegetables.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week!

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools will make preparing Tex-Mex Cabbage Soup a breeze. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Ladle

Why These Tools Matter

• Large dutch oven: Perfect for browning meat and allowing for even cooking of the soup.
• Cutting board: A stable surface for chopping vegetables ensures safety and efficiency in food preparation.
• Sharp knife: A good knife makes quick work of dicing onions and slicing carrots, saving time in the kitchen.
• Ladle: Useful for serving up delicious portions of soup without spills.

Ingredients

Tex-Mex Cabbage Soup is full of ground beef, tomatoes, and taco seasoning. It’s a healthy, filling meal that’s perfect for cooler weather.

For the Base

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 1 packet taco seasoning

For the Vegetables

• 1 small green cabbage (chopped into 1-inch pieces)
• 1 carrot (peeled and sliced)

For the Liquid

• 1 (14.5-ounce) can beef broth
• 2 (14.5-ounce) cans stewed tomatoes

For Seasoning

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cups water

How to Make Tex-Mex Cabbage Soup

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating your large dutch oven over medium heat.
1. Add the ground beef to the pot.
2. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
3. If there’s excess grease, carefully drain some off before proceeding.

Step 2: Sauté Onions

Once the beef is browned,
1. Add the diced onion to the pot.
2. Cook for about 2 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.

Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients

Now it’s time to bring everything together:
1. Stir in the taco seasoning and mix well.
2. Add chopped cabbage, sliced carrot, beef broth, stewed tomatoes, black pepper, and water.
3. Bring everything to a boil.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Reduce heat to low:
1. Cover the pot partially with a lid.
2. Let it simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. If needed, add more water during cooking to reach your desired consistency.

Your Tex-Mex Cabbage Soup is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve hot with your favorite toppings like avocado or cheese if desired. Enjoy!

How to Serve Tex-Mex Cabbage Soup

Serving Tex-Mex Cabbage Soup is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with various toppings and sides. This vibrant soup, packed with flavors and nutrients, can be customized to suit your taste.

Toppings

• Avocado – Diced avocado adds creaminess and richness to each bowl.
• Cheddar Cheese – Shredded cheese melts beautifully, adding flavor and texture.
• Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream provides a tangy contrast to the spiciness.
• Fresh Cilantro – Chopped cilantro offers a fresh herbaceous note that complements the soup.

Accompaniments

• Cornbread – Moist cornbread pairs well with the soup, perfect for soaking up the broth.
• Tortilla Chips – Crunchy chips add a satisfying crunch and are great for dipping.
• Lime Wedges – Squeezing lime juice over the soup brightens up the flavors.

How to Perfect Tex-Mex Cabbage Soup

To enhance your Tex-Mex Cabbage Soup, consider these simple tips. They will elevate the dish and make it even more enjoyable.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables enhance flavor and add nutritional value.
• Adjust Spiciness – Tailor the taco seasoning to your spice preference; add more or less depending on your taste.
• Simmer Longer – Allowing the soup to simmer longer deepens the flavors, making it richer.
• Add Beans – For extra protein and fiber, include black beans or pinto beans in your recipe.
• Garnish Creatively – Experiment with garnishes like jalapeños or pico de gallo for added texture and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Tex-Mex Cabbage Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Tex-Mex Cabbage Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delicious options that complement this hearty soup.

1. Mexican Rice – Fluffy rice seasoned with spices adds a filling side that absorbs soup flavors well.
2. Guacamole – Creamy guacamole served with tortilla chips makes for an excellent appetizer before digging into the soup.
3. Pico de Gallo – This fresh salsa brings brightness and crunch, enhancing every bite of soup.
4. Quesadillas – Cheesy quesadillas filled with vegetables or chicken are easy to prepare and pair wonderfully with soup.
5. Grilled Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn brushed with lime butter provides a sweet contrast to the savory soup.
6. Chili Lime Roasted Potatoes – These crispy potatoes seasoned with chili powder offer a satisfying crunch alongside your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Tex-Mex Cabbage Soup, it’s easy to overlook a few key details that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping the browning step: Not browning the ground beef properly can lead to a lack of flavor. Always take the time to brown it well before adding other ingredients.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Relying solely on pre-packaged taco seasoning may not suit everyone’s taste. Adjust seasonings according to your preference for a more personalized flavor.
• Overcooking vegetables: Cooking the cabbage and carrots for too long can make them mushy. Aim for tender-crisp vegetables by checking them occasionally during simmering.
• Using insufficient liquid: Not adding enough broth or water may result in a thicker soup than desired. Keep an eye on the consistency and add more liquid as necessary.
• Ignoring ingredient chopping size: Chopping vegetables too large can affect cooking time and texture. Ensure all ingredients are cut into similar sizes for even cooking.
• Not letting it sit: Serving immediately after cooking might miss out on flavor development. Allowing the soup to rest for a few minutes enhances its taste.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Tex-Mex Cabbage Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Tex-Mex Cabbage Soup

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover the soup with foil in an oven-safe dish. Heat until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring until hot.
• Stovetop: Place soup in a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, adding water if it’s too thick.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tex-Mex Cabbage Soup?

Tex-Mex Cabbage Soup is a hearty dish made with ground beef, cabbage, tomatoes, and spices that deliver bold flavors typical of Tex-Mex cuisine.

Can I use turkey instead of ground beef in this recipe?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great alternative that will still provide delicious flavor while being lower in fat.

How can I customize my Tex-Mex Cabbage Soup?

Feel free to add beans, corn, or different spices to enhance the flavors and nutrition of your soup!

What should I serve with Tex-Mex Cabbage Soup?

This soup pairs well with crusty bread, tortilla chips, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Tex-Mex Cabbage Soup is not only nutritious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Its combination of savory ingredients makes it perfect for warming up on chilly days. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe and customize it with your favorite additions!