Hearty Corned Beef and Cabbage Soup Recipe for Cozy Evenings

Warm comfort arrives through this hearty corned beef and cabbage soup that connects generations of home cooks.

Irish culinary traditions shine in every spoonful of this rustic meal.

Tender meat chunks nestle among soft vegetable pieces, creating a rich and satisfying experience.

Slow-simmered ingredients blend into a delectable broth that warms you from the inside out.

Robust flavors echo memories of traditional kitchen gatherings and cozy winter evenings.

Seasonal ingredients come together effortlessly, promising a meal that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Savor each bite and let this soup transport you to a world of culinary comfort.

Why Hearty Corned Beef And Cabbage Soup Recipe Is A Cozy Classic

• Craft Comfort Quickly: Prepare a warming, satisfying meal with minimal kitchen effort and simple ingredients that come together seamlessly.
• Customize with Creativity: Swap protein types, adjust vegetable selections, or modify spice levels to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Nutritious One-Pot Wonder: Pack multiple food groups into a single delicious soup, delivering balanced nutrients without complicated cooking techniques.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Use affordable ingredients like cabbage and corned beef to create a hearty meal that feeds multiple people without breaking the bank.

Ingredients For Hearty Corned Beef And Cabbage Soup Recipe

• Corned Beef: A classic protein that brings rich, salty flavor and hearty texture to the soup.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic base that provides deep, savory foundation for the soup.
• Carrots, Potatoes, Cabbage: Fresh vegetables that add nutritional value, texture, and traditional Irish-inspired character to the dish.

• Chicken or Beef Broth: Essential liquid that creates the soup's foundation and adds additional depth of flavor.
• Dried Thyme, Bay Leaf: Herbs that infuse the soup with warm, earthy undertones and subtle complexity.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste profile.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright herb that adds a pop of color and fresh herbal note to the finished soup.

• Olive Oil: Neutral cooking fat used for sautéing ingredients and creating initial flavor base.

How To Prepare Hearty Corned Beef And Cabbage Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until onions become soft and translucent. The kitchen will fill with a delightful fragrance that signals the start of something delicious.

Step 2: Brown Corned Beef

Toss bite-sized corned beef pieces into the pot. Sauté the meat until edges turn golden brown and develop a rich, caramelized exterior. This step builds incredible depth of flavor for the soup.

Step 3: Incorporate Vegetable Medley

• Sliced carrots
• Diced potatoes

Add vegetables to the pot, stirring to combine with the meat and aromatics. The colorful mix creates a hearty foundation for the soup.

Step 4: Create Liquid Foundation

Pour in chicken or beef broth. Add dried thyme and bay leaf to infuse additional layers of taste. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, allowing all ingredients to mingle and develop complex flavors.

Step 5: Simmer and Soften

Reduce heat to low, letting the soup gently simmer. Cook for approximately 20 minutes, which allows potatoes and carrots to become tender and absorb the surrounding flavors.

Step 6: Introduce Cabbage

Fold chopped cabbage into the simmering soup. Continue cooking for an additional 10-15 minutes until cabbage becomes soft but retains a slight crispness.

Step 7: Adjust Seasoning

Remove bay leaf from the soup. Taste and season with salt and pepper according to personal preference. This final touch ensures a perfectly balanced flavor profile.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and bright, fresh flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting warmth of this hearty soup.

Best Tips For Hearty Corned Beef And Cabbage Soup Recipe

• Boost Flavor Depth: Roast corned beef pieces briefly before adding to soup for an enhanced, rich meaty taste that elevates the entire dish.
• Manage Sodium Wisely: Use low-sodium broth and taste before adding extra salt, allowing the corned beef's natural saltiness to contribute to the overall seasoning.
• Prevent Vegetable Mushiness: Add cabbage and potatoes at different stages to maintain perfect texture – potatoes first, cabbage later to keep them from becoming overly soft.
• Make It Lighter: Swap fatty corned beef with lean cuts or use shredded chicken for a healthier protein alternative without compromising robust flavors.
• Freeze Like a Pro: Store soup without cabbage for best results, adding fresh greens when reheating to maintain crisp texture and prevent wilting during freezing process.

Flavor Options For Hearty Corned Beef And Cabbage Soup Recipe

• Vegetarian Irish Stew: Replace corned beef with hearty chunks of seitan or tempeh, using vegetable broth and adding extra mushrooms for umami flavor.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets, use bone broth instead of chicken broth, and increase protein content with extra corned beef pieces.
• Slow Cooker Adaptation: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker, cook on low for 6-8 hours instead of stovetop method, creating deeper flavor infusion.
• Spicy Celtic Soup: Add red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and a dash of hot sauce to give the traditional recipe a fiery Irish-inspired kick.

Perfect Pairings For Hearty Corned Beef And Cabbage Soup Recipe

• Pair with Irish Red Ale: The malty, slightly sweet beer complements the rich, savory corned beef perfectly, cutting through the soup's hearty flavors while enhancing its Irish-inspired profile.
• Serve with Rustic Sourdough Bread: The tangy, crusty bread provides a delightful textural contrast, absorbing the soup's delicious broth and offering a satisfying crunch with each bite.
• Match with Sharp Cheddar Cheese Plate: The aged cheese's bold, tangy notes create a fantastic flavor balance against the soup's robust and comforting ingredients, adding depth to the overall dining experience.
• Enhance with Crisp Apple Slaw: A light, fresh side dish with a zesty vinegar dressing helps cut through the soup's richness, providing a refreshing palate cleanser between hearty spoonfuls.

How To Store Hearty Corned Beef And Cabbage Soup Recipe Properly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep soup chilled in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze up to 3 months. Label container with date and contents.
• Pour soup into microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Check temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Pour soup into saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of broth if soup looks too thick. Heat until steaming and temperature reaches 165°F.

FAQs About Hearty Corned Beef And Cabbage Soup Recipe

• Is corned beef and cabbage soup healthy?

This soup is packed with protein from corned beef and nutrients from vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and potatoes. It provides a balanced meal with moderate calories and essential vitamins.

• Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free broth and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. The basic recipe naturally contains no gluten-containing ingredients.

• How can I make the soup more hearty?

Add extra vegetables like celery or turnips, or include additional protein such as beans or extra corned beef pieces to increase the soup’s heartiness and nutritional value.

• What type of broth works best for this recipe?

Low-sodium chicken or beef broth are recommended. Beef broth typically provides a richer, more robust flavor that complements the corned beef perfectly.

Corned Beef and Cabbage Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Irish “Corned Beef and Cabbage Soup” brings comfort straight from traditional kitchens. Warm broth packed with tender meat, fresh vegetables, and rich flavors promises a satisfying meal you’ll savor to the last spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Meat:

• 1 pound (454 grams) corned beef, cut into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 medium potatoes, diced
• 1 small head of cabbage, chopped

Herbs and Liquid:

• 4 cups (946 milliliters) low-sodium chicken broth or beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium temperature until shimmering, then add onions and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until onions become translucent and fragrant.
2. Introduce corned beef pieces to the pot, stirring and cooking for 4-5 minutes to develop a golden-brown exterior and enhance meat flavor.
3. Incorporate sliced carrots and diced potatoes into the mixture, ensuring even distribution throughout the pot.
4. Pour chicken or beef broth into the pot, then add dried thyme and bay leaf. Increase heat and bring the liquid to a rolling boil.
5. Reduce heat to low, allowing the soup to simmer gently for 20 minutes, which will tenderize the root vegetables and meld the flavors together.
6. Fold chopped cabbage into the simmering soup, continuing to cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until cabbage becomes soft and slightly translucent.
7. Remove bay leaf from the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring a balanced and robust flavor profile.
8. Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley for a vibrant finishing touch and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Keep corned beef slightly firm during sautéing to prevent toughening and maintain meat’s delicious texture.
• Choose low-sodium broth to control salt levels and allow personalized seasoning during cooking process.
• Consider swapping meat for plant-based alternatives like seitan or jackfruit for vegetarian version without compromising hearty flavor profile.
• Use fresh cabbage instead of pre-packaged for maximum crispness and nutritional benefits, ensuring vibrant color and enhanced soup quality.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Irish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg