**Time**
– **Prep Time:** 15 minutes
– **Cook Time:** 45 minutes
– **Total Time:** 60 minutes
**Introduction**
Cozy up with a comforting bowl of Stuffed Cabbage Soup with Bacon and Sour Cream! This recipe is perfect for a chilly day, due to its hearty and robust flavors. Combining the classic taste of stuffed cabbage with a smoky bacon twist, this soup is the ultimate comfort food. With a generous dollop of creamy sour cream on top, this dish is a guarantee to warm you up from the inside.
**Why make this recipe**
This particular soup recipe is a game-changer. It combines all the delicious flavors of a classic cabbage roll but made simpler! If you love cabbage rolls but dislike the hassle of preparing them, then this soup is the perfect solution. Not to forget, the extra addition of bacon gives it a delightful smoky flavor.
**How to make Stuffed Cabbage Soup with Bacon and Sour Cream**
Here you will find an easier way to recreate those wonderful stuffed cabbage tastes.
**Ingredients**
– 1 medium green cabbage, chopped
– 6 slices of bacon, chopped
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
– 2 cups tomato sauce
– 1 cup water
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Sour cream, for serving
– Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
**Directions**
1. Cook the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set it aside.
2. In the same pot with the reserved bacon fat, add and brown the ground beef.
3. Saute the onion and garlic with the beef until the onion becomes translucent.
4. Introduce the rest of the ingredients: chopped cabbage, beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and oregano. Allow it to boil then reduce to a simmer until the cabbage is tender.
5. Stir in the cooked bacon. Serve the soup hot, topped with a generous dollop of sour cream and optional garnish of fresh parsley.
**How to serve Stuffed Cabbage Soup with Bacon and Sour Cream**
To serve, ladle the soup into a bowl, top it off with a spoonful of sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Enjoy it with a side of crusty bread for maximum pleasure.
**How to store Stuffed Cabbage Soup with Bacon and Sour Cream**
To store leftovers, place in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep for about 3-4 days.
**Tips to make Stuffed Cabbage Soup with Bacon and Sour Cream**
1. Choose a medium-sized cabbage that has tight leaves.
2. For a leaner option, opt for turkey bacon.
3. Adding a pinch of sugar can help balance the acidity from the tomatoes.
**Variation**
For a vegetarian version, leave out the bacon and ground beef. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Add more veggies like bell peppers and zucchini as a replacement.
**FAQs**
1. **Can I make this recipe vegetarian?** Yes, simply omit the bacon and ground beef and replace beef broth with vegetable broth.
2. **Can I use other types of meat?** Yes, you can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
3. **How to substitute the canned tomatoes?** You can use fresh diced tomatoes, but you may need to adjust the seasoning.