Nostalgia Soup - A Favorite Cozy Meal

When there's a chill in the air, I think about this soup. For years, I'd forgotten about it. And then one chilly day, I had a memory of having this soup. I can see it now... I was sitting at a table with a friend looking into my tomato-based soup thinking about how the big pieces of cabbage looked. This was just one of the many times growing up I had this easy and delicious comfort meal. Which I why I call it Nostalgia Soup.

So here it is, my recipe for Veggie-Beef Nostalgia Soup.

Here’s what you’ll need:

-2 lbs ground beef

-1/2-3/4 small head cabbage, coarsely chopped

-32 fluid ounces beef stock or broth

-2,12 oz(ish) bag of frozen mixed vegetables

-2 cans Italian stewed tomatoes

-1 tbsp oregano, dried

-Salt & Pepper, to taste

-Parmesan, grated or shredded for topping

Here’s what you’ll do:

Get your ground beef cooking in a large pot. I use my French oven. While your beef is browning, place your mixed veggies in a microwave-safe bowl and steam for about 5-7 minutes or until they're tender.

Once the beef is cooked, add the chopped cabbage in the pot with the cooked beef along with 1 c of beef stock/broth. Cover and cook over low to medium heat until the cabbage has softened, about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

When the cabbage is tender, add the stock, veggies, tomatoes, oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Simmer at least 20 minutes before serving. Place your Nostalgia Soup in a bowl and sprinkle with some Parmesan. It's a meal in itself!