Dive into a bowl of comfort with our Italian Sausage Meatball Soup with Cabbage and White Beans! This hearty dish is the perfect antidote to a chilly evening, combining savory Italian sausage, tender cabbage, and creamy white beans in a flavorful broth that will warm your soul. With just 15 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking, you can create a delicious meal that serves four, making it ideal for family dinners or cozy gatherings. Ready to impress your taste buds? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups chopped cabbage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Remove Italian sausage from casings and crumble the meat into small pieces. If sausage is in links, slice and remove the casing.
- Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add crumbled Italian sausage and cook until browned and no pink remains, breaking the meat into smaller chunks while cooking, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Add chopped onions to the pot with the browned sausage. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until onions become translucent and slightly softened.
- Mince garlic and add to the pot, stirring quickly to prevent burning. Cook for an additional 30-45 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour chicken broth into the pot, scraping the bottom to release any browned bits for additional flavor. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Add drained and rinsed white beans, chopped cabbage, and dried thyme to the pot. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
- Once cabbage is tender and soup has thickened slightly, remove from heat.
- Ladle soup into serving bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or garlic toast for a complete meal.
Tips
- Choose Quality Sausage: Opt for high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor. You can select between sweet or spicy sausage, depending on your preference.
- Customize Your Greens: While cabbage is traditional, feel free to experiment with other greens like kale or spinach for a different twist.
- Enhance the Flavor: Don’t skip scraping the bottom of the pot when adding the chicken broth. Those browned bits add a depth of flavor that elevates the soup.
- Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer a little longer to allow the flavors to meld and the broth to reduce.
- Serve with Bread: This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping. It makes for a satisfying meal that everyone will love!
- Make It Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Make a batch ahead of time and store it in the fridge for an easy reheatable meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 55mg
