This simple yet hearty Cabbage and Meatball Soup delivers incredible comfort with just a handful of ingredients. A popular home-style dish, it pairs tender meatballs with thinly sliced cabbage simmered in a light broth. Whether you’re a college student needing a warm, satisfying meal on a budget or a busy parent juggling weeknight dinners, this recipe fits perfectly into your routine. Its quick cook time, minimal prep, and one-pot convenience make it an ideal addition to any meal plan, especially during the back-to-school season when both time and energy are limited.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground pork (or beef/chicken)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
• 1/2 head green cabbage, shredded
• 5 cups water or chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fish sauce or soy sauce to adjust seasoning

Directions

• Combine the ground meat with salt, pepper, fish sauce, and green onions.
• Form small meatballs and set aside.
• In a pot, bring water or broth to a boil.
• Drop in meatballs, simmer until they float and are nearly cooked through (about 5–7 minutes).
• Add cabbage and cook until softened (5–7 minutes).
• Adjust the seasoning with soy sauce, fish sauce, or more salt and pepper.
• Serve hot with optional garnishes like chopped green onions or herbs.

Nutrients

• High in protein
• Low in carbs
• Good source of fiber
• Contains vitamins C and K
• Offers potassium and magnesium
• Light on calories
• Naturally gluten-free

Why This Recipe Stands Out

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. With only two primary components—meatballs and cabbage—it manages to produce a deeply satisfying meal that tastes like it came from a much more elaborate recipe. What makes it particularly appealing is its adaptability. You can switch up the protein depending on your dietary needs or preferences, opting for beef, pork, or ground chicken. The broth can be made from water, stock, or bouillon, allowing flexibility depending on what you have available. It’s ideal for college students looking for budget-friendly, nutritious meals that don’t require advanced cooking skills or extensive ingredients. In fact, it’s an excellent choice for back-to-school meal prepping, as it stores well and reheats beautifully.

This dish also represents the kind of cooking that celebrates minimalism while prioritizing nourishment. It doesn’t rely on heavy seasonings or complex techniques. Instead, it allows the natural sweetness of the cabbage and the savory richness of the meatballs to come through in a clean, wholesome broth. With everything cooked in one pot, cleanup is minimal, which is always a bonus for those with tight schedules or limited kitchen space. The speed at which the soup comes together is another highlight—it can be prepared and served in under 30 minutes, making it an excellent option for weeknight dinners, late-night cravings, or a quick lunch between classes.

The Benefits of the Ingredients

Both cabbage and ground meat bring plenty to the table in terms of nutrition. Cabbage is a low-calorie, high-fiber vegetable loaded with antioxidants, particularly vitamin C and vitamin K. It’s also good for digestive health, thanks to its fiber content. Including cabbage in meals can help keep you full longer and support overall wellness, especially during hectic seasons like back-to-school when stress and irregular eating schedules are common.

On the other hand, ground meat—whether pork, beef, or chicken—offers complete protein, which is essential for muscle maintenance, energy, and keeping hunger at bay. It also contains essential nutrients like iron and zinc, which support immune function and cognitive performance. This makes the soup particularly great for students needing brain-fueling meals to power through long study sessions or early classes.

The use of a light broth, instead of a heavy cream or thick base, keeps the soup feeling fresh and digestible, which is perfect for those wanting something hearty but not heavy. Seasonings like fish sauce or soy sauce contribute to umami depth, but they’re entirely optional and can be adjusted to suit your taste.

Cooking Tips

There are a few simple strategies that can elevate this already-great recipe. First, avoid over-mixing the ground meat, as this can make the meatballs tough. Gently combining the ingredients just until they come together will help keep the texture soft and tender. If you’re using lean meat, a small amount of fat—like sesame oil or a bit of grated onion—can add moisture and richness.

When slicing the cabbage, try to keep the strips relatively uniform to ensure even cooking. If you prefer your cabbage with a bit more bite, shorten the cooking time slightly. Want a more flavorful broth? Opt for low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock instead of water. You can also infuse extra flavor by sautéing some garlic or ginger before adding the liquid.

This dish is also highly customizable. Toss in some sliced mushrooms, carrots, or spinach if you have them on hand. A spoonful of miso paste or a drizzle of chili oil at the end adds an entirely new flavor dimension, making this humble soup feel gourmet.

Serving Suggestions

This soup is delicious on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a small bowl of steamed rice or a side of toasted bread. If you’re serving it to guests or want to elevate the presentation, top it with chopped herbs like cilantro, green onions, or parsley. A splash of lime juice can brighten the flavors, especially if you’ve opted for a richer broth.

For meal prep, divide the soup into individual containers once it cools and refrigerate for up to four days. It reheats quickly in the microwave or on the stovetop. For students with limited kitchen space, this is a go-to meal that can be made in a dorm kitchen with just a hotplate and a pot.

Whether you’re having it for lunch, dinner, or a late-night study snack, it offers warmth, comfort, and the satisfaction of a homemade dish with almost no effort.

Conclusion

Cabbage and Meatball Soup is the epitome of comfort food that doesn’t ask for much. It takes humble, affordable ingredients and turns them into something that feels special and nourishing. The two main ingredients complement each other perfectly—crisp-tender cabbage offers freshness and volume, while the meatballs bring satisfying protein and savory depth. It’s an excellent way to eat more vegetables without feeling like you’re sacrificing heartiness or flavor.

This recipe truly shines during busy seasons like the start of a new school year when time, energy, and money are often stretched thin. It’s college-friendly, budget-approved, and family-tested. It’s the kind of dish you’ll find yourself making over and over again because it’s just so easy and rewarding.

With its short ingredient list, minimal cleanup, and high adaptability, this soup fits seamlessly into any meal plan. Whether you’re cooking for one in a dorm or making a batch for your whole family, it delivers every time. So next time you need something fast, warm, and satisfying—without turning to instant noodles or takeout—give this soup a try. You’ll likely find it becomes a regular part of your back-to-school rotation.