Sweet Cabbage Soup

gluten free
Hearty and delicious - especially in autumn and winter
Picture
Ingredients
 1 & 1/2 pounds ground lean beef 
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes (I used 3 fresh tomatoes, chopped)

1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
I cup of chicken stock or beef bouillion
2 medium carrots, chopped

1 onion, chopped  3 stalks celery, chopped
2 tablespoons white vinegar 
1/3 to 1/4 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 
2 quarts water, divided 
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped 
1 head cabbage, cored and cut into wedges
Steps
  1. Brown ground beef in skillet.  Drain on paper towels to absorb grease.  Set aside.
  2. Sauté onion, celery, and carrots in same skillet until a little limp.
  3. In a large pot, combine diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken stock, sautéed veggies, and browned beef.
  4. Add sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper.  Pour in 1 quart of the water and bring to boil.  Cover and simmer for 20 minutes over low heat.
  5. Pour in another quart of water, and return to a slow boil. Add garlic and cabbage. Simmer for 25 minutes, until cabbage is tender. Ladle into soup bowls to serve.