Stuffed Cabbage Soup for the Souper Bowl (in memory of the greatest dog I've ever known)

Another year, another Souper Bowl from Branny Boils Over!  Last year her effort yielded much success, and she's looking to go even further this year.  Click here for more details on how you can be a part of this great cause.

Last year I made my crockpot lentil soup for the event, and honored my sister's English Bulldog, Vito...my first nephew.  Seeing as he is the only pet in our family, I planned on doing the same this time around.

Unfortunately, circumstances have changed since I made my soup last week...otherwise it definitely would have included lots of meatballs.

On Sunday, January 15th, at around 10pm, Vito crossed to the other side and joined many other animals that we've loved in the past.  For a while now, the V-Man hasn't been in the best of health, and the past few weeks were really, really awful.  My sister and brother-in-law did all that they could, but his time had come.

He was 13 years old.  The most handsome 13 year old I've ever known.

Vito was a HUGE part of our entire family.  There have been lots of tears in the past few days but we all can smile and think of many, many fond memories of Vee Vee, as Bella called him.

We love you, V!  I know you're having plenty of meatballs up there in doggie heaven :)

Stuffed Cabbage Soup
very slightly adapted from Join Us, Pull Up A Chair

1 pound ground beef
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 small head green cabbage, chopped
2 1/2 cups water
2/3 cup uncooked long grain rice
1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon basil
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon salt

Cook garlic and beef in a large Dutch oven over medium heat until beef is no longer pink.  Drain fat from pot.  Stir in cabbage, water, rice, worcestershire, garlic powder, basil and peppers.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce to a simmer and cook, covered, for about 25-30 minutes.

Stir in crushed tomatoes and salt.  If at this point you feel it isn't "soupy" enough for you, add more water and adjust seasonings to taste.  Heat through.  Serve with grated cheese, if desired.

Serves 6.

Linked to: Tastetastic Thursday
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