Hearty Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

If you’re a fan of traditional cabbage rolls but don’t have the time (or patience) to wrap and bake them, then Cabbage Roll Soup is the perfect dish for you. This hearty, flavorful soup captures all the deliciousness of classic stuffed cabbage rolls but with a fraction of the effort. With tender cabbage, savory ground beef, rice, and a tangy tomato broth, it brings comfort in every spoonful. It’s the ideal recipe for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or anytime you’re craving something filling, nutritious, and nostalgic.

Cabbage roll soup is a one-pot wonder that transforms a beloved Eastern European dish into an easy, everyday meal. It’s rich, wholesome, and packed with fiber, protein, and essential nutrients.

Whether you’re looking to warm up on a chilly evening or simply want to enjoy a homemade, rustic dish, this soup hits the spot.

Recipe Preparation Equipment

Before diving into the recipe, gather the following kitchen tools and equipment:

• Large Soup Pot or Dutch Oven – Essential for simmering all ingredients evenly.
• Wooden Spoon – For stirring without damaging your pot.
• Cutting Board – To chop cabbage, onions, and garlic.
• Sharp Knife – For precise slicing and dicing.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons – To ensure accuracy in ingredients.
• Ladle – For serving the soup.
• Medium Bowl (optional) – If you want to pre-mix seasonings or rice.

What Do You Need to Prepare Cabbage Roll Soup?

Here’s everything you need to make this satisfying Cabbage Roll Soup:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (lean)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium head of green cabbage, chopped
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups beef broth (low sodium)
• 2 cups water
• ½ cup uncooked white rice (or brown rice for a healthier twist)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional for a subtle sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 bay leaf
• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

How to Make Easy Cabbage Roll Soup Step-by-Step ?

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess grease if needed.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Cabbage and Tomatoes

Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing it to soften slightly. Then, add the diced tomatoes (with juices) and tomato sauce. Mix thoroughly.

Step 4: Pour in Liquids and Season

Add beef broth and water to the pot. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar (if using), paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Drop in a bay leaf for extra flavor.

Step 5: Add Rice and Simmer

Stir in the uncooked rice. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and let it cook for 25–30 minutes or until the rice and cabbage are tender.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove the bay leaf. Ladle into bowls, garnish with chopped parsley, and enjoy!

Variations

There are many ways to customize cabbage roll soup to match your dietary preferences or flavor profile:

• Vegetarian Version: Replace ground beef with lentils or chopped mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Low-Carb Option: Omit the rice and add extra cabbage or cauliflower rice to keep it keto-friendly.
• Spicy Kick: Add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for some heat.
• Use Turkey or Pork: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or ground pork for a lighter or different taste.
• Add Beans: Include kidney or cannellini beans for added protein and texture.
• Slow Cooker Method: Brown the beef, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

Cooking Notes

• Rice Consideration: If you’re planning to make a large batch for leftovers, consider cooking the rice separately and adding it to individual bowls before serving. This prevents the rice from over-absorbing the liquid and becoming mushy over time.
• Broth Consistency: Depending on how brothy or thick you like your soup, adjust the amount of broth and water. Add more if you prefer it soupy, or reduce it slightly for a thicker consistency.
• Cabbage Variety: Green cabbage is classic, but savoy cabbage or even Napa cabbage can be used for a slightly different texture and flavor.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Cabbage roll soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. It’s ideal for meal prep and storing in the fridge or freezer.

Serving Suggestions

Serve cabbage roll soup with a thick slice of crusty bread or a warm dinner roll for a complete meal. A side of tangy coleslaw or a crisp green salad also pairs well.

For a heartier dinner, top each serving with a spoonful of sour cream or shredded cheese. If you want to add an Eastern European touch, serve it alongside rye bread or dill pickles.

Helpful Tips

• Chop Evenly: Chop all your vegetables (especially cabbage) into bite-sized, even pieces for consistent texture and faster cooking.
• Don’t Skip Seasoning: Ground beef can taste bland if under-seasoned. Don’t be shy with salt, pepper, and herbs.
• Use Lean Beef: It keeps the soup less greasy and allows the other flavors to shine.
• Layer the Flavors: Adding ingredients gradually, like sautéing aromatics first and toasting spices briefly, builds depth in the soup.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freeze in batches for up to 3 months.
• Reheating Tip: When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen up the soup if it has thickened.

Tips for the Best Cabbage Roll Soup

• Cook rice just until tender: Overcooked rice becomes mushy. Simmer until al dente, especially if the soup will sit.
• Let it rest: Allow the soup to sit for a few minutes off the heat before serving—it lets the flavors settle and deepen.
• Use a mix of meats: Combine beef and pork for an authentic cabbage roll taste.
• Fresh herbs for garnish: Don’t underestimate the finishing touch—fresh parsley or dill adds brightness to the rich broth.
• Taste and adjust: Always taste before serving. A pinch more salt, sugar, or acid can make all the difference.

Timing Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 290
• Protein: 18g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 6g

Related Recipes :

• Cream of Asparagus Soup Recipe
• Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
• Easy Chicken Gnocchi Soup
• Authentic Greek Avgolemono Soup Recipe

FAQs

Can I freeze cabbage roll soup?
Yes! Let the soup cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.

Can I use pre-cooked rice?
You can! Just stir in the cooked rice during the last 5 minutes of cooking to prevent it from turning mushy.

What kind of cabbage works best?
Green cabbage is traditional, but you can use savoy or Napa cabbage as substitutes. Red cabbage will work too but may alter the color.

Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your broth and Worcestershire sauce are certified gluten-free, this soup is naturally gluten-free.

Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Brown the beef first, then combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours.

Conclusion

Cabbage Roll Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that transforms the traditional cabbage roll into a bowl of soul-warming goodness. It’s simple to prepare, customizable to suit different tastes and diets, and perfect for feeding a hungry family or batch cooking for the week. With its balance of savory meat, tangy tomatoes, tender cabbage, and fluffy rice, this deconstructed version of cabbage rolls offers maximum flavor with minimal fuss.

Whether you’re revisiting nostalgic flavors from childhood or trying something new, Cabbage Roll Soup is bound to become a staple in your meal rotation. Try it once, and it’ll be in your cold-weather recipe lineup forever.

Print