If you’ve ever craved all the hearty comfort of classic cabbage rolls but wanted a faster, no-fuss meal, Cabbage Roll Soup is about to become your new weeknight hero. This soup is loaded with juicy ground beef, tender rice, and plenty of veggies, all cozied up in a tangy tomato broth. It brings all the nostalgia of grandma’s kitchen but lands on your table in one sparkling pot, with minimal prep and maximum flavor. Whether you’re hunting for something to warm up a chilly evening or need a healthy, filling meal the whole family will devour, Cabbage Roll Soup delivers every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything you need for Cabbage Roll Soup is easy to find and each ingredient really earns its spot. From the tender cabbage that makes every spoonful so satisfying, to the aromatic onion and spices that lend depth, here’s what you’ll need—and why you shouldn’t skip a thing:
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps develop the flavors as you sauté the meat and veggies.
- Ground beef: The heart of the soup—juicy and filling; ground turkey or pork also work beautifully.
- Onion: A punch of sweetness and savory base in every bite.
- Garlic: For irresistible aroma and sparkle of warmth.
- Green cabbage: The star! Brings color, nutrients, and a mild earthiness.
- Carrots: Infuse color and subtle sweetness, balancing out the tomato base.
- Tomato sauce: Builds a lush and tangy foundation for the broth.
- Diced tomatoes: Give pleasant texture and bright, fresh tomato flavor.
- Beef broth: Deepens the soup and ties all the savory notes together.
- Uncooked long grain white rice: Absorbs flavor as it cooks and makes each serving wonderfully hearty.
- Dried oregano: Adds a touch of herby warmth reminiscent of classic cabbage rolls.
- Paprika: Offers subtle smokiness and an inviting red hue.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing every flavor in the pot.
- Black pepper: A little kick to keep the flavors lively.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Brings color and a pop of freshness just before serving.
How to Make Cabbage Roll Soup
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and sauté until it’s fully browned, breaking it up as you go so you get plenty of savory bits throughout. If there’s excess fat, go ahead and drain it—nobody likes greasy soup!
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Toss the chopped onion and garlic right into the pot. Let them cook for a couple minutes, just until the onion turns soft and translucent and the garlic fills your kitchen with that irresistible aroma. This step layers in tons of flavor right from the start.
Step 3: Add Cabbage and Carrots
Next up: the veggies! Stir in chopped cabbage and carrots, mingling them with the savory beef and aromatics. Give everything a good mix so the veggies can soak up those flavorful juices.
Step 4: Pour in Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes, and Broth
Time to pour in the canned tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (juice and all), and beef broth. The whole pot will start looking vibrant and colorful. Stir well, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot—those are flavor gold!
Step 5: Stir in Rice and Spices
Now add the uncooked rice, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cinnamon fans, you could sneak in a pinch for warmth, but it’s totally optional. Stir until everything’s happily married in the pot.
Step 6: Simmer to Perfection
Bring your soup up to a gentle boil, then cover the pot and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 25 to 30 minutes. The rice will become perfectly tender, veggies will soften, and those classic Cabbage Roll Soup flavors will mingle beautifully. Give it a quick taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that extra bit of brightness, if you like.
How to Serve Cabbage Roll Soup
Garnishes
Once your Cabbage Roll Soup is ladled into bowls, you can never go wrong with a shower of fresh chopped parsley or a dollop of sour cream for luxurious creaminess. For a little crunch, try a dusting of crispy fried onions or even just a crack of fresh black pepper. The finishing touches brighten the bowl and make it completely irresistible.
Side Dishes
This soup is a meal in itself, but it loves good company. Warm, buttered rye bread, soft dinner rolls, or a slab of crusty sourdough are perfect for dipping. A simple green salad with a zingy vinaigrette also makes a fresh counterpoint to all the rich, savory flavors in the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Try spooning your Cabbage Roll Soup into mugs for an easy-to-hold, cozy supper, or serve it in hollowed-out round bread rolls for an edible bowl that soaks up every drop. For a crowd, offer it buffet-style with bowls of toppings (like cheese, fresh herbs, and hot sauce) so everyone can build their perfect bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cabbage Roll Soup stores beautifully! Simply let it cool, then transfer into airtight containers. It will keep fresh in your fridge for up to four days—a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeks.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this soup. Let it cool completely, ladle into freezer-safe containers or bags (leave an inch or two at the top for expansion), and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Reheating
To reheat, just pour the soup into a saucepan over medium heat and warm gently, stirring occasionally until hot. If it’s thickened in the fridge, stir in a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. The flavors get even better after a day or two, making leftovers something to look forward to!
FAQs
Can I use brown rice or cauliflower rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice but you’ll need to simmer the soup a bit longer so the rice cooks through. Cauliflower rice is a great low-carb swap—add it in the last 5 minutes of cooking since it cooks quickly and won’t get mushy.
What protein options work best besides ground beef?
Ground turkey and pork are both fantastic alternatives in Cabbage Roll Soup. Even ground chicken or a plant-based crumble give great results if you’re looking to change things up while keeping the dish hearty.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for a meatless crumble or extra beans, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The flavors still come out savory and satisfying.
Will the rice get mushy if I store the soup?
The rice holds up well for a few days, but if you plan to store it longer or freeze the soup, consider cooking the rice separately and adding it as you reheat. This keeps each spoonful perfectly textured!
How can I boost the flavor of my Cabbage Roll Soup?
If you’d like a deeper flavor, a splash of Worcestershire sauce, a pinch more paprika, or even a squeeze of lemon before serving are all terrific tweaks. Taste as you go and make it your own!
Final Thoughts
Cabbage Roll Soup is comfort food at its absolute best—chunky, tangy, and brimming with heartwarming flavors. It’s the kind of meal that brings people running to the table. Give it a try soon, and don’t be surprised if this easy classic lands in heavy rotation in your kitchen!
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Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cabbage Roll Soup recipe is a hearty and comforting dish that captures all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the hassle of rolling. Packed with ground beef, vegetables, and savory seasonings, this soup is perfect for a cozy winter meal.
Ingredients
For the Cabbage Roll Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 head green cabbage, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1/4 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook the beef: Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add vegetables: Stir in the onion and garlic, cook until softened. Add cabbage and carrots, stirring to combine.
- Simmer the soup: Pour in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, rice, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 25–30 minutes until rice and veggies are tender.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with parsley before serving, if desired.
Notes
- This soup captures all the flavor of traditional cabbage rolls without the effort of rolling.
- Ground turkey or pork can be substituted for beef.
- Leftovers reheat well and taste even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Eastern European-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
