If you love the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls but want a quicker, fuss-free meal, this Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe is about to become your new go-to. It beautifully captures all those rich, savory notes you expect from a classic cabbage roll, but in a warm, hearty soup form that’s easy to make any night of the week. With tender cabbage, juicy ground meat, and a tomato-forward broth teamed up with rice, this soup delivers satisfying texture and taste in every spoonful. Whether you’re craving something cozy on a chilly evening or a wholesome family meal, this recipe checks all the boxes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe lies in its simple, straightforward ingredients. Each one adds a layer of flavor, texture, or color, creating a harmonious dish that tastes like it took hours to make, even though it really doesn’t.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: For a rich, smooth base that helps brown the meat and develop flavor.
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey: The hearty protein that makes the soup filling and flavorful.
- 1 small onion (diced): Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 3 garlic cloves (minced): A punch of aromatic sharpness that wakes up the whole dish.
- 4 cups chopped green cabbage: Tender and slightly sweet, the star veggie that brings that signature cabbage roll feel.
- 2 carrots (peeled and diced): For a touch of natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1/2 cup uncooked white rice: This absorbs all the wonderful juices while adding heartiness.
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes: Brings acidity and a fresh, tangy punch.
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce: Creates a smooth, rich tomato base for the soup.
- 4 cups beef broth or chicken broth: The flavorful liquid that ties all the ingredients together.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: An umami boost that adds complexity and depth.
- 1 tsp paprika: For subtle smokiness and warmth.
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme: A hint of herbal brightness that complements the cabbage beautifully.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring everything into balance.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): A fresh, green finish that adds a pop of color and flavor.
How to Make Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add your ground beef or turkey and cook it until it’s deliciously browned, breaking the meat up into small pieces as it cooks. This first step develops that rich, savory base flavor essential for the soup. If needed, drain off any excess fat so your soup doesn’t get greasy.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Once the meat is browned, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook them together for 2 to 3 minutes until the onions soften and the garlic becomes fragrant. This step layers in sweetness and those warm aromatics that make the soup irresistible.
Step 3: Add Vegetables
Now, add the chopped green cabbage and diced carrots to the pot. Sauté everything for another 3 to 4 minutes. The cabbage will slightly wilt and the carrots will start to soften, adding great texture and vibrant color to your soup.
Step 4: Combine Rice and Liquids
Stir in the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Pour in Worcestershire sauce, then sprinkle the paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper over the pot. Give everything a good stir to fully combine all the ingredients.
Step 5: Simmer Away
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup gently simmer for 25 to 30 minutes. During this time, the rice absorbs the flavors, the cabbage softens perfectly, and the broth becomes rich and comforting. Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
How to Serve Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Serving your soup with freshly chopped parsley adds a burst of color and a mild, fresh flavor that beautifully complements the hearty and savory components of the soup. For an extra touch, a swirl of sour cream or a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten things up nicely.
Side Dishes
This soup is fantastic on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, serve it alongside crusty bread for dipping or a fresh green salad. Garlic bread or simple buttered rolls also pair wonderfully, soaking up every last delicious drop.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, serve the soup in individual bread bowls for a fun, hands-on experience. Alternatively, topping the soup with shredded cheese or a dollop of Greek yogurt adds extra richness and a velvety texture that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to four days. Store it in an airtight container and just reheat portions as you need them. The flavors often deepen after a day or two, making leftovers even tastier!
Freezing
The soup freezes exceptionally well, which makes it great for meal prepping. Once the soup is completely cool, transfer it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup thickens too much after refrigeration or freezing, simply add a splash of broth or water to loosen it back up.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice is a nutritious swap and adds more fiber, but keep in mind that it will require a longer simmering time—about 45 minutes instead of 25 to 30—to become tender.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as you use gluten-free broth and Worcestershire sauce. It’s a comforting option for those avoiding gluten without sacrificing flavor.
Can I substitute ground turkey with another meat?
Definitely! Ground turkey is a lighter alternative to beef, but ground chicken, pork, or even a plant-based ground meat could work well too. Adjust cooking time if needed for different meats.
What is the best way to add brightness to this soup?
A splash of lemon juice or a bit of vinegar just before serving lifts all the flavors, giving the soup a fresh, vibrant finish that cuts through the richness.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the meat and sauté the veggies first, then add everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. Add rice during the last 30 to 45 minutes to prevent overcooking.
Final Thoughts
This Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe is one of those comforting dishes that feels like a warm hug from the inside. It’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for busy nights or when you just need a hearty bowl of something delicious. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and see why it’s a favorite in so many kitchens. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
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Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Eastern European-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty and comforting Cabbage Roll Soup that captures the flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls in a warming, one-pot meal. This recipe combines ground beef or turkey, tender cabbage, carrots, tomatoes, and rice, simmered to perfection in a flavorful broth, making it an easy and nutritious weeknight dinner option.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups chopped green cabbage
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
Grains and Canned Goods
- 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
Liquids and Seasonings
- 4 cups beef broth or chicken broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the meat. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté aromatics. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Cook vegetables. Stir in chopped cabbage and diced carrots, cooking for an additional 3–4 minutes to slightly soften the vegetables.
- Add rice and liquids. Incorporate the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth into the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Season the soup. Add Worcestershire sauce, paprika, dried thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer the soup. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 25–30 minutes until the rice is tender and the cabbage is soft.
- Finish and serve. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- Substitute brown rice for extra fiber, but increase simmer time accordingly.
- This soup freezes well—cool completely before storing in freezer-safe containers.
- Add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar before serving to brighten the flavors.
