If you love the comforting flavors of classic cabbage rolls but want a quicker, cozier option, this Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe is an absolute game changer. It perfectly captures that delicious combination of savory ground beef, tender cabbage, and rich tomato broth, all simmered with warm spices and rice for a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you’re craving something satisfying after a long day or looking for a family-friendly dinner that everyone will adore, this soup will quickly become one of your go-to favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of these ingredients—each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors that make this soup truly special. From the sweetness of the carrots to the heartiness of the ground beef and the subtle warmth of paprika, these essentials create a harmonious dish that’s both nourishing and delectable.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a gentle, fruity base to sauté the meat and veggies.
- 1 pound ground beef: Brings rich, savory depth and protein to the soup.
- 1 small yellow onion, diced: Offers a mild sweetness and aromatic foundation.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the broth with classic warm and pungent flavor.
- 4 cups chopped green cabbage: The star veggie that keeps the heart of the cabbage rolls alive, tender yet with a bit of texture.
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color for visual appeal.
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes: Brings acidity and chunky texture.
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce: Provides a smooth, rich tomato base for the broth.
- 4 cups beef broth: The flavorful liquid that ties everything together with its meaty undertones.
- 1/2 cup uncooked white rice: Adds comforting heartiness and thickens the soup slightly.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: A secret weapon for umami depth and a slight tang.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Introduces mild warmth and color to the broth.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Brings subtle earthy notes that complement the beef perfectly.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- 1 bay leaf: Adds a background layer of herbal aroma.
How to Make Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s nicely browned, breaking it apart with a spoon to achieve that perfect crumbly texture. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the soup from being greasy. Then toss in the diced onions and minced garlic, letting them soften and release their fragrant goodness for a couple of minutes. This forms the flavorful foundation of your soup.
Step 2: Add Cabbage and Carrots
Next, stir in the chopped green cabbage and sliced carrots. Cook them for about five minutes, allowing the cabbage to start softening and the carrots to maintain a slight crunch. This step adds texture and sweetness that balance the savory meat perfectly.
Step 3: Combine Tomatoes, Broth, and Seasonings
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Sprinkle in the uncooked white rice, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Don’t forget to drop in the bay leaf—that little herb will work wonders infusing the broth with an extra layer of aroma during cooking. Give everything a good stir to combine all those beautiful ingredients.
Step 4: Simmer Until Tender
Bring the soup up to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it gently simmer away for about 25 to 30 minutes until the rice is tender and the vegetables have softened just right. Before serving, remove the bay leaf and give the soup a taste to adjust salt or pepper if needed. The patience here will reward you with a rich, comforting bowl of goodness.
How to Serve Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To make each serving that much more delightful, try adding a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or dill. These garnishes add brightness and creaminess that beautifully complement the hearty broth and tender veggies.
Side Dishes
This soup shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread or soft buttery rolls for dipping. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also bring fresh contrast and keep the meal balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, ladle the soup into mini bread bowls or serve it alongside a grilled cheese sandwich for an ultra-comforting combo. You can also offer a bowl of shredded cheese on the side for guests to customize their own cheesy topping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and enjoy within 3 to 4 days for the best flavor and freshness.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this soup freezes exceptionally well. Make sure it’s completely cooled before placing it in freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat to prevent the rice from overcooking. Stir occasionally until warmed through, adding a splash of broth or water if it feels too thick. Avoid the microwave if you can, as slow heating preserves the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! For a leaner version of this Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe, swapping in ground turkey or chicken works perfectly. Just brown the meat thoroughly and adjust seasoning as you go because poultry can be milder in flavor.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
You can definitely substitute brown rice. Keep in mind that it will take about 10 to 15 minutes longer to cook, so adjust your simmer time accordingly to ensure it becomes tender without being mushy.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! For a vegetarian twist, skip the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Add extra beans or lentils for protein and heartiness, and feel free to boost the herbs and spices to enhance flavor.
Does the soup get better the next day?
It sure does! Like many soups, this Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe often tastes even better after a day when the flavors have had time to meld. Just reheat gently, and you’re in for a treat.
How spicy is this soup?
This recipe is mild in spice, focusing more on savory and slightly sweet notes. If you love heat, feel free to add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to kick it up a notch.
Final Thoughts
This Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy all the cozy, familiar flavors of classic cabbage rolls with so much less fuss. It’s nourishing, hearty, and endlessly satisfying—perfect for weeknight dinners or anytime you need a little comfort in a bowl. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it part of your regular meal rotation!
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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
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Cabbage Roll Soup is a comforting and hearty dish inspired by traditional Eastern European cabbage rolls, but simplified into a flavorful soup form. Ground beef, cabbage, carrots, and rice cook together in a savory tomato and beef broth, seasoned with Worcestershire sauce and spices for a perfect balance of taste and warmth. This easy-to-make soup is both filling and nutritious, ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chopped green cabbage
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
Liquids and Canned Goods
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
Grains and Seasonings
- 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed to keep the soup from being too greasy.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add diced yellow onion and minced garlic to the browned beef. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant, enhancing the base flavors of the soup.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in chopped green cabbage and sliced carrots. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the cabbage to soften slightly and the carrots to begin tenderizing.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, and beef broth. Then add the uncooked white rice, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, dried thyme, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer gently for 25–30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the vegetables are soft.
- Final Touches: Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, enjoying a warm and wholesome bowl of cabbage roll soup.
Notes
- For a leaner option, substitute ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Brown rice can be used in place of white rice, but increase cooking time by 10–15 minutes to ensure it becomes tender.
- This soup freezes well—allow it to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers for freezing.
