Cabbage Roll Soup

Short Description

Cabbage Roll Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that brings all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls into a warm and savory bowl. Packed with tender cabbage, ground beef, tomatoes, and rice, this soup is a perfect one-pot meal for chilly days.

Why Youโ€™ll Love This Recipe

  • All the classic cabbage roll flavors without the time-consuming rolling and stuffing.
  • A simple, one-pot meal thatโ€™s easy to prepare and clean up.
  • Perfect for meal prep and tastes even better the next day.
  • A filling, nutritious dish packed with protein and fiber.
  • Easily customizable with different meats or grains.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Cabbage
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Tomato sauce
  • Beef broth
  • White or brown rice
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper
  • Bay leaf

Directions

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened.
  3. Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook for a few minutes until it begins to soften.
  4. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, rice, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  5. Drop in the bay leaf, bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the cabbage and rice are tender.
  6. Remove the bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

  • Servings:ย 6-8
  • Prep Time:ย 15 minutes
  • Cook Time:ย 30 minutes
  • Total Time:ย 45 minutes

Variations

  • Protein Swap:ย Use ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage instead of beef.
  • Low-Carb Version:ย Replace the rice with cauliflower rice or omit it entirely.
  • Vegetarian Option:ย Swap the ground beef for lentils or plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
  • Spicy Twist:ย Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeรฑos for extra heat.
  • Slow Cooker Method:ย Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, adding rice in the last hour to prevent overcooking.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration:ย Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing:ย Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
  • Reheating:ย Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

How can I make this soup thicker?

Let it simmer longer to reduce the liquid, or add a slurry of cornstarch and water for extra thickness.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but increase the simmering time as brown rice takes longer to cook.

Whatโ€™s the best type of cabbage to use?

Green cabbage works best, but Savoy cabbage is a good alternative.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the beef first, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

What if I donโ€™t have Worcestershire sauce?

You can substitute it with soy sauce or a mix of balsamic vinegar and a little sugar.

How do I prevent the rice from getting mushy?

Cook the rice separately and add it just before serving.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally dairy-free, just check ingredient labels for hidden dairy.

How do I make this soup more flavorful?

Add more spices, fresh herbs, or a splash of vinegar for added depth.

Can I use quinoa instead of rice?

Yes! Quinoa is a great substitute and cooks faster than rice.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you ensure that all ingredients, including Worcestershire sauce, are gluten-free.

Conclusion

Cabbage Roll Soup is a delicious, hearty meal that delivers all the comfort of traditional cabbage rolls with minimal effort. Whether you make it on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, this soup is perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prepping for the week ahead. Try out different variations to make it your own and enjoy a warm, nourishing bowl of this classic dish!

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Cabbage Roll Soup

Cabbage Roll Soup

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  • Author: KimEasy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American, Eastern European
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This hearty and comfortingย Cabbage Roll Soupย has all the flavors of classic stuffed cabbage rolls but in an easy, one-pot meal. Made with ground beef, tender cabbage, tomatoes, and rice, this soup is packed with flavor and perfect for a cozy dinner.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups green cabbage, chopped
  • 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup white rice, uncooked
  • 1 medium carrot, diced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef:ย In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Sautรฉ the veggies:ย Add the diced onion and carrot to the pot and cook for about 3 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
  3. Add the cabbage:ย Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook for 2โ€“3 minutes until slightly softened.
  4. Build the broth:ย Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and the bay leaf. Stir well to combine.
  5. Simmer:ย Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Add the rice:ย Stir in the uncooked rice, cover, and continue simmering for another 15โ€“20 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
  7. Final touches:ย Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  8. Serve:ย Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot!

Notes

  • Rice alternatives:ย You can use brown rice (increase cooking time) or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
  • Make it ahead:ย This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together!
  • Storage:ย Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 3 months.

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