Cabbage Roll Soup: Hearty, Cozy, and Simple to Make!

This Cabbage Roll Soup has all the warm, savory flavors of traditional cabbage rolls, but with far less effort! It’s the perfect way to enjoy the delicious blend of tender cabbage, savory ground beef, fresh vegetables, and rich tomato broth—all in one bowl. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a hearty meal to share with friends, this unstuffed cabbage soup is a true crowd-pleaser. Plus, the smell wafting through your kitchen as it cooks is unbeatable!

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Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Roll Soup

• Easier Than Traditional Cabbage Rolls: Skip the rolling and baking! This soup is simple to make, with all ingredients cooked in one pot.
• Hearty and Satisfying: Packed with protein-rich beef, filling rice, and fiber from the veggies, it’s a meal that keeps you full and warm.
• Customizable: Use ground turkey, add extra vegetables, or swap rice varieties. It’s versatile to fit your preferences!
• Perfect for Leftovers: Like many soups, the flavors deepen with time, so it tastes even better the next day.

What Does Cabbage Roll Soup Taste Like?

This soup has the rich, slightly sweet flavor of cabbage rolls with a subtle tang from tomatoes, balanced with hints of garlic, brown sugar, and bay leaf. The broth is savory and thickens slightly with tender rice, making every spoonful comforting and flavorful.

Ingredients for Cabbage Roll Soup

• Olive oil: 2 teaspoons
• Salt and pepper: To taste
• Ground beef: 1 pound (90% lean recommended)
• Onion: 1, finely diced
• Garlic: 2 teaspoons, minced
• Green cabbage: 4 cups, coarsely chopped
• Carrots: 2, peeled, quartered, and sliced
• Beef broth: 4 cups
• Tomato sauce: 3 cans (8 ounces each)
• Rice: ½ cup uncooked long-grain rice
• Bay leaf: 1
• Brown sugar: 3 tablespoons
• Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish)

Necessary Tools

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Ladle for serving

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Optional Additions and Substitutions

• Protein swap: Ground turkey or chicken can replace ground beef for a lighter version.
• Brown rice instead of white rice: This will add an earthy flavor but requires about 20 more minutes of cook time.
• Extra vegetables: Feel free to add chopped bell peppers, celery, or diced potatoes for more flavor and texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, seasoning it with salt and pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes, breaking up the meat until it’s browned.
2. Add Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Combine Ingredients: Add the chopped cabbage, sliced carrots, beef broth, tomato sauce, uncooked rice, bay leaf, and brown sugar to the pot. Season with additional salt and pepper as desired.
4. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cook for 25 minutes or until the rice is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf, garnish with fresh parsley, and ladle into bowls. Serve warm and enjoy!

What to Serve with Cabbage Roll Soup

This soup pairs perfectly with a side of warm, crusty bread or buttery garlic rolls. If you want a refreshing contrast, try serving it with a light salad. For a twist on the flavors, pair it with Crockpot Ham and Potato Soup or enjoy alongside a bowl of this creamy Celeriac Soup.

Tips for Perfect Cabbage Roll Soup

• Cook Rice Separately: If you plan to save leftovers, cook the rice separately and add it to individual servings to keep it from absorbing too much broth.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a more savory taste, reduce the brown sugar to 1-2 tablespoons.
• Thicker Consistency: For a thicker soup, allow it to cook down for an extra 5-10 minutes or add more rice.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen with time, so it may taste even better!
• Freezer: Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! You can replace ground beef with plant-based ground meat or add additional vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini for texture and flavor.

How can I make this soup gluten-free?

Ensure your broth and tomato sauce are gluten-free. This soup is naturally gluten-free otherwise, as rice is used as the grain.

Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

Absolutely! After browning the ground beef, add all ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, or until rice and veggies are tender.

Does this soup work with leftover rice?

Yes, you can add cooked rice in the last few minutes to heat through. This saves time and is a great way to use up leftovers.

More Cozy Soups to Try

If you’re a fan of comforting soups like this one, you’ll also enjoy these recipes:

• Creamy Celeriac Soup: A smooth, savory option for a unique flavor twist.
• Crockpot Ham and Potato Soup: Perfectly creamy and great for a hands-off meal.
• Coconut Chickpea Sweet Potato Soup: A vibrant, vegan option packed with nutrients and flavor.

Get inspired and share your own creations on Pinterest!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: Approximately 250 kcal
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 5g

Try This Delicious Cabbage Roll Soup Today!

This cabbage roll soup is a must-try for anyone who loves hearty, homestyle meals without the fuss. Simple yet incredibly flavorful, it’s an easy way to satisfy a craving for classic comfort food. Enjoy every spoonful, and don’t forget to save some for tomorrow—it’s even better as leftovers!

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