If you’ve ever loved the classic flavors of cabbage rolls but wanted something quicker and cozy to spoon from a bowl, this Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine all those savory, comforting tastes of ground beef, cabbage, and tomatoes simmered together in a rich broth, with tender grains of rice adding just the right bite. It’s hearty, wholesome, and perfect for warming up any chilly day—plus, it’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to share with your favorite people.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is key to nailing this dish. Each ingredient plays an important role—delivering layers of flavor, texture, and vibrant color that make this soup irresistible.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides rich, savory depth; you can use a beef and pork mix for extra flavor.
- 1 large onion (diced): Adds sweetness and aromatic foundation when sautéed.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Boosts the savory aroma with its pungent warmth.
- 1 medium head of cabbage (chopped, about 8 cups): Brings fresh crunch and subtle sweetness that balances the tomatoes.
- 2 cans diced tomatoes (14.5 oz each): Introduce bright acidity and juicy texture.
- 1 can tomato sauce (15 oz): Gives a smooth, rich tomato base that ties the soup together.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor for a hearty punch.
- 4 cups beef broth: The flavorful liquid backbone that melds all ingredients.
- 1/2 cup uncooked long-grain white rice: Cooks up tender inside the soup, adding body and heartiness.
- 2 bay leaves: Subtle herbal notes that deepen the broth.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds a gentle, earthy aroma.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Contributes a smoky sweetness and beautiful color.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For those who love a bit of heat to brighten every spoonful.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings for balancing flavors just right.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish): A final fresh burst of color and herbaceousness.
How to Make Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Meat
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add your ground beef (or beef and pork mix). Cook it until nicely browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Once it’s cooked through and deliciously caramelized, drain off any excess fat to keep the soup hearty but not greasy.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic straight into the pot. Sauté them until the onion turns translucent and gives off that sweet, fragrant aroma that promises something special is on its way.
Step 3: Add Cabbage and Tomatoes
Stir in the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. This step builds vibrant flavor and texture, as the cabbage will slowly soften and soak up the tomato richness during cooking.
Step 4: Combine Rice, Broth, and Spices
Pour in the beef broth, then add the uncooked rice along with your bay leaves, thyme, paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a lively boil to unite the flavors.
Step 5: Simmer Until Tender
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes. During this time, the rice will become tender and the cabbage melt-soft, creating a beautiful harmony of textures.
Step 6: Final Taste and Adjustments
Once cooked, taste your soup and adjust seasoning as needed—maybe a pinch more salt or a crack of fresh pepper. If you want to brighten things up even more, splash in some lemon juice or add a creamy dollop of sour cream for extra indulgence.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle your warm, comforting soup into bowls and garnish as you like. This Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe shines best when served hot straight from the pot, bringing all the cozy flavors right to the table.
How to Serve Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley sprinkled on top adds a pop of green and fresh aroma that lifts the deep, hearty flavors. A spoonful of sour cream offers creamy tanginess that plays beautifully against the brightness of the tomatoes and spices.
Side Dishes
Keep it simple with warm crusty bread or garlic rolls to soak up every last bit of broth. For a light contrast, serve a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette—it balances the rich soup perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve this soup in bread bowls—hollowed-out round loaves that double as edible containers. You can also garnish with a sprinkle of sharp cheddar or smoked cheese for an extra layer of indulgence. Adding a few red pepper flakes on the side lets guests adjust the heat to their liking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe actually tastes better the next day as the flavors deepen. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup in meal-sized portions. Make sure it’s completely cooled before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep well for up to 3 months, so you always have a comforting meal ready whenever you want.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Avoid high heat to keep the cabbage tender and prevent the rice from overcooking. If the soup thickens too much, simply add a splash of broth or water.
FAQs
Can I use different meats in the Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! While ground beef is classic, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a mix of beef and pork. Each option brings its own unique flavor to the soup without compromising the dish’s comforting appeal.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, just replace the ground meat with hearty plant-based alternatives like lentils, mushrooms, or crumbled tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The cabbage, tomatoes, and spices will still create a delicious, warming soup.
Can I prepare this in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Brown the meat and sauté the onions and garlic beforehand, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for about 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until tender and flavorful.
What type of rice works best in this recipe?
Long-grain white rice is ideal because it absorbs the broth well and cooks evenly without turning mushy. You can experiment with brown rice for a nuttier flavor, but it will require a longer cooking time.
How spicy is this soup with cayenne pepper?
The 1/4 teaspoon cayenne adds a gentle warmth that enhances the overall flavor without overpowering it. If you prefer a milder dish, feel free to omit the cayenne or add it gradually to taste.
Final Thoughts
This Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe holds a special place on my table because it transforms a beloved comfort food into a soul-soothing bowl that’s easy to enjoy any night of the week. It’s hearty, brimming with flavor, and simple enough to become a go-to when you need something cozy and satisfying. I hope you give this recipe a try and share its warmth with those you love.
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Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and comforting Cabbage Roll Soup that captures the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls in a warm, easy-to-make soup format. Combining ground beef, tender cabbage, rice, and a rich tomato-based broth, it’s perfect for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef (or mix of beef and pork)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped (about 8 cups)
Tomato Base
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Liquids and Grains
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
Herbs and Spices
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground meat over medium-high heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once fully browned, drain any excess fat to avoid greasiness in the soup.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onions and minced garlic to the pot with the meat. Cook and stir until the onions become translucent and aromatic, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Cabbage and Tomato Base: Stir in the chopped cabbage, drained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Introduce Rice, Broth, and Seasonings: Pour in the beef broth and add the uncooked rice along with the bay leaves, dried thyme, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir everything together.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer gently for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice and cabbage are tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
- Adjust Flavors: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a dollop of sour cream at serving.
- Serve: Remove bay leaves, ladle the hot soup into bowls, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and enjoy your comforting homemade cabbage roll soup!
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or a beef-pork mix for different flavor profiles.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, cook a bit longer uncovered to reduce excess liquid.
- Cayenne pepper is optional; omit it if you prefer a milder soup.
- For gluten-free, make sure the beef broth and canned tomatoes do not contain gluten additives.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully.
