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
Scale
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.
