Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

Cabbage Roll Soup is the ultimate bowl of comfort—warm, savory, and brimming with all the classic flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls, but so much easier to make! You’ll love how this hearty one-pot meal delivers coziness in every spoonful, blending tender beef, sweet cabbage, tangy tomato, and fluffy rice in a soul-hugging broth.

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s nothing fancy or hard-to-find here—just honest, kitchen-staple ingredients that truly make Cabbage Roll Soup shine. Each one adds a unique note, whether that’s rich texture, bold flavor, or a pop of nourishing color.

• Olive oil: Adds a silky base and helps develop rich flavor when browning the beef and vegetables.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer, so flavors really stand out.
• Ground beef (90% lean): Brings classic savory depth—swap for turkey or plant protein if you’d like.
• Onion (finely diced): Provides aromatic sweetness and body to the broth.
• Minced garlic: Infuses the soup with irresistible fragrance right from the first stir.
• Green cabbage (coarsely chopped): The star! It cooks down tender but still adds that beloved, mildly sweet bite.
• Carrots (peeled, quartered, and sliced): Lend natural sweetness, color, and extra nutrition.
• Beef broth: Lays down a robust, savory base—use low sodium if you prefer more control over the salt.
• Tomato sauce (canned): Adds acidity and richness that’s essential for that irresistible “cabbage roll” flavor.
• Uncooked long grain rice: Cooks right in the soup, soaking up all the goodness and making each bite hearty.
• Bay leaf: Gently perfumes the whole pot with earthy depth (just remember to take it out before serving).
• Brown sugar: Subtle touch that balances acidity and brings out sweetness in the cabbage and carrots.
• Parsley: A pop of green freshness for finishing and a pretty garnish!

Variations

Cabbage Roll Soup is deliciously adaptable! Make it your own with ingredients you have on hand, tweak it for your favorite flavors, or adjust for any dietary needs—there’s truly no wrong turn here.

• Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: Substitute lean ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, equally hearty soup.
• Go Vegetarian: Swap the ground meat for lentils or plant-based crumbles, and use vegetable broth for a cozy vegan bowl.
• Make It Low-Carb: Replace rice with cauliflower rice for a satisfying but lighter option.
• Spice It Up: Stir in a pinch of smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce for extra pep.
• Try Brown Rice or Quinoa: For a nuttier bite and more fiber, use brown rice or quinoa—just allow extra simmering time.

How to Make Cabbage Roll Soup

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, season well with salt and pepper, and cook, breaking it up into small crumbles as you go. Aim for rich browning—this is where tons of flavor is built! It should take about 4–5 minutes.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Add the finely diced onion and minced garlic to the browned beef. Let them cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until the onions start to turn translucent and the garlic gets fragrant but not browned. This combo gives your soup a savory, aromatic backbone.

Step 3: Add Vegetables, Rice & Broth

Now it’s time to invite the cabbage, carrots, beef broth, tomato sauce, uncooked rice, bay leaf, and brown sugar into the pot. Pour everything in and season again to taste—salt and pepper are your friends here. Give it all a hearty stir to evenly distribute those colors and flavors.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the whole mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover and let it cook for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender, the cabbage is soft, and all those flavors have melded beautifully. Don’t forget to remove and discard the bay leaf at the end!

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Just before serving, sprinkle lots of fresh parsley over the top for a vibrant finish. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—then ladle into bowls and soak up the hugs-in-a-bowl warmth that is Cabbage Roll Soup!

How to Serve Cabbage Roll Soup

Garnishes

A shower of fresh parsley is classic, but you can also top your Cabbage Roll Soup with a little grated Parmesan, a dollop of sour cream, or even a drizzle of good olive oil for richer flavor and an inviting look. A crack of black pepper always adds a bit of rustic charm, too.

Side Dishes

This soup is filling, but it loves a companion! Serve alongside crusty sourdough, dinner rolls, or buttered rye bread for dunking. For a lighter touch, toss a simple green salad with a zingy vinaigrette—the brightness is the perfect contrast to the soup’s cozy richness.

Creative Ways to Present

To impress guests, ladle Cabbage Roll Soup into deep bowls and set each one on a small wooden board with toasted bread and pickles. Or, serve family-style in a gorgeous Dutch oven at the table—let everyone help themselves and garnish as they wish!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, Cabbage Roll Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors only deepen over time, so leftovers are often even better the next day!

Freezing

This soup freezes like a dream. Ladle cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight—just keep in mind, the rice may soften a bit, but the flavor remains outstanding.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low, adding a splash of broth or water if your soup has thickened up in the fridge. Microwave reheating works too—just cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring often for even warmth.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving fuss-free comfort with a nostalgic twist, this Cabbage Roll Soup is truly a must-cook. It’s love in a bowl—so simple, so satisfying, and so easy to share. Serve it up soon, and get ready for happy faces all around the table!

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