Easy Cabbage Roll Soup

This comforting Cabbage Roll Soup brings all the nostalgic flavors of traditional cabbage rolls to your dinner table without the tedious assembly. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pot meal combines lean ground beef, tender green cabbage, and hearty rice in a savory tomato-based broth. Whether you are looking for a healthy family dinner or a meal-prep friendly dish, this Cabbage Roll Soup is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that warms you from the inside out. With simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, it is the perfect solution for anyone craving authentic comfort food in under an hour.

To make this delicious soup, you will need fresh produce, ground beef, and a few pantry staples. The combination of tomato sauce and beef broth creates a rich foundation for the vegetables.

• 2 tsp. vegetable oil
• 1 lb. lean ground beef
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced finely
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chopped green cabbage
• 2 medium carrots, quartered and sliced
• 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 3 8 oz. cans tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup white rice, uncooked
• 1 bay leaf
• 3 tbsp. light brown sugar
• 2 tbsp. fresh chopped parsley

Customize your soup based on what you have on hand with these simple adjustments.

• Swap white rice for cauliflower rice if you prefer a lower-carb option.
• Use turkey instead of lean ground beef for a lighter version.
• If you prefer a thicker stew, reduce the beef broth by one cup.
• Adjust the brown sugar slightly if you like a more savory vs. sweet profile.
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika for an extra layer of depth.

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat the vegetable oil in a large dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and season with salt and pepper to your preference. Cook until the beef is thoroughly browned.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add the finely diced yellow onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add the chopped green cabbage, sliced carrots, tomato sauce, beef broth, uncooked white rice, bay leaf, and brown sugar to the pot. Stir everything thoroughly to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat and cook for approximately 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the vegetables reach your desired level of softness.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove the bay leaf carefully with a spoon. Sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley over the top for a bright, flavorful finish before serving warm.

This soup is a hearty standalone meal, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides.

• Serve with a slice of crusty sourdough bread or warm garlic knots.
• A side of cucumber salad adds a refreshing contrast to the savory broth.
• Top with a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess.
• Keep it simple with a side of steamed green beans or roasted veggies.

Store your leftover Cabbage Roll Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When ready to enjoy, reheat individual portions on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or extra broth if the rice has soaked up too much liquid.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, this soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop. Simply reheat it on the stove when you are ready to eat.

Can I freeze this recipe? You can freeze it for up to 3 months. Note that the rice may soften further upon reheating, so you might consider slightly undercooking the rice if you plan to freeze large batches.

What can I serve with this recipe? It pairs beautifully with garlic bread, a fresh garden salad, or even a side of roasted root vegetables to complete the comfort meal experience.

How do I keep this recipe from drying out? If the soup looks too thick after sitting, simply stir in a little extra beef broth or water to reach your preferred consistency.

Cabbage Roll Soup is the perfect way to enjoy traditional comfort food without the hours of prep work required for the classic version. It is healthy, budget-friendly, and hearty enough to satisfy the whole family. The combination of fresh cabbage, savory beef, and tomato broth creates a timeless flavor that everyone loves. Whether you are meal prepping for the week or looking for an easy dinner idea, this recipe is a reliable choice that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Give this simple soup a try tonight and discover your new favorite way to eat cabbage.

Easy Cabbage Roll Soup

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This comforting Cabbage Roll Soup brings all the nostalgic flavors of traditional cabbage rolls to your table without the tedious assembly. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pot meal features lean ground beef, tender green cabbage, carrots, and rice simmered in a savory tomato-based broth. It is a hearty, budget-friendly dish that saves you hours of rolling time, making it the ultimate crowd-pleasing comfort food that warms you from the inside out.

• Author: Clarice
• Prep Time: 15 Mins
• Cook Time: 30 Mins
• Total Time: 45 Mins
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Healthy Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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2 tsp. vegetable oil
1 lb. lean ground beef
Salt and pepper to taste
1 medium yellow onion, diced finely
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chopped green cabbage
2 medium carrots, quartered and sliced
4 cups low-sodium beef broth
24 oz. tomato sauce
1/2 cup white rice, uncooked
1 bay leaf
3 tbsp. light brown sugar
2 tbsp. fresh chopped parsley

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Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat the vegetable oil in a large dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and season with salt and pepper to your preference. Cook until the beef is thoroughly browned.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add the finely diced yellow onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add the chopped green cabbage, sliced carrots, tomato sauce, beef broth, uncooked white rice, bay leaf, and brown sugar to the pot. Stir everything thoroughly to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat and cook for approximately 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the vegetables reach your desired level of softness.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove the bay leaf carefully with a spoon. Sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley over the top for a bright, flavorful finish before serving warm.

Pro Tips

• Do not overcook the rice; it will continue to absorb liquid while sitting in the warm broth.
• Choose a firm head of green cabbage for the best crunch and texture in your soup.
• If you love spice, add a dash of red pepper flakes during the sauté step.
• Let the soup sit for 5 minutes off the heat before serving to allow the flavors to meld perfectly.

Notes

Swap white rice for cauliflower rice if you prefer a lower-carb option. Use ground turkey instead of lean ground beef for a lighter version. This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and often tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together.