Cabbage Roll Soup

Cabbage Roll Soup is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights when you crave the classic flavors of stuffed cabbage rolls without all the extra work. This hearty one-pot meal combines tender ground beef, crisp green cabbage, and wholesome rice in a savory, tomato-based broth. It is perfect for chilly evenings when you want a nutritious and filling dinner that the whole family will love. By simmering all the components together, the flavors meld beautifully, creating a rustic and satisfying dish that proves comfort food can be both easy and incredibly delicious.

To prepare this Cabbage Roll Soup, you will need fresh produce, lean protein, and high-quality broth. The balance of the sweetness from the carrots and the acidity of the tomato sauce provides the perfect depth of flavor.

• 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

Customizing your Cabbage Roll Soup is simple with these easy swaps.

• Use ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner version of the soup.
• Swap white rice for brown rice, but increase the simmer time by 15-20 minutes.
• If you prefer a thicker stew-like texture, use one less cup of beef broth.
• Add a dash of smoked paprika for a deeper, earthier flavor profile.
• Adjust the brown sugar based on how sweet you like your cabbage rolls.

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large dutch oven or soup pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and season with salt and pepper to your preference. Cook the meat thoroughly until it is nicely browned, making sure to break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Once the beef is browned, add the finely diced yellow onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté these aromatics for 2-3 minutes or until the onions turn translucent and fragrant, which builds the flavor foundation for your Cabbage Roll Soup.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add the chopped green cabbage, sliced carrots, tomato sauce, beef broth, uncooked white rice, bay leaf, and light brown sugar to the pot. Stir everything well until the ingredients are fully incorporated into the broth.

Step 4: Simmer and Serve

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat and cook for about 25 minutes, or until the rice is perfectly tender and the vegetables are soft. Remove the bay leaf before serving, and garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley.

Make this a complete feast by pairing your soup with the right sides.

• Serve with a side of crusty garlic bread to soak up the tomato broth.
• A simple garden salad with vinaigrette adds a nice crunch to the meal.
• Top each bowl with a dollop of sour cream for a creamy, tangy finish.
• Warm pita bread or dinner rolls make excellent sides for dipping.

Store any leftover Cabbage Roll Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When ready to enjoy, reheat it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of water or broth when reheating as the rice will continue to absorb liquid over time.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have more time to blend. Simply store in the fridge and reheat when you are ready to eat.

Can I freeze this recipe?

You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Note that the rice may soften further once thawed and reheated.

What can I serve with this recipe?

Crusty bread or a fresh side salad are perfect accompaniments to balance the savory flavors of the cabbage and beef.

How do I keep this recipe from drying out?

Ensure the pot is covered during the simmering process to retain moisture. If the soup looks too thick, simply stir in a little more beef broth before serving.

If you enjoy comforting one-pot meals, try these reader-favorite recipes:

• Try our savory Beef and Vegetable Stew for a hearty dinner.
• Our Easy Tomato Basil Soup is a classic vegetarian option.
• For a quick meal, consider our Quick Skillet Rice and Beef dish.

Cabbage Roll Soup is a wonderful way to enjoy the classic, comforting tastes of traditional stuffed cabbage in a convenient, modern format. It is a hearty, wholesome meal that fits perfectly into any family dinner rotation, especially when you need something simple yet flavorful. With minimal prep and easy cleanup, it is a recipe you will find yourself reaching for again and again during the busy work week. Give this cozy, tomato-rich soup a try tonight and see how quickly it becomes a new favorite in your home!

Cabbage Roll Soup

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Cabbage Roll Soup is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights when you crave the classic flavors of stuffed cabbage rolls without all the extra work. This hearty one-pot meal combines tender ground beef, crisp green cabbage, and wholesome rice in a savory, tomato-based broth. Perfect for chilly evenings, this nutritious and filling dinner melds all the rustic, satisfying flavors of traditional cabbage rolls into one easy-to-make, family-friendly soup.

• Author: Clarice
• Prep Time: 15 Mins
• Cook Time: 30 Mins
• Total Time: 45 Mins
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Healthy Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 (3 cans, 8 oz. each)

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

In a large dutch oven or soup pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and season with salt and pepper to your preference. Cook the meat thoroughly until it is nicely browned, making sure to break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Once the beef is browned, add the finely diced yellow onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté these aromatics for 2-3 minutes or until the onions turn translucent and fragrant, which builds the flavor foundation for your Cabbage Roll Soup.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add the chopped green cabbage, sliced carrots, tomato sauce, beef broth, uncooked white rice, bay leaf, and light brown sugar to the pot. Stir everything well until the ingredients are fully incorporated into the broth.

Step 4: Simmer and Serve

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat and cook for about 25 minutes, or until the rice is perfectly tender and the vegetables are soft. Remove the bay leaf before serving, and garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley.

Pro Tips

• Chop the cabbage into uniform pieces so it cooks evenly with the carrots.
• Let the soup sit for 5 minutes after cooking to allow the broth to thicken slightly.
• For extra flavor, use a splash of Worcestershire sauce to enhance the beef notes.
• If you are meal prepping, cook the rice separately and add it to individual bowls to keep the grains firm.

Notes

You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; the rice may absorb more broth as it sits, so add a splash of water when reheating.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1.5 cups
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 55mg