Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

This Cabbage Roll Soup brings all the hearty, comforting flavors of classic stuffed cabbage rolls into a cozy one-pot meal. Bursting with tender beef, sweet carrots, silky cabbage, and a tangy tomato broth, it’s a weeknight wonder you’ll want to make on repeat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about what goes into this Cabbage Roll Soup! The ingredients are straightforward, but each one packs in flavor, heartiness, and that unmistakable old-fashioned comfort. Here’s how every item earns its place in the pot.

• Vegetable oil: Helps brown the beef and soften the aromatics without sticking.
• Lean ground beef: Brings savory depth and richness—choose lean for a lighter soup, but you can use regular if you like!
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the meat and making all the other flavors pop.
• Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and body to the broth, especially when sautéed until soft.
• Garlic: Infuses the soup with a warm, aromatic flavor base you don’t want to skip.
• Green cabbage: The star of the show! It wilts down beautifully, so don’t be shy with it.
• Carrots: Their sweet earthiness balances the tang of the tomato sauce.
• Low-sodium beef broth: Forms a rich, savory liquid—but you control the salt.
• Tomato sauce: Lends a tangy complexity and that classic cabbage roll red hue.
• White rice (uncooked): Cooks directly in the soup, thickening the broth and making every bite hearty.
• Bay leaf: Imparts a subtle herbal note; just remember to fish it out before serving.
• Light brown sugar: Balances acidity and brings out a gentle sweetness in the tomatoes.
• Fresh chopped parsley: Finishes things with a burst of color and freshness.

Variations

One of the best things about Cabbage Roll Soup is how flexible it is—think of it as a blank canvas for your favorite flavors or family needs! Don’t be afraid to personalize it for your pantry or special diets.

• Swap the Meat: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist, or go all-vegetable for a delicious vegetarian version—just double up on the carrots and add more cabbage for extra heartiness.
• Go Grain-Free: Substitute cauliflower rice for classic white rice if you’re eating low-carb or want more veggies packed in.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a gentle kick that makes the soup sing.
• Broth Boost: Try swapping in part chicken or even vegetable broth for a different spin on classic flavors.

How to Make Cabbage Roll Soup

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, sprinkle generously with salt and pepper, and cook, breaking it up with your spoon, until the meat is deeply browned and no longer pink. This step builds the savory backbone of the soup, so don’t rush it—and let those tasty brown bits develop!

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Once the beef is browned, add the finely diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook, stirring frequently, for 2-3 minutes until the onions turn soft and translucent and the garlic is fragrant but not browned. This quick sauté lays a sweet, aromatic base that infuses every spoonful with warmth.

Step 3: Add the Veggies and Broth

Next, pile in the chopped cabbage and carrots, then pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth. Add the uncooked rice, bay leaf, and brown sugar. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. The cabbage will look plentiful at first, but don’t worry—it softens beautifully as the soup simmers.

Step 4: Simmer Until Tender

Bring the entire pot to a gentle simmer. Cover partially and let it cook for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and the cabbage is soft but not limp. Keep an eye on the soup level—if needed, add a splash more broth or water to loosen it up as the rice cooks.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Fish out the bay leaf and give the soup a final taste, adding extra salt or pepper if desired. Ladle into bowls and sprinkle generously with freshly chopped parsley for that final pop of color and freshness. Get ready for all the cozy cabbage roll flavors—no rolling required!

How to Serve Cabbage Roll Soup

Garnishes

Cabbage Roll Soup absolutely shines with a handful of chopped fresh parsley for brightness. For a creamy twist, dollop with a swirl of sour cream, or try a sprinkle of grated parmesan for extra savory richness. Don’t forget a little fresh ground pepper on top just before serving!

Side Dishes

This soup deliciously holds its own, but it’s even more wonderful with crusty bread for dunking or classic garlic toast on the side. Pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted root veggies for a complete meal that’s cozy from start to finish.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, ladle Cabbage Roll Soup into small mugs or ramekins for a fun, appetizer-style starter. Or serve in rustic bread bowls for a tablescape that brings serious wow factor (and fewer dishes!). A scattering of microgreens or extra carrot shreds on top adds festive color, especially for cold-weather celebrations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cabbage Roll Soup keeps beautifully for up to 4 days in the fridge. Let it cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers—perfect for easy lunches or next-day comfort food. As the flavors meld together, the soup gets even tastier!

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze this soup! Spoon into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. The rice will absorb extra liquid, so when you thaw and reheat, just add a splash of broth or water to loosen things up to your liking.

Reheating

To reheat, warm on the stovetop over medium-low, stirring now and then until heated through—or microwave individual portions in 1-2 minute bursts, stirring in between. Add more broth if needed for that just-cooked, soupy goodness!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a soul-warming meal that’s both easy and nourishing, look no further than this Cabbage Roll Soup. It’s the perfect blend of nostalgia and convenience—so I hope you’ll simmer up a big pot soon and share a bowl with someone you love!

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