Easy Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

I’ve always loved cabbage rolls, but I’ll be the first to admit that they can be a bit time-consuming to make. One day, while I was craving the flavors of cabbage rolls but didn’t have the time to prepare them, I thought, “Why not make a soup version?” I threw together the ingredients I normally use for cabbage rolls and came up with this easy cabbage roll soup. It’s comforting, flavorful, and so much simpler to make, but still gives you that hearty, satisfying taste that cabbage rolls are known for.

Since then, it’s become one of my favorite go-to recipes. It’s perfect for busy nights, and it’s a great way to use up leftover cabbage or ground meat. The soup is filling and can be made ahead, which makes it even more convenient. Every time I make it, my family is happy to gather around the table and enjoy a big bowl of it together.

Servings	Total
6	1hr

Where Did You Learn This Recipe?

I came up with this recipe one evening when I was craving cabbage rolls, but didn’t feel like going through the effort of wrapping the cabbage leaves around the filling. Instead, I thought I’d make a soup that had all the same delicious flavors—ground beef, rice, and cabbage—without all the work. After a few trial runs, I perfected the recipe and it became a regular part of our dinner rotation.

Why Cabbage Roll Soup

Cabbage roll soup is a wonderful option when you want to enjoy the flavor of cabbage rolls, but need something simpler and quicker. This soup brings together all of the great ingredients from traditional cabbage rolls, but you don’t have to worry about rolling up each individual cabbage leaf. It’s an easy, satisfying, and comforting dish that warms you up and fills you up without much effort. It’s also a great way to incorporate cabbage into your meals if you’re trying to eat more vegetables!

What is Cabbage Roll Soup Made of?

Cabbage roll soup is made of a few simple ingredients, and you probably already have most of them in your kitchen:

• Ground beef – Provides the main protein and flavor base.
• Cabbage – Adds texture and flavor to the soup, just like in the traditional cabbage rolls.
• Rice – The rice gives the soup its heartiness and makes it feel like a complete meal.
• Tomatoes – I use crushed or diced tomatoes to create the base of the soup, adding flavor and richness.
• Onions and garlic – These aromatics add depth to the soup’s flavor.
• Seasonings – Salt, pepper, and a bit of paprika give the soup a nice balance of savory flavors.

What to Have with Cabbage Roll Soup

Cabbage roll soup is hearty on its own, but it pairs well with:

• Crusty bread – A slice of toasted bread is perfect for dipping into the soup.
• Grilled cheese sandwich – This classic pairing never fails and is a great addition for extra comfort.
• Side salad – A light, refreshing salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance the rich flavors of the soup.
• Sour cream – A dollop of sour cream on top of the soup adds creaminess and a bit of tang.

Is Cabbage Roll Soup Healthy?

Yes, cabbage roll soup is a healthy option! It’s low in calories and packed with nutritious ingredients. Cabbage is high in fiber, which helps with digestion, and the ground beef provides protein. The soup also contains a variety of vegetables, making it a well-rounded meal. If you want to make it even healthier, you can use lean ground turkey instead of beef, or skip the rice if you want to lower the carbs. This soup is a great way to enjoy a filling meal without all the extra calories.

Kitchen Equipment

You’ll need:

• Large pot or Dutch oven for cooking the soup
• Knife and cutting board for chopping vegetables
• Spoon for stirring
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a leaner version)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 head of cabbage, chopped
• 1 cup rice (uncooked)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

How To Make Cabbage Roll Soup

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of oil over medium-high heat. Add the 1 lb of ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option) and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned and fully cooked.

Once cooked, drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Add the chopped onion to the pot with the beef. Stir well and cook for 3-4 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.

Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly to release its aroma.

Step 3: Add the Cabbage and Rice

Stir in the chopped cabbage and uncooked rice. Mix everything well so the rice is evenly distributed.

Step 4: Build the Flavorful Broth

Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juices), crushed tomatoes, and 4 cups of beef or vegetable broth. Stir to combine.

Season with 1 teaspoon of paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well, ensuring the flavors are evenly distributed.

Step 5: Simmer the Soup

Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and the cabbage is soft.

If the soup becomes too thick, you can add a little extra broth or water to adjust the consistency.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust

Once the cabbage and rice are fully cooked, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or paprika if needed.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the hot Cabbage Roll Soup into bowls and serve with crusty bread, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, or a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.

Tips

• Use ground turkey for a lighter version – If you want a leaner option, substitute ground turkey for the beef.
• Add more vegetables – Feel free to add extra vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers to the soup.
• Make it spicier – If you like some heat, add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when cooking the onion and garlic.

FAQs

1. Can I use leftover rice in this soup?
Yes, if you have leftover rice, you can add it towards the end of the cooking time instead of using uncooked rice. Just heat it through for a few minutes.

2. Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm it up on the stove.

3. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Brown the meat and sauté the vegetables first, then add them to the slow cooker along with the broth, tomatoes, cabbage, and rice. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Conclusion

Easy cabbage roll soup is a simple, comforting meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, it’s the kind of soup that warms you up from the inside out. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or preparing it ahead of time for a busy week, this soup is sure to please. The combination of ground beef, cabbage, and rice makes for a filling and satisfying meal. Enjoy!

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