Cabbage Roll Soup

Cabbage Roll Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that captures all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls in a simplified, one-pot meal. This soup combines tender cabbage, ground meat, tomatoes, and rice, simmered to perfection for a rich and satisfying experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cabbage Roll Soup is the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. It provides the delicious taste of stuffed cabbage rolls without the effort of wrapping and baking. This recipe is great for meal prep, budget-friendly, and easily customizable. Whether you’re craving a warm, filling dinner or a nutritious lunch, this soup delivers on all fronts.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beef or ground pork
yellow onion
garlic
green cabbage
carrots
tomato paste
crushed tomatoes
beef broth
uncooked white rice
dried thyme
bay leaves
salt
pepper
olive oil
parsley (for garnish, optional)

directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened.

2. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add ground beef or pork and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.

4. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes.

5. Add chopped cabbage, carrots, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir well.

6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for about 25-30 minutes.

7. Stir in uncooked rice and continue to simmer for another 20-25 minutes, or until the rice and vegetables are tender.

8. Remove bay leaves, adjust seasoning as needed.

9. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

• Meat substitution: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.

• Vegetarian version: Omit the meat and use vegetable broth. Add beans or lentils for protein.

• Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.

• Low-carb: Replace rice with riced cauliflower.

• Tomato-free: Use a broth-based soup with herbs and omit tomato products for a different flavor profile.

storage/reheating

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely and transfer to freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup thickens too much during storage.

FAQs

How do I keep the rice from becoming mushy in cabbage roll soup?

Add the rice towards the end of cooking or cook it separately and stir in just before serving.

Can I make cabbage roll soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook all ingredients except rice on low for 6-8 hours, then add the rice in the last hour.

Is cabbage roll soup gluten-free?

Yes, as long as the broth and other ingredients are verified gluten-free.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but brown rice takes longer to cook. Adjust the cooking time or precook the rice before adding.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely. The flavors often improve after a day, making it ideal for meal prep.

What kind of cabbage works best?

Green cabbage is most common, but savoy cabbage or napa cabbage can be used for a softer texture.

Can I add more vegetables?

Yes, feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, or celery for added nutrition and texture.

Why is my soup too thick?

The rice continues to absorb liquid as it sits. Add more broth or water when reheating to adjust consistency.

Can I make this soup spicy?

Yes, incorporate chili flakes, hot sauce, or diced chilies to increase heat.

Do I need to cook the meat separately?

Yes, browning the meat first adds flavor and helps remove excess fat.

Conclusion

Cabbage Roll Soup delivers the savory satisfaction of classic cabbage rolls in a much simpler form. Ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals, this recipe is flavorful, filling, and endlessly adaptable to your preferences. Whether you’re looking to warm up on a cold day or feed a crowd affordably, this soup is a reliable and delicious choice

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