If you adore the comforting flavors of cabbage rolls but want a quicker, cozy, and hearty meal in a bowl, this Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe is your new best friend. It’s like all the goodness of traditional cabbage rolls transformed into a vibrant, warming soup that’s perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you crave something deeply satisfying. Imagine tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and a luscious tomato base all coming together with herbs and spices to create a flavor-packed, soul-soothing dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready for this soup is delightfully simple because each ingredient plays a starring role in building the flavors, textures, and vibrant colors that make this recipe come alive.
- Olive oil: Provides the perfect base to brown the beef and build rich flavor.
- Ground beef: Adds heartiness and a meaty depth that’s essential for that cabbage roll essence.
- Onion, chopped: Brings natural sweetness and aromatic complexity when sautéed.
- Garlic, minced: Offers a punch of savory goodness that enhances every spoonful.
- Beef broth: Creates a rich, flavorful liquid foundation for the soup.
- Tomato sauce (15 ounces): Gives the soup a smooth, tangy tomato base that’s comforting and familiar.
- Diced tomatoes, undrained (14.5 ounces): Adds texture and vibrant bursts of tomato flavor.
- Uncooked white rice (½ cup): Helps thicken the soup and adds a comforting bite.
- Chopped green cabbage (4 cups): The star veggie that brings a mild crunch and earthiness.
- Carrots, peeled and sliced (2): Add a subtle sweetness and bright color that balances the soup perfectly.
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Brings a warm, herbal note that pairs beautifully with beef and cabbage.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds a touch of smoky warmth and depth to the broth.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning that brings all the flavors into harmony.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh, vibrant finish that lifts the whole dish.
How to Make Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it, breaking it apart with a spoon until it’s beautifully browned. This step develops the savory foundation that gives the soup its meaty richness you know and love from classic cabbage rolls.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Throw in the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the browned beef. Sauté until the onions turn translucent and fragrant. This brings sweetness and builds flavor layers that are crucial for a well-balanced soup.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
Next, stir in the beef broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes with their juices. Add the uncooked rice, chopped cabbage, sliced carrots, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This mix of ingredients transforms the pot into a luscious, colorful medley ready to simmer and meld together.
Step 4: Simmer Until Tender
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let everything cook for 25 to 30 minutes. This slow, gentle cooking tenderizes the rice and cabbage, allowing the flavors to deepen, creating that heartwarming taste reminiscent of traditional cabbage rolls.
Step 5: Final Seasoning and Serve
Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasonings if needed – a dash more salt or pepper might be just what it needs. Then, ladle it into bowls and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness just before serving.
How to Serve Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic garnish that adds a bright, herbal lift to the rich flavors of the soup. For an extra touch, a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar can add creamy indulgence and make each bite even more comforting.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with rustic crusty bread or garlic toast, perfect for dipping and soaking up every last bit of that savory broth. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the heartiness without overpowering the flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, consider serving the soup in sourdough bread bowls to make it even more interactive and cozy. Or, you could top each bowl with crispy fried onions or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for an extra layer of texture and smoky flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
You can freeze Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Just be mindful that the cabbage may lose some crunch but will still offer great flavor. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup is too thick after storage, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it back to the perfect consistency.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or even ground chicken can be a lighter alternative and will still work beautifully in this Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe. Just cook it thoroughly until browned before adding the other ingredients.
Is it necessary to use uncooked rice?
Using uncooked rice is key because it cooks directly in the soup, absorbing all those delicious flavors. If you prefer, you can add pre-cooked rice near the end of cooking, but be aware it will change the texture slightly.
Can I make the soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can skip the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Add extra veggies or beans to boost protein and keep it filling and satisfying.
How spicy is this soup?
This recipe is mild but flavorful. If you like a little heat, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to spice things up.
What other garnishes work well?
Besides fresh parsley, shredded cheese, sour cream, or even a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten the soup. Crispy bacon bits or croutons add a wonderful crunch, too.
Final Thoughts
This Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe is such a comforting, delicious way to enjoy all the flavors of classic cabbage rolls without all the fuss. It warms you up from the inside out and leaves you feeling satisfied and cozy. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try—you might find yourself coming back to this bowl of happiness again and again!
Print
Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 45m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty and comforting Cabbage Roll Soup captures all the delicious flavors of classic cabbage rolls in a warm, easy-to-make soup form. Ground beef, tender cabbage, rice, and vegetables simmer together in a savory tomato and beef broth base, seasoned with fragrant thyme and smoked paprika for a satisfying meal perfect for cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
- 4 cups chopped green cabbage
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon to ensure even cooking and no large clumps remain.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the browned beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add liquids and vegetables: Stir in the beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with their juice, uncooked white rice, chopped cabbage, sliced carrots, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer gently for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the cabbage and carrots have softened.
- Season and serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings with additional salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving hot.
Notes
- For a lower-fat option, substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey or chicken.
- To make this soup gluten-free, ensure your beef broth and tomato sauce have no added gluten ingredients.
- If you prefer your cabbage less soft, add it halfway through the simmering time.
- Rice can be substituted with cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
- This soup stores well and tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep.
