If you love the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls but want a quicker, heartier option, you are going to adore this Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe. It captures all the cozy goodness of those classic rolls—savory ground beef, tender cabbage, aromatic garlic, and a rich tomato base—with the simplicity and warmth of a soup that’s perfect any day of the year. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal, this soup delivers satisfying taste and nostalgic vibes in every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe comes together with a handful of simple, affordable ingredients that each play an essential role in building layers of flavor and texture. From hearty ground beef to vibrant cabbage and fragrant seasonings, everything is straightforward yet irresistibly delicious.
- Lean ground beef: Adds rich, savory depth and protein to make the soup filling and satisfying.
- Onion: Brings sweetness and a subtle bite that complements the beef perfectly.
- Garlic: Offers aromatic warmth that elevates the soup’s overall savory profile.
- Chopped cabbage: Provides a tender, slightly crunchy texture and the signature flavor reminiscent of cabbage rolls.
- Tomato sauce: Creates a smooth, tangy base that ties all the ingredients together.
- Fire-roasted diced tomatoes: Infuse a smoky sweetness and add lovely chunks of tomato throughout the soup.
- Beef broth: Enhances the savory backbone and liquid richness to create the perfect soup consistency.
- Water: Balances the broth and helps cook the rice evenly.
- Paprika: Adds a gentle smoky warmth and beautiful color.
- Italian seasoning: Brings in a mix of herbs like oregano and basil to boost the Mediterranean flair.
- Uncooked white rice: Absorbs all the flavors and gives the soup a comforting, hearty bite.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste and bringing out all the flavors.
How to Make Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sweat the Onions
Start by heating a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add your lean ground beef and chopped onions, breaking the beef apart so it cooks evenly. Stir occasionally as it browns, which should take about eight minutes. Don’t forget to skim off any excess fat if there’s a lot—it keeps the soup from becoming greasy while still retaining that beefy richness.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base with Garlic and Vegetables
Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then add the chopped cabbage, tomato sauce, fire-roasted diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, and water. This combination ensures the soup stays thick and packed with vibrant, fresh flavor. Sprinkle in the paprika and Italian seasoning for an aromatic boost.
Step 3: Add the Rice and Simmer Away
Pour in the uncooked jasmine rice and give everything a good stir to mix it all together. Turn the heat up to high and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, stir again, then reduce the heat to low, leaving the lid slightly open. Let this simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes until the rice absorbs all the flavors and becomes tender. Stir every now and then to keep the rice from sticking to the bottom.
Step 4: Season and Prepare to Enjoy
Finally, taste the soup and season with salt and pepper to your preference. This step ensures the flavors are perfectly balanced and ready to warm you up from the inside out. Serve it straight from the pot, steaming and delicious.
How to Serve Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Feel free to add fresh touches on top, like a sprinkle of chopped parsley or a little shredded cheese if you want extra creaminess. A dollop of sour cream can also add a cool, tangy contrast that pairs beautifully with the rich broth and cabbage.
Side Dishes
This soup is wonderfully filling on its own, but pairing it with a slice of crusty bread or warm garlic rolls makes the meal extra comforting. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette also complements the richness of the soup perfectly without overwhelming your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in bread bowls to soak up every last delicious drop. Or consider adding a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits on top for a smoky texture contrast that will have everyone asking for seconds. Either way, it’s a dish that looks as inviting as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cabbage roll soup tastes even better the next day because the flavors meld and deepen. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it a perfect recipe for batch cooking and easy lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely, transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Keep in mind that the texture of the cabbage softens after freezing, which many still find comforting in a soup like this.
Reheating
Reheat your cabbage roll soup gently on the stove over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and add a splash of water or broth if it has thickened too much. This will bring back the warm, inviting consistency you loved on day one.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well here for a lighter twist. Just be mindful that the flavor will be milder, so you might want to increase the seasonings slightly to keep things flavorful.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe?
Yes, you can omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. For added protein, try adding cooked lentils or beans. It won’t taste exactly like the traditional version but remains hearty and delicious.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Brown the ground beef and onions first to develop flavor, then add all ingredients to your slow cooker. Cook on low for about 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. Add rice in the last hour to avoid overcooking it.
How spicy is this soup?
This recipe isn’t spicy at all, making it suitable for all ages and preferences. If you want a kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when seasoning.
What kind of rice is best for this soup?
Uncooked white rice works best, especially jasmine or long-grain varieties since they cook evenly and absorb flavors well. Avoid quick-cooking or instant rice as it can turn mushy during simmering.
Final Thoughts
This Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl—easy, nourishing, and full of comforting flavors. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s become a favorite for sharing with family and friends. So grab your pot, gather those humble ingredients, and enjoy a delicious meal that tastes like home.
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Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Cabbage Roll Soup captures all the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls in a warm, easy-to-make soup. Featuring lean ground beef, cabbage, fragrant spices, and tender rice simmered in a tomato-rich broth, it’s perfect for a satisfying family meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups chopped cabbage
Liquids and Canned Goods
- 1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (28 ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes with juices
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
Spices and Grains
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2/3 cup uncooked white rice (jasmine recommended)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Beef and Onion: Add the ground beef and chopped onion to a large soup pot. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned, about 8 minutes. Remove and discard excess fat if necessary to keep the soup lean.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the minced garlic, chopped cabbage, tomato sauce, fire-roasted diced tomatoes with juices, beef broth, water, paprika, Italian seasoning, and uncooked rice. Mix everything thoroughly to combine the flavors.
- Simmer the Soup: Raise the heat to high to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, stir well, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot immediately for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and keep the soup healthier.
- Fire-roasted diced tomatoes add a subtle smoky flavor but regular diced tomatoes can be used as well.
- Jasmine rice is preferred for its fragrance and texture, but long grain white rice also works.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste at the end of cooking to avoid over-salting.
- For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of water or broth slightly.
