Name: Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons olive oil: Helps brown the beef and add a hint of richness.; Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances the flavor of the soup; don’t go overboard when seasoning initially.; 1 pound ground beef (90% lean recommended): Lean beef keeps the soup flavorful yet light.; 1 onion, finely diced: Adds a mild sweetness to the base.; 2 teaspoons minced garlic: A fragrant punch of flavor.; 4 cups coarsely chopped green cabbage (about half a medium head): Fresh cabbage is key for texture; avoid using pre-chopped bagged cabbage.; 2 carrots, peeled, quartered, and sliced thinly: Carrots bring brightness and a hint of sweetness.; 4 cups beef broth: Use low-sodium to control salt levels.; Two 19-ounce cans of tomato sauce (38 ounces total): This forms the savory, rich base of the soup.; 1/2 cup uncooked long-grain rice: Provides a hearty texture, blending perfectly with the broth.; 1 bay leaf: Adds subtle earthy flavor to elevate the dish.; 3 tablespoons brown sugar: Balances the acidity of tomatoes.; 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional): For garnish, bringing a pop of freshness and color.

A hearty, comforting bowl of cabbage roll soup is one of my go-to meals when I’m craving something warm and filling. I still remember the first time I made it—I couldn’t believe how simple it was to recreate all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the hassle.

The combination of tender beef, savory broth, and soft cabbage is so satisfying, and the best part? It’s all made in one pot. Whether it’s for a cozy weeknight dinner or meal prepping ahead, this soup always hits the spot.

Credit: cookingclassy

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious cabbage roll soup. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, and I’ve added a few tips for the best results:

2 teaspoons olive oil: Helps brown the beef and add a hint of richness.
Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances the flavor of the soup; don’t go overboard when seasoning initially.
1 pound ground beef (90% lean recommended): Lean beef keeps the soup flavorful yet light.
1 onion, finely diced: Adds a mild sweetness to the base.
2 teaspoons minced garlic: A fragrant punch of flavor.
4 cups coarsely chopped green cabbage (about half a medium head): Fresh cabbage is key for texture; avoid using pre-chopped bagged cabbage.
2 carrots, peeled, quartered, and sliced thinly: Carrots bring brightness and a hint of sweetness.
4 cups beef broth: Use low-sodium to control salt levels.
Two 19-ounce cans of tomato sauce (38 ounces total): This forms the savory, rich base of the soup.
1/2 cup uncooked long-grain rice: Provides a hearty texture, blending perfectly with the broth.
1 bay leaf: Adds subtle earthy flavor to elevate the dish.
3 tablespoons brown sugar: Balances the acidity of tomatoes.
2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional): For garnish, bringing a pop of freshness and color.

Note: This recipe makes approximately 6 generous servings.

Variations

If you’d like to make the soup your own, here are some tweaks and additions you can try:

Healthy swap: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef to lighten the dish.
Vegetarian: Skip the meat and use vegetable broth with some chopped mushrooms for richness.
Grain-free: Replace rice with cauliflower rice, but add it towards the end to avoid overcooking.
Low-sugar: Reduce the brown sugar to 1 tablespoon or omit it entirely if desired.
Extra flavor: Toss in smoked paprika or a splash of Worcestershire sauce for depth.

If you enjoy globally inspired twists, you might like our flavorful Thai Curry Soup for a little extra heat and spice.

Cooking Time

Here’s how much time you’ll need to prepare and cook cabbage roll soup:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Equipment You Need

These tools will help you whip up this cabbage roll soup with ease:

Large pot or Dutch oven: For cooking everything in one go.
Wooden spoon or spatula: To stir and break up the meat.
Sharp knife: For chopping the vegetables and dicing the onion.
Cutting board: A stable surface for prepping the ingredients.

How to Make Cabbage Roll Soup?

Making this soup is easier than you think, and the process results in a flavor-packed pot of comfort.

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Sprinkle some salt and pepper to season. Once the beef browns nicely (about 4-5 minutes), add the diced onion and garlic. Cook them together for another 2-3 minutes, letting the onion soften and the garlic become fragrant.

Step 2: Build the Base

Next, toss in the chopped green cabbage, sliced carrots, and the beef broth. Stir in the tomato sauce, uncooked rice, and brown sugar. Don’t forget the bay leaf! It adds an earthy aroma that ties all the flavors together beautifully. Season the mixture lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Simmer to Perfection

Bring everything to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot partially and cook for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Check to ensure the rice becomes tender and the vegetables are soft but not overcooked. Be careful not to simmer too long; this could make the rice mushy.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the bay leaf at the end and discard it. Ladle the steaming soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley if you like a fresh touch. Pair it with some crusty bread or enjoy it as-is!

Credit: dinneratthezoo

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

I’ve made this soup countless times, and here are some tips that always work for me:

Don’t overcrowd the pot: Make sure there’s enough space for everything to simmer evenly.
Use freshly minced garlic rather than pre-packaged for a more robust flavor.
Taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, or sweetness to your liking.
For extra richness, a splash of heavy cream stirred in at the end can create a creamy texture.
Make it smoky by adding a little smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke.

How to Serve Cabbage Roll Soup?

This soup is a standout on its own, but you can elevate the presentation and sides for an even better experience:

Garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or shredded cheese for added flair.
Serve alongside a fresh green salad or some warm, buttery crusty bread.
For a tangy twist, offer a few drops of lemon juice or a dollop of sour cream.

You can also enjoy similar cozy dishes like Tuscan White Bean Soup if you’re in the mood for something wholesome and satisfying.

Nutritional Information

This soup is both hearty and nutritious. Approximate per-serving values include:

Calories: 263
Protein: 19g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fat: 9g

Make Ahead and Storage

Here’s how to store and enjoy leftovers without compromising taste:

Restoring: Once cooled, store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: This soup freezes beautifully. Place it in freezer-safe bags or containers, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm the soup on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

There’s so much to adore about this cabbage roll soup. Here are just a few reasons:

Effortless to make with minimal chopping and just one pot.
Customizable to suit any diet or preference.
Budget-friendly, using simple, everyday ingredients.
Perfect for meal prep, as it stores and reheats incredibly well.
Packed with flavor, mimicking the traditional cabbage roll, minus all the work.

Enjoy this comforting cabbage roll soup any day of the week, whether it’s a chilly evening or just a night when you want an easy, satisfying dinner. It’s sure to impress your family and become a staple in your recipe collection!

And if you’re looking to expand your meal rotation, you might find more inspiration in our go-to Dinner Ideas to keep things fresh and flavorful all week long.