When the weather cools and you’re craving something hearty, comforting, and wholesome, Cabbage Roll Soup delivers big flavor with minimal fuss. Inspired by traditional stuffed cabbage rolls but made infinitely easier in soup form, this one-pot wonder is packed with tender cabbage, juicy ground beef, rich tomato broth, and soft rice. It’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights, chilly weekends, or meal prep days. With just 30 minutes of cook time, this cozy bowlful checks every box for flavor, nutrition, and family appeal.
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Why This Cabbage Roll Soup Is a Must-Try
Cabbage Roll Soup isn’t just delicious — it’s a smart, satisfying choice for so many reasons. It offers all the rich, savory flavors of classic baked cabbage rolls without the time-consuming stuffing and rolling. Everything simmers together in one pot, making it ideal for quick weeknight meals or lazy Sunday dinners.
This soup is naturally gluten-free and easily adaptable for different dietary needs. It freezes beautifully, so you can make a big batch and stock up for later. Plus, it’s packed with protein, fiber, and nutrients — a great way to sneak in extra veggies and keep everyone full and happy.
Flavorful Ingredients in Every Spoonful
• Lean Ground Beef: Adds savory richness without too much fat
• Vegetable Oil: Helps brown the meat and soften the vegetables
• Onion: Brings sweet, aromatic depth
• Garlic: Adds bold flavor that enhances the overall taste
• Green Cabbage: The star of the show, offering tender texture and earthy notes
• Carrots: Contribute natural sweetness and color
• Low-Sodium Beef Broth: Forms a savory, hearty base
• Tomato Sauce: Adds richness and a slightly tangy kick
• White Rice: Makes the soup filling and satisfying
• Bay Leaf: Infuses the broth with subtle herbal warmth
• Light Brown Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes
• Fresh Parsley: Finishes the soup with a burst of freshness
Ingredient Swaps and Dietary Alternatives
• Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a lighter version with less saturated fat
• Brown Rice or Quinoa: Adds fiber and whole-grain goodness
• Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb option for keto or paleo diets
• Vegetable Broth: Makes the soup vegetarian-friendly (just skip the beef or use plant-based meat)
• Purple Cabbage: A colorful twist that also boosts antioxidants
How to Make Cabbage Roll Soup Step by Step
- Sauté the Beef: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the finely diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and the onions are tender.
- Build the Base: Add chopped cabbage, carrots, tomato sauce, beef broth, white rice, bay leaf, and brown sugar. Stir everything together to combine.
- Simmer to Perfection: Bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the cabbage has softened.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf. Stir in chopped parsley just before serving for a burst of fresh flavor.
Tips to Make Your Cabbage Roll Soup Even Better
- Use a Dutch Oven: Its heavy lid and even heat distribution help intensify the flavors.
- Chop Veggies Evenly: Uniform cuts cook evenly and improve texture in every bite.
- Double the Recipe: Great for leftovers or freezing for busy nights.
- Let It Rest: The soup tastes even better after sitting for a few hours or the next day.
- Skim Fat if Needed: Especially if using fattier ground beef, skim any excess fat from the surface.
Creative Pairings and Flavor Variations
- Serve With: Crusty bread, garlic knots, or 30-minute dinner rolls.
- Toppings: Try a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheddar, or red pepper flakes for heat.
- Make It Spicy: Add cayenne, smoked paprika, or diced jalapeños.
- Add Beans: White beans or kidney beans make it even heartier.
- Freeze It: Cool the soup completely, then portion into freezer-safe bags. Thaw overnight and reheat for easy lunches or quick dinners.
Why Cabbage Roll Soup Is a Fall and Winter Favorite
Cabbage Roll Soup truly shines in fall and winter when we crave meals that warm us from the inside out. Cabbage is in season, affordable, and nutritious — full of fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants. Paired with the cozy flavors of tomato and beef, this soup is more than just comfort food. It’s a nourishing, seasonal staple that helps stretch your grocery budget without sacrificing taste.
So next time you’re in the mood for a satisfying, hearty dish, give this Cabbage Roll Soup a try. It’s a flavorful twist on a traditional classic — with all the comfort, none of the fuss.
Wrapping It All Up: Why Cabbage Roll Soup Deserves a Spot in Your Dinner Rotation
Cabbage Roll Soup is the perfect blend of simplicity, nutrition, and full-bodied flavor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal prepping for the week, or cozying up on a cold night, this soup delivers comfort and satisfaction in every bite. The beauty lies in its versatility — easy to adapt, quick to prepare, and endlessly delicious. If you love traditional cabbage rolls but want to skip the hassle, this hearty one-pot meal is your new go-to. Try it once, and it will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
FAQ About Cabbage Roll Soup
Can I make Cabbage Roll Soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, absolutely. To make Cabbage Roll Soup in a slow cooker, first brown the ground beef and sauté the onions and garlic. Then, transfer everything into the slow cooker, including the broth, veggies, and rice. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours until the rice and vegetables are tender.
How do I store leftovers, and how long will they last?
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cabbage Roll Soup also freezes very well. Once cooled, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until hot.
Can I use brown rice or cauliflower rice instead?
Yes, you can substitute white rice with brown rice or cauliflower rice. For brown rice, increase the cook time by about 10–15 minutes and monitor liquid levels. Cauliflower rice should be added near the end of cooking to avoid it turning mushy.
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Cabbage Roll Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Cabbage Roll Soup is a hearty, one-pot meal packed with the same delicious flavors as traditional cabbage rolls, but without the fuss. Made with lean ground beef, cabbage, rice, and a rich tomato broth, it’s the perfect cozy comfort food for chilly days.
Ingredients
- 2 tsp. vegetable oil: used for sautéing beef and vegetables
- 1 lb. lean ground beef: adds hearty, savory flavor
- Salt and pepper: for seasoning the beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced finely: adds sweetness and depth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: boosts the overall flavor
- 4 cups chopped green cabbage: provides bulk and texture
- 2 medium carrots, quartered and sliced: add color and natural sweetness
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth: forms a flavorful base
- 3 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce: gives the soup a rich tomato flavor
- 1/2 cup white rice, uncooked: makes the soup more filling
- 1 bay leaf: adds herbal depth
- 3 tbsp. light brown sugar: balances the acidity of the tomato
- 2 tbsp. fresh chopped parsley: adds a fresh, bright finish
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes, until the onions are soft and fragrant.
- Add the chopped cabbage, carrots, tomato sauce, beef broth, white rice, bay leaf, and brown sugar. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the soup to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 25 minutes, until the rice is tender and the vegetables are fully cooked.
- Remove the bay leaf and stir in the fresh chopped parsley.
- Serve hot with optional toppings like shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream.
Notes
- Use a Dutch oven for best flavor and even cooking.
- This soup freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Substitute with ground turkey or cauliflower rice for dietary needs.
- Chop vegetables evenly for consistent texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 213
- Sugar: 6.63g
- Sodium: 346.58mg
- Fat: 5.24g
- Saturated Fat: 2.83g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.41g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20.27g
- Fiber: 0.51g
- Protein: 20.23g
- Cholesterol: 46.87mg
