This Cabbage Roll Soup captures all the rich, savory flavors of classic cabbage rolls—without the time-consuming rolling! It’s a hearty, comforting soup made with ground meat, tender cabbage, tomatoes, and warm spices. Packed with protein and flavor, it’s a one-pot meal that warms you from the inside out.
Perfect for chilly nights or when you’re craving something nostalgic and nourishing!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- 🥘 Hearty & Filling: A complete meal in a bowl—perfect with just a spoonful of sour cream and crusty bread.
- 🌿 Warm Spices: Smoked paprika, thyme, and Worcestershire bring deep, comforting flavor.
- 🥬 Softened Cabbage: Simmered to perfection—tender without being mushy.
- 🕒 Quick & Easy: No stuffing, no rolling—just chop, cook, and simmer.
- 📦 Meal Prep & Freezer-Friendly: Tastes even better the next day and freezes well for future meals.
Ingredients (Serves 6):
For the Soup Base:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef , ground turkey , or plant-based alternative
- 1 medium onion , finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic , minced
- 6–8 cups chopped cabbage (about ½ small head)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth (or chicken/vegetable broth for vegetarian version)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, but recommended)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper , to taste
For the Rice:
- ½ cup uncooked white rice (or brown rice for extra fiber)
- Or 1 cup cooked rice , added at the end
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh parsley or dill
- Spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Crusty bread or dinner rolls , for serving
Instructions:
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Sauté Aromatics
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned and crumbly. Drain excess fat if needed.
Stir in the onion and garlic , cooking for 3–5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Step 2: Add Cabbage and Tomatoes
Add the chopped cabbage to the pot and stir for 2–3 minutes to soften slightly.
Pour in:
- Diced tomatoes (with juice)
- Tomato sauce
- Broth
- Worcestershire sauce
- Smoked paprika
- Thyme
- Bay leaf
Stir well to combine.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Bring the soup to a gentle boil , then reduce heat to low .
Cover and let simmer for 20 minutes , stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Cook the Rice
If using uncooked rice , add it to the pot and simmer for another 20–25 minutes , or until the rice is fully cooked and the cabbage is tender.
If using pre-cooked rice , stir it in during the last 5 minutes to warm through.
Step 5: Taste and Serve
Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Ladle into bowls and top with:
- Fresh parsley or dill
- A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Serve with warm crusty bread or buttery rolls
Tips for Success:
- 🔪 Use Fresh Garlic & Onion: For maximum depth of flavor.
- 🧂 Simmer Low and Slow: Keeps the cabbage tender and prevents burning.
- 🌾 Low-Carb Option: Skip the rice entirely and stir in cauliflower rice instead.
- 🥣 Make Ahead Magic: Flavors deepen overnight—great for leftovers!
- ❄️ Freeze for Later: Let cool completely and store in portion-sized containers for quick reheats.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or a dash of hot sauce.
- Add a side salad or roasted carrots for a balanced meal.
- Perfect comfort food on cold nights or when feeling under the weather.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 6 servings – without garnish):
(With beef and white rice)
- Calories: ~250 kcal
- Protein: ~14g
- Carbohydrates: ~18g
- Fat: ~12g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Sugar: ~5g
This Cabbage Roll Soup is a cozy, satisfying way to enjoy all the goodness of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls in a much easier, faster form. Whether you’re making it for yourself or feeding a hungry family, this soup delivers every time.
So go ahead and make a big pot—it might just become your new favorite comfort dish.
