Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

Introduction

Cabbage Roll Soup captures all the comforting flavors of classic cabbage rolls in a warm, hearty bowl. This easy-to-make soup is perfect for busy weeknights and brings a cozy touch to any meal.

Ingredients

• 2 tsp. vegetable oil
• 1 lb. lean ground beef
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced finely
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chopped green cabbage
• 2 medium carrots, quartered and sliced
• 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 3 8 oz. cans tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup white rice, uncooked
• 1 bay leaf
• 3 tbsp. light brown sugar
• 2 tbsp. fresh chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a Dutch oven or large soup pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat and add the ground beef.
2. Step 2: Season the ground beef with salt and pepper as desired and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
3. Step 3: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onions are tender.
4. Step 4: Stir in the chopped cabbage, sliced carrots, tomato sauce, beef broth, uncooked white rice, bay leaf, and brown sugar, mixing well to combine.
5. Step 5: Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook for about 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
6. Step 6: Remove the bay leaf and sprinkle the soup with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
• You can add a splash of apple cider vinegar to brighten the flavors before serving.
• Use brown rice for a nuttier taste and higher fiber, but increase the cooking time accordingly.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. This soup also freezes well for up to 3 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, replace the ground beef with plant-based protein or simply omit it and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You may want to add extra seasoning or beans for added protein.

Is it okay to use pre-cooked rice?

Yes, if using pre-cooked rice, add it toward the end of cooking just to warm through, as it doesn’t need the 25-minute simmer time that uncooked rice requires.

Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 138 reviews

This hearty and comforting Cabbage Roll Soup combines all the classic flavors of traditional cabbage rolls in a warming, easy-to-make soup. Ground beef, green cabbage, carrots, and rice simmer in a flavorful tomato and beef broth base, enhanced with garlic, onions, and a hint of brown sugar for sweetness. Perfect as a satisfying meal during cooler days, this recipe brings all the deliciousness of cabbage rolls without the fuss of rolling.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Seasonings

• 2 tsp. vegetable oil
• 1 lb. lean ground beef
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced finely
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chopped green cabbage
• 2 medium carrots, quartered and sliced

Liquids and Others

• 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 3 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup white rice, uncooked
• 1 bay leaf
• 3 tbsp. light brown sugar
• 2 tbsp. fresh chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a dutch oven or large soup pot, heat 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef, seasoning with salt and pepper as desired. Cook until the beef is browned evenly, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced yellow onion and minced garlic to the browned ground beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes more, stirring frequently, until the onions are soft and translucent.
3. Add Vegetables and Liquids: Incorporate the chopped green cabbage, quartered and sliced carrots, tomato sauce, low-sodium beef broth, uncooked white rice, bay leaf, and light brown sugar into the pot. Stir everything thoroughly to combine all the ingredients.
4. Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to maintain this simmer and cook uncovered for about 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the flavors meld together beautifully.
5. Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top before serving to add a bright, fresh flavor and garnish.

Notes

• Use low-sodium beef broth to control salt levels in the soup.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, you can let it simmer slightly longer to reduce the liquid.
• Brown sugar adds a subtle sweetness that balances the acidity of the tomato sauce; it can be adjusted or omitted if desired.
• For a healthier option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Keywords: Cabbage roll soup, ground beef soup, cabbage soup, tomato soup, comfort food, hearty soup