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Cabbage Roll Soup 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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