Cabbage Roll Soup is a cozy, hearty dish that brings all the recognizable flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the fuss of rolling them. Its warm, savory essence envelops your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around the table. With tender ground beef mingling harmoniously with sweet carrots, earthy cabbage, and a touch of creaminess from the rice, this soup delivers a satisfying meal that’ll warm your soul, especially on chillier days.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Cabbage Roll Soup (All the Flavor, No Rolling)
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Cabbage Roll Soup (All the Flavor, No Rolling)

Cabbage Roll Soup (All the Flavor, No Rolling)

I first discovered this delightful recipe when I was looking for ways to simplify my favorite casserole dishes. Sometimes, you crave those familiar tastes but don’t have the time for complicated preparations. Cabbage Roll Soup is a marvelous solution! Perfectly comforting and budget-friendly, this dish is sure to become a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to share with friends and family. I can’t wait for you to try it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: You can enjoy a delicious bowl of soup in under an hour with just 10 minutes of prep!
Irresistible Flavor: Savory beef and rich tomatoes create a scrumptious flavor profile that warms your heart.
Nourishing Appeal: It’s packed with healthy veggies and whole grains, making it a comforting yet guilt-free option.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this soup fits the bill.
Flexible Recipe: Try adapting it according to your dietary needs to make it gluten-free or dairy-free.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 lbs ground beef: The star protein for this dish. You can opt for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the soup; it brings everything together.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick to balance the sweetness of the other ingredients.
1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil: This not only helps to cook the meat and veggies evenly but also adds a touch of richness.
2 cups yellow onion – diced (about 1 medium onion): Provides a sweet, aromatic base that builds the soup’s foundation.
1 cup carrots – sliced or diced: Adds vibrant color and natural sweetness to the dish.
2 cloves garlic – minced: Infuses the mix with an irresistible aromatic flavor.
1 lb green cabbage – chopped (about 1 medium head of cabbage): The main veggie here, giving that classic cabbage roll experience without the hassle of rolling.
30 oz diced tomatoes: Packed with flavor, these add acidity and depth; canned is perfect for convenience.
8 oz tomato sauce: Enhances the tomato flavor while adding creaminess to the broth.
6 cups gluten-free beef broth: This forms the heart of the soup, with rich flavor; you can substitute with chicken broth if you prefer.
1 cup uncooked white rice: Acts as a thickener and pairing companion to the ingredients.
1 tablespoon gluten-free Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami depth; ensure it’s gluten-free for dietary needs.
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: A splash of acidity helps brighten the flavors.
1 tablespoon brown sugar: Contrasts the acidity of the tomatoes, rounding out the flavor profile.
2 teaspoons paprika: A smoky touch that enhances both the color and flavor of the soup.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: For earthy notes that remind you of classic Italian dishes.
½ cup fresh parsley – chopped: Freshens up the soup just before serving for an appealing finish.

How to Make Cabbage Roll Soup (All the Flavor, No Rolling)

Brown the Beef: Preheat a large Dutch oven over medium heat, adding 2 lbs ground beef seasoned with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Cook until browned, which should take about 5-6 minutes, breaking up the meat as you go.

Sauté the Aromatics: Stir in 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil along with 2 cups yellow onion. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the onion begins to soften and become translucent.

Add More Veggies: Toss in 1 cup carrots and 2 cloves minced garlic. Stir for an additional 2-3 minutes while ensuring the garlic doesn’t burn, as it can turn bitter.

Incorporate the Cabbage: Mix in 1 lb chopped green cabbage, cooking just long enough to let it soften, about 3-4 minutes. This step enhances the flavor and helps the cabbage wilt beautifully.

Combine All Ingredients: Add 30 oz diced tomatoes, 8 oz tomato sauce, 6 cups gluten-free beef broth, 1 cup uncooked white rice, 1 tablespoon gluten-free Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 2 teaspoons paprika, and 1 teaspoon dried oregano. Stir these together until combined.

Bring to a Boil: Allow the soup to come to a gentle boil before reducing the heat to low. Cover with a lid and allow it to simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the rice has fully cooked and softened.

Finish and Serve: Once done, top the soup with ½ cup chopped fresh parsley for a fresh, aromatic finish before serving.

Storing & Reheating

Cabbage Roll Soup can be kept at room temperature for no more than 2 hours. For longer storage, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 4 days. To freeze, portion the soup into freezer-safe containers, ensuring there’s some headspace for expansion, and store it for a maximum of 3 months. When reheating, simmer on the stove for about 10–15 minutes on low heat until warm, though flavors may intensify slightly after freezing. If the texture seems thicker, feel free to add a splash of broth.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the rice by timing it closely; it should be tender but not mushy.
If you have leftover cooked rice, add it in the last 10 minutes of cooking to avoid becoming too soft.
Fresh herbs like dill can amplify the flavor profile, complementing the cabbage beautifully.
For a more complex taste, consider adding a bay leaf while simmering and removing it before serving.
This soup is perfect for make-ahead meals; it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld beautifully.

Cabbage Roll Soup captures the essence of a comforting, home-cooked meal, offering robust flavor and wholesome ingredients. It’s a perfect dish to warm up chilly evenings or to serve as a crowd-pleaser during gatherings. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your additions or substitutions based on what you have on hand! Enjoy experimenting as you create your own signature version.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat in this soup?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are excellent alternatives for a lighter option. Just remember to adjust cooking times as needed since leaner meats might cook faster. If you’re looking for plant-based options, try crumbled tempeh or lentils for a vegetarian twist.

How can I make this soup spicier?

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, you can add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when sautéing the onions and carrots. Alternatively, serve the soup with hot sauce on the side, allowing everyone to adjust their heat level to their preference.

Can I add more vegetables to the recipe?

Definitely! Feel free to include any vegetables you have on hand, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or even frozen corn, to create your ideal mix and boost the health factor. Just be mindful to cut them into small pieces to allow for even cooking.

What’s the best way to serve Cabbage Roll Soup?

This soup is incredibly versatile! Serve it with warm crusty bread or herbed rolls for dipping. Pair it with a side salad to make it a well-rounded meal. Top with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt just before serving for added creaminess if you prefer.

More Soups Recipes

Winter Vegetable Soup

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Cabbage Roll Soup (All the Flavor, No Rolling)

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Author: Peter
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Soups
Method: Cooking on the stovetop
Cuisine: American

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Description

Experience the bold flavors of Cabbage Roll Soup with tender ground beef, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices. This comforting dish offers a wholesome meal that’s simple to prepare, making it ideal for quick dinners or cozy family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs ground beef
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
2 cups yellow onion – diced (about 1 medium onion)
1 cup carrots – sliced or diced
2 cloves garlic – minced
1 lb green cabbage – chopped (about 1 medium head of cabbage)
30 oz diced tomatoes
8 oz tomato sauce
6 cups gluten-free beef broth – or gluten-free chicken broth
1 cup uncooked white rice
1 tablespoon gluten-free worcestershire sauce – i use lea & perrins which is labeled gf in the usa
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ cup fresh parsley – chopped

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Instructions

Preheat a large dutch oven over medium heat.
Add ground beef, kosher salt, and black pepper; cook until browned (5-6 minutes), breaking up the meat as it cooks.
Add olive oil and diced yellow onion; stir and cook for 3-4 minutes.
Incorporate sliced carrots and minced garlic; cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning the garlic.
Add chopped green cabbage and cook until softened.

Notes

Feel free to substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
For added flavor, include spices like thyme or bay leaf when simmering.
This soup freezes well, so consider making a double batch for future meals.