Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
This cabbage roll soup delivers all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls with minimal effort. You’ll appreciate how it transforms a labor-intensive classic into a simple one-pot meal that’s ready in under an hour.
Your budget will thank you for this economical dish that stretches humble ingredients like cabbage and ground beef into multiple servings. The affordable components create a surprisingly rich and satisfying meal without very costly.
Meal prep becomes effortless with this soup as it actually tastes better the next day when flavors have melded together. You can easily double the recipe and freeze portions for quick future dinners.
Health-conscious eaters will appreciate that this soup packs in vegetables and lean protein while still delivering comfort food satisfaction. The cabbage provides fiber and nutrients while the tomato base offers antioxidants.
Your family will request this soup repeatedly thanks to its crowd-pleasing flavor profile that appeals to both adults and children. The familiar ingredients and balanced seasoning make it accessible even for picky eaters.
Versatility stands out as another benefit since you can easily customize this recipe to your preferences. You can substitute ground turkey for beef, add different vegetables, or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This cabbage roll soup recipe requires simple everyday ingredients that combine to create deep comfort food flavors. Everything comes together in one pot for an easy weeknight dinner.
For The Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 large onion finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 medium head green cabbage (about 2 pounds) chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 2 large carrots peeled and diced
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For The Meat Mixture
- 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10 recommended)
- 1 cup uncooked white rice (long grain or jasmine work best)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh chopped parsley
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Fresh lemon wedges
- Crusty bread for serving
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Red pepper flakes for added heat
- Fresh dill sprigs
Kitchen Tools Required
Preparing this hearty cabbage roll soup requires minimal equipment making it perfect for cooks of all experience levels. You’ll need these basic kitchen tools to bring this comforting dish together with ease:
- Large Dutch oven or soup pot (6-quart capacity or larger) for sautéing ingredients and simmering the soup
- Sharp chef’s knife for chopping cabbage onions and other vegetables
- Cutting board with enough surface area for prepping all vegetables
- Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula for stirring and breaking up ground meat
- Measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient measurements
- Can opener for the canned tomato products
- Ladle for serving the finished soup
- Storage containers if planning to freeze portions for later meals
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity which extends to the required equipment. Your standard kitchen setup likely contains everything needed without purchasing specialty items. This one-pot meal minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor allowing you to focus on enjoying the delicious results rather than washing multiple dishes afterward.
How To Make Cabbage Roll Soup
Transform simple ingredients into a hearty meal with this straightforward method. This soup comes together in just a few steps that anyone can master.
Preparing The Vegetables
Start by heating olive oil in your Dutch oven or large soup pot over medium heat. Dice your onion into small pieces and add it to the hot oil, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Mince the garlic and add it to the pot, cooking for just 30 seconds until fragrant to avoid burning.
Core your cabbage and chop it into bite-sized pieces about 1-inch square. Peel and dice the carrots into small, uniform pieces that will cook evenly. Set these vegetables aside momentarily while you prepare the meat.
Cooking The Meat
Add the ground beef to your pot with the sautéed onions and garlic. Break up the meat using your wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks. Brown the beef thoroughly until no pink remains, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary to keep your soup from becoming greasy.
Stir in the uncooked rice and seasonings including paprika, dried thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well to ensure the rice and meat absorb the flavors of your spices. Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for depth and umami richness.
Simmering The Soup
Pour in the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, and tomato sauce, stirring to combine all ingredients. Add your prepared cabbage and carrots to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
Cover the pot partially with a lid and let the soup simmer for 25-30 minutes. This cooking time allows the cabbage to become tender, the rice to cook completely, and all flavors to meld together beautifully. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Adding The Final Touches
Taste your soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Remove the bay leaves before serving as they’re inedible.
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with your choice of toppings. Fresh chopped parsley adds color and freshness, while a dollop of sour cream provides creaminess and tang. A squeeze of lemon brightens the flavors, and grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory finish. Serve immediately with crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Recipe Variations
This classic cabbage roll soup recipe serves as an excellent foundation for many adaptations. Try these creative variations to customize the soup according to your dietary preferences or kitchen equipment availability.
Vegetarian Option
Transform this hearty soup into a vegetarian delight by making several simple substitutions. Replace ground beef with plant-based alternatives like lentils crumbled tempeh or your favorite meat substitute. For added texture and protein brown 2 cups of firm tofu or 1½ cups of cooked lentils with the onions and garlic. Swap beef broth for vegetable broth to create a completely meat-free base. Enhance the umami flavor by adding 1 tablespoon of soy sauce or 2 teaspoons of miso paste to compensate for the richness typically provided by meat. The rice beans and cabbage still deliver that satisfying texture while keeping the soup substantial and filling. Consider adding extra vegetables like bell peppers mushrooms or zucchini to boost nutritional value and create additional layers of flavor.
Low-Carb Version
Adapt this comforting soup to fit a low-carb lifestyle with a few strategic changes. Eliminate the rice completely or substitute it with cauliflower rice (2 cups riced cauliflower added during the last 10 minutes of cooking). Reduce the carrots to half the original amount or replace them with lower-carb vegetables like celery zucchini or bell peppers. Add extra cabbage for additional volume without the carbs. Boost the protein content by increasing the ground beef to 1½ pounds or adding Italian sausage for extra flavor. Enhance richness with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of full-fat cheese when serving. This modified version maintains the soul-warming essence of traditional cabbage roll soup while fitting into a ketogenic or low-carb eating plan.
Instant Pot Method
Leverage your Instant Pot to create this delicious soup in even less time. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and brown the ground beef with onions and garlic until no longer pink. Add the remaining ingredients including the cabbage carrots broth tomatoes seasonings and uncooked rice. Secure the lid and set to pressure cook on high for 5 minutes. Allow for a 10-minute natural pressure release before releasing any remaining pressure. The rice should be perfectly tender without becoming mushy. Your soup will taste like it simmered all day though it took less than 30 minutes of active cooking time. This method works especially well for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table quickly without sacrificing flavor. The pressure cooking process also helps meld flavors together more intensely creating an even more flavorful soup.
Storing And Freezing
This cabbage roll soup stores beautifully making it perfect for meal prep and future enjoyment. Follow these guidelines to maintain its delicious flavor and texture whether you’re storing for a few days or several months.
Refrigeration Tips
Allow your soup to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers for refrigeration. Store the soup in the refrigerator for up to 5 days for optimal freshness. You might notice the flavors actually deepen after a day or two as the ingredients have more time to meld together. Keep the containers sealed tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors. Consider portioning the soup into individual servings for quick and easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Freezing Instructions
Transfer completely cooled soup to freezer-safe containers leaving about an inch of headspace to allow for expansion during freezing. Label each container with the date and contents—this soup maintains its quality for up to 3 months in the freezer. Freeze in portion sizes that make sense for your household to avoid thawing more than needed. For extra convenience freeze in silicone muffin trays then transfer the frozen portions to freezer bags for space-saving storage. The rice may absorb more liquid during freezing so consider slightly undercooking the soup if you know you’ll be freezing most of it.
Reheating Guidelines
Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture and flavor preservation. Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat stirring occasionally until the soup reaches 165°F throughout. Add a splash of fresh broth or water if the soup has thickened too much during storage. Microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl at 50% power stirring every minute until heated through. Garnish your reheated soup with fresh herbs sour cream or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors and make it taste freshly made. Test the temperature before serving especially when reheating from frozen to ensure even heating throughout the soup.
Serving Suggestions
Cabbage roll soup stands beautifully on its own but shines even brighter with thoughtfully selected accompaniments. Serve this hearty soup in deep bowls with a dollop of sour cream that melts into the broth creating a rich creaminess. Fresh crusty bread makes an essential partner for this soup offering the perfect vehicle for sopping up the flavorful tomato broth.
Consider pairing your cabbage roll soup with a simple side salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the soup’s savory warmth with fresh crispness. Garlic bread provides another excellent option especially on cold winter evenings when you crave extra comfort. A slice of rye bread or pumpernickel nods to Eastern European traditions and complements the soup’s flavors particularly well.
For a complete meal experience set up a toppings bar allowing everyone to customize their bowl with fresh herbs sour cream grated cheese or a squeeze of lemon. This interactive approach works wonderfully for family dinners or casual gatherings. Pickle enthusiasts will appreciate offering a small dish of dill pickles on the side which cuts through the richness of the soup with their tangy crunch.
Make your presentation special by serving the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for an impressive yet simple dinner party option. The soup will gradually soak into the bread creating an entirely edible and delicious vessel. Remember to ladle the hot soup into preheated bowls to maintain its optimal temperature throughout the meal.
Transform this humble soup into a feast by adding a charcuterie board with smoked meats cheeses and pickled vegetables as a starter. This approach honors the Eastern European roots of cabbage rolls while creating a memorable dining experience. You can also serve small glasses of chilled vodka alongside the soup for an authentic Russian or Polish-inspired meal.
Nutritional Information
Understanding the nutritional profile of cabbage roll soup helps you make informed dietary choices. This hearty soup combines lean protein vegetables and grains to create a balanced meal that satisfies without overloading on calories.
A typical serving of cabbage roll soup (approximately 1.5 cups) contains:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 245 |
| Protein | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 24g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Sodium | 680mg |
| Potassium | 820mg |
| Vitamin C | 60% DV |
| Vitamin A | 45% DV |
| Iron | 15% DV |
| Calcium | 8% DV |
Cabbage provides exceptional nutritional benefits with high levels of vitamin C and K while remaining low in calories. The ground beef delivers essential protein plus iron and B vitamins necessary for energy production. Brown rice adds complex carbohydrates and additional fiber making this soup a sustaining option that keeps you feeling full longer.
This soup stands out as a nutrient-dense meal option with each ingredient contributing valuable vitamins and minerals. Tomatoes offer lycopene a powerful antioxidant while carrots provide beta-carotene for eye health. The combination of these ingredients creates a soup that supports immune function digestion and overall wellness.
You can adjust the nutritional profile by making simple substitutions. Using ground turkey instead of beef reduces fat content while choosing brown rice over white increases fiber. Reducing sodium becomes easy by selecting low-sodium broth and unsalted tomato products.
The balanced macronutrient ratio makes cabbage roll soup suitable for various eating plans. Its moderate carbohydrate content fits well with many diet approaches while providing substantial protein for muscle maintenance and repair.
The Perfect Cabbage Roll Soup Every Time
This cabbage roll soup brings all the comfort of a traditional family favorite to your table with minimal effort. You’ll love how it transforms humble ingredients into a satisfying meal that gets better with time.
Whether you’re meal prepping for busy weekdays freezing portions for later or customizing it to fit your dietary needs this versatile recipe has you covered. The one-pot preparation means less cleanup while still delivering those deep rich flavors you crave.
Try it with the suggested sides and toppings to create a complete dining experience that will warm both body and soul. This soul-satisfying soup proves that sometimes the simplest recipes make the most memorable meals.
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