Name: Hearty Cabbage Roll Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Eastern European
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups green cabbage, chopped; 1 large carrot, peeled and diced; 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes; 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce; 4 cups beef broth; 1/2 cup uncooked white rice; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

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Hearty Cabbage Roll Soup is a warm, satisfying bowl of comfort that captures the flavor of traditional cabbage rolls—without the fuss of rolling and baking. This one-pot soup combines tender cabbage, seasoned ground beef, rice, and a rich tomato broth into a nourishing and easy-to-make meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This soup has all the classic ingredients and flavors of cabbage rolls in a much more approachable form. It’s perfect for chilly nights, meal prep, or feeding a family on a budget. Easy to prepare and packed with protein and fiber, it’s both hearty and wholesome.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
Yellow onion (chopped)
Garlic (minced)
Green cabbage (chopped)
Carrots (sliced)
Crushed tomatoes
Tomato sauce
Beef broth
White rice (uncooked)
Worcestershire sauce
Paprika
Dried thyme
Salt
Black pepper
Olive oil

Directions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
Stir in garlic, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add chopped cabbage, carrots, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
Stir in uncooked rice and Worcestershire sauce. Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes until rice and vegetables are tender.
Adjust seasoning as needed and serve hot.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

Low-Carb: Replace rice with cauliflower rice and reduce cooking time.
Vegan Option: Use lentils instead of beef and vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for heat.
More Veggies: Add bell peppers or celery for added texture and flavor.

Storage/reheating

Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through, adding a splash of broth if needed.

FAQs

Can I use cooked rice instead of uncooked?

Yes, add cooked rice in the final 10 minutes of simmering to prevent overcooking.

What type of cabbage is best?

Green cabbage works best, but Napa or Savoy cabbage can also be used.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes. Brown the beef first, then add all ingredients (except rice) to the slow cooker. Add rice in the last hour of cooking.

Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Yes, allow it to cool completely before freezing in portioned containers.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter version.

How do I thicken the soup?

Simmer uncovered toward the end of cooking or add a tablespoon of tomato paste.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, the flavors deepen overnight. It’s excellent as a make-ahead meal.

What herbs go well with cabbage soup?

Thyme, parsley, bay leaf, and dill all complement the flavors well.

Does it work without rice?

Yes, simply omit or replace with another grain like barley or quinoa.

Can I use brown rice?

Yes, but it takes longer to cook. Pre-cook it or simmer the soup longer.

Conclusion

Hearty Cabbage Roll Soup brings all the traditional flavor of cabbage rolls to your table in a fraction of the time. Rich, comforting, and loaded with wholesome ingredients, this one-pot meal is perfect for cozy dinners and makes excellent leftovers. It’s a satisfying and practical dish you’ll want to revisit throughout the year.

Hearty Cabbage Roll Soup

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Hearty Cabbage Roll Soup is a comforting one-pot meal inspired by traditional stuffed cabbage rolls. Loaded with ground beef, tender cabbage, rice, and a savory tomato broth, it’s an easy and satisfying dish perfect for chilly nights.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Eastern European
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 3–4 minutes.
Add garlic and ground beef. Cook until beef is browned and fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
Stir in the chopped cabbage and carrots. Cook for 5–6 minutes until slightly softened.
Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, rice, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 25–30 minutes, or until rice and vegetables are tender.
Adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.