All the cozy flavor of classic cabbage rolls—without the fuss of rolling—this One‑Pot Cabbage Roll Soup features tender ground meat, cabbage, savory tomato broth, and comforting spices, cooked in a single pot for ease and flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

All-in-one simplicity: No rolling required, just hearty soup in one pot.
Classic flavor, modern convenience: Traditional cabbage roll taste in soup form.
Kid-friendly: Mild, balanced flavors are crowd-pleasers.
Make‑ahead and freezeable: Great for busy weeknights and lunch prep.

Ingredients

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

Ground beef, turkey, or pork
Onion, diced
Garlic, minced
Carrot, diced
Green cabbage, shredded
Canned crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
Beef or chicken broth
Long-grain rice or cauliflower rice
Worcestershire sauce
Dried oregano
Salt & pepper
Optional: fresh parsley, red pepper flakes

Directions

Brown meat & aromatics
In a large pot, sauté ground meat until no longer pink. Add onion, carrot, and garlic—cook until softened.
Add tomatoes & broth
Stir in crushed tomatoes, broth, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Cook the rice
Bring to a boil, then add rice. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes.
Add cabbage
Stir in shredded cabbage and simmer 10 more minutes, until cabbage is tender and rice cooked through.
Finish & serve
Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with chopped parsley or red pepper flakes.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30–35 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

Rice-free version: Use cauliflower rice or omit rice entirely.
Meat selection: Ground turkey or chicken lightens it up; beef makes it heartier.
Cheesy dumpling twist: Drop in small spoonfuls of ricotta mixture for dumpling-style bites.
Vegetarian version: Substitute meat with lentils or chopped mushrooms.
Flavor boost: Add smoked paprika, a pinch of sugar, or fresh dill before serving.

Storage/reheating

Storage: Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months—thaw before reheating.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop; add broth if too thick.

Tips for the best results

Browning meat well: Adds depth—avoid breaking meat into too fine crumbles.
Layer flavor: Add Worcestershire sauce for umami depth.
Cabbage texture: Add cabbage last to avoid overcooking and losing texture.
Rice cook-through: Check rice early—some brands vary in time.
Optional acid: A splash of vinegar or squeeze of lemon brightens each bowl.

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-cooked rice?

Yes—add pre-cooked rice at the end just to heat through.

2. Is this gluten-free?

Yes—ensure Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free certified.

3. Can I make it in a slow cooker?

Yes—cook meat and aromatics first, then add other ingredients and simmer on low for 4–6 hours.

4. Will cabbage get soggy?

If you prefer firmer texture, add cabbage with 5 minutes left instead of early.

5. Can I skip the meat?

Yes—use mushrooms, lentils, or meat substitute instead for a vegetarian version.

6. How spicy is it?

Mild, but you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce before serving.

7. Can I double this?

Absolutely—it freezes and reheats well.

8. How do I make it dairy-free?

It’s naturally dairy-free; merely omit optional garnishes like cheese.

9. Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes—use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce or omit it entirely.

10. What are good garnishes?

Try chopped parsley, basil, sour cream, or grated cheddar to complete it.

Conclusion

One‑Pot Cabbage Roll Soup captures the cozy flavors of stuffed cabbage in an easy, efficient soup form—perfect for weeknights or meal prep.

Pro tip: A dash of vinegar or squeeze of lemon before serving elevates the flavors.

Curious to taste retro comfort with ease? Try this soup tonight and tell me how you personalized it or which garnish you chose—I can’t wait to hear your take!

One‑Pot Cabbage Roll Soup

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All the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls transformed into a hearty, one-pot soup with ground meat, tender cabbage, tomatoes, and rice.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Eastern European
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

In a large pot, cook the ground meat over medium heat until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add the diced onion, garlic, and carrot. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, broth, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Bring to a boil, then stir in the rice. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
Add the shredded cabbage and continue simmering for another 10–15 minutes, until the cabbage is tender and rice is fully cooked.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with chopped parsley or red pepper flakes if desired.
Serve hot with optional garnishes like sour cream or grated cheese.