Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

Introduction

Cabbage Roll Soup captures all the comforting flavors of classic cabbage rolls in a warm, hearty bowl. This easy-to-make soup is perfect for a cozy dinner and combines tender cabbage, savory beef, and fragrant spices.

Ingredients

• 2 tsp. vegetable oil
• 1 lb. lean ground beef
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced finely
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chopped green cabbage
• 2 medium carrots, quartered and sliced
• 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. Step 1: In a dutch oven or large soup pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat and add the ground beef.
2. Step 2: Season the beef with salt and pepper and cook until browned and no longer pink.
3. Step 3: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the onions are soft and translucent.
4. Step 4: Stir in the chopped cabbage, carrots, tomato sauce, beef broth, uncooked white rice, bay leaf, and brown sugar until well combined.
5. Step 5: Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for about 25 minutes, until the rice is tender and the flavors have melded.
6. Step 6: Remove the bay leaf and sprinkle the soup with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a lower-carb option, substitute cauliflower rice for the white rice.
• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Add a splash of vinegar or a pinch of red pepper flakes to brighten up and deepen the flavors.
• Make it more hearty by adding diced potatoes or beans.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. This soup also freezes well—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust accordingly to ensure the rice is fully tender.

Is this soup spicy?

No, this recipe is mild. You can add crushed red pepper or hot sauce to taste if you prefer a spicy kick.

Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 141 reviews

A hearty and comforting cabbage roll soup that captures all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls in a warm, easy-to-make soup. Ground beef, cabbage, carrots, and rice simmer together in a savory tomato and beef broth base, seasoned with garlic, onions, and brown sugar for a touch of sweetness. This dish is perfect for a satisfying family meal on chilly days.

• Author: Windy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Aromatics

• 2 tsp. vegetable oil
• 1 lb. lean ground beef
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced finely
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Vegetables and Rice

• 4 cups chopped green cabbage
• 2 medium carrots, quartered and sliced
• 1/2 cup white rice, uncooked

Liquids and Seasonings

• 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 3 (8 oz) cans tomato sauce
• 1 bay leaf
• 3 tbsp. light brown sugar
• 2 tbsp. fresh chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Heat the oil and brown the beef. In a dutch oven or large soup pot, heat 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat and add 1 pound of lean ground beef. Season with salt and pepper to taste and cook the beef until it is browned and crumbly, breaking it apart as it cooks.
2. Sauté the aromatics. Add the finely diced yellow onion and minced garlic to the browned beef. Continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until the onions are tender and fragrant.
3. Add vegetables, liquids, and seasonings. Stir in the chopped green cabbage, quartered and sliced carrots, tomato sauce, beef broth, uncooked white rice, bay leaf, and light brown sugar. Mix well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
4. Simmer the soup. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and let it cook uncovered for about 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the flavors have melded together.
5. Finish and garnish. Remove the bay leaf from the soup and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top before serving to add a fresh herbal note.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef to keep the soup lower in fat without sacrificing flavor.
• Low-sodium beef broth helps control the salt content; adjust seasoning at the end if needed.
• You can substitute brown rice for white rice, but increase the cooking time to about 40 minutes.
• For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with mushrooms and vegetable broth, and omit the bay leaf.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and taste even better the next day.

Keywords: Cabbage Roll Soup, ground beef soup, cabbage soup, healthy soup, comfort food, tomato beef soup