If you love the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls but want a quicker, lighter meal, this Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe is going to become your new best friend. It captures all the savory goodness of the classic dish in a warm, hearty soup that’s perfect for any day you crave cozy, home-style cooking. Packed with tender cabbage, ground meat, flavorful tomatoes, and just the right touch of seasoning, this soup is hearty enough to satisfy but wonderfully simple to make. You’ll find it’s not just tasty but also incredibly nourishing and versatile for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple, wholesome ingredients that each bring something important to the bowl—flavor, color, texture, or richness. Nothing complicated, just a friendly lineup of staples that come together magically.
- 3 tablespoons oil (avocado or olive, divided): Adds a subtle richness and helps soften the veggies and brown the meat perfectly.
- 1 small sweet onion (finely diced): Brings a mild sweetness to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- 3 cloves garlic (crushed): Lends aromatic depth and a gentle kick that wakes up the whole soup.
- 1 pound ground beef (venison or turkey, 90/10 or 93/7): The savory protein base that makes the soup satisfyingly hearty.
- 4-5 cups cabbage (cut into 1-inch pieces): The star vegetable, offering crunch and subtle earthiness as it softens in the broth.
- 2 large carrots (peeled and sliced): Adds a sweet, fresh flavor and beautiful pops of color.
- 4 cups beef broth (regular sodium): The flavorful liquid that ties every ingredient together.
- 15 ounces crushed tomatoes (canned): Provides acidity and body, enhancing that classic cabbage roll taste.
- 8 ounces tomato sauce (canned): Gives richness and a smooth tomato base.
- ½ cup rice (uncooked, white or brown*): Thickens the soup and adds a comforting chewiness.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: Offers umami complexity with an earthy tang.
- 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar (white or coconut sugar): Balances the savory and acidic elements with a touch of mellow sweetness.
- 1 ¾ teaspoon salt (to taste): Enhances and rounds out all the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (to taste): Adds a gentle bite that warms the palate.
- 1 teaspoon oregano (dried): Brings an herbaceous, slightly peppery note.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and vibrant color.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (finely chopped): A fresh, bright finish to the soup right before serving.
How to Make Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Veggies
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the finely diced sweet onion and sauté until it turns translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Then add the crushed garlic, cooking just until fragrant, around 30 seconds. This step lays the aromatic foundation for your soup, setting the stage for all the other flavors to shine.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Push the softened onions to one side of the pot and add the remaining tablespoon of oil along with your choice of ground meat. Break the meat apart with a potato masher and cook until it’s thoroughly browned and no longer pink, roughly 7 to 8 minutes. This step infuses the soup with rich, meaty flavor and a satisfying texture that’s essential for the classic cabbage roll experience.
Step 3: Cook the Soup
Now the magic really happens. Add the cabbage pieces, sliced carrots, beef broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, uncooked rice, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika to the pot. Stir everything together and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the cabbage has softened. This slow simmer is where the flavors meld beautifully to create that comforting, hearty taste that defines this Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe.
Step 4: Finish with Fresh Parsley
Just before serving, sprinkle in the finely chopped fresh parsley to add a burst of color and a fresh, herbal lift that brightens every spoonful. Stir gently to combine and get ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish can elevate your bowl dramatically. Consider a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess, or sprinkle some shredded cheddar or parmesan cheese for a savory twist. Fresh herbs like extra parsley or a few chives also pair wonderfully with the flavors of this soup.
Side Dishes
This soup stands well on its own but also pairs beautifully with crusty bread or homemade garlic knots to soak up the rich broth. A fresh green salad with a zesty vinaigrette can add a crisp counterpoint to the warm, comforting soup. Pickles or sauerkraut alongside bring an extra layer of tang and texture that complements the cabbage perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, serve the Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe in rustic bread bowls—it’s fun, edible, and makes for a stunning presentation. Alternatively, layer it in clear soup mugs to show off the beautiful colors, making this comforting meal as visually inviting as it is delicious. You can also prepare individual servings in mini crockpots for casual gatherings or meal prep.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers of this Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe store beautifully in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors even deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal even more delicious.
Freezing
This soup freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep. Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally to keep the rice from sticking or scorching. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it back up to your desired consistency.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great lean alternatives that still provide wonderful flavor and keep the soup hearty. You might want to add a bit more seasoning since these meats are milder than beef.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap the ground meat for plant-based crumbles or simply increase the veggies and beans like lentils or chickpeas. Using vegetable broth instead of beef broth will complete the vegetarian makeover.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Brown the onions, garlic, and meat first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, adding the rice in the last hour to prevent it from becoming too mushy.
What type of rice works best in this soup?
Both white and brown rice work well here. Brown rice will add a nuttier flavor and firmer texture, but it will need a slightly longer cooking time or pre-cooking before adding. White rice cooks faster and gives a softer consistency.
How can I adjust the seasoning to make it spicier?
To add some heat, try a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small amount of cayenne pepper along with the paprika. A bit of hot sauce added at the table also works great for personalized heat levels.
Final Thoughts
You truly can’t go wrong with this Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe—it’s a heartwarming meal that’s easy to make, endlessly satisfying, and a delicious new way to enjoy the timeless flavors of cabbage rolls without the fuss. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week ahead, this soup promises delicious bowls of comfort every time. Give it a try, and get ready to fall in love with soup night all over again!
Print
Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Cabbage Roll Soup recipe brings all the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls into a warm, nourishing soup. Packed with ground beef, cabbage, carrots, and rice simmered in a savory tomato and beef broth, this soup is perfect for cozy family dinners. It’s simple to prepare on the stovetop and offers a satisfying balance of vegetables, protein, and spices in every bowl.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 3 tablespoons oil (avocado or olive, divided)
- 1 small sweet onion (finely diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (crushed)
- 4–5 cups cabbage (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 2 large carrots (peeled and sliced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (finely chopped)
Meat and Protein
- 1 pound ground beef (venison or turkey, 90/10 or 93/7)
Liquids and Canned Goods
- 4 cups beef broth (regular sodium)
- 15 ounces crushed tomatoes (canned)
- 8 ounces tomato sauce (canned)
Grains and Seasonings
- ½ cup rice (uncooked, white or brown)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar (white or coconut sugar)
- 1 ¾ teaspoons salt (to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon oregano (dried)
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Cook the veggies: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely diced sweet onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Then add the crushed garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds or until fragrant to build a flavorful base.
- Brown the meat: Push the onion mixture to one side of the pot. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil and the ground beef. Cook for 7-8 minutes, breaking the meat apart with a potato masher or spatula, until the beef is fully browned and cooked through.
- Cook the soup: Add the chopped cabbage, sliced carrots, beef broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, uncooked rice, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and paprika to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the Dutch oven and let the soup cook gently for 20-25 minutes or until the rice and vegetables are tender.
- Finish and serve: Just before serving, stir in the finely chopped fresh parsley to add brightness. Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or venison for the ground beef for different protein options.
- Use white or brown rice according to preference; cooking times may vary slightly with brown rice.
- Adjust salt to your taste, especially if using low-sodium broth.
- For a thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes to reduce the liquid.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freeze beautifully.
