Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe: Hearty and Delicious Comfort Food

When the cold wind blows through the window , a warm bowl of soup can feel like a hug . This cabbage roll sоup is like the old cabbage rolls you know , but without the long rolling step . Its quick , hearty and easy enough for a weeknight dinner .

Traditional cabbage rolls come from Eastern Europe and are made by wraping meat , rice and spices in cabbage leaves . Over time , people from all over tried them and added their own twist . Now , this soup takes the same flavors and сooks them all together in one pot .

In this guide , you'll find every step to make cabbage roll soup from scratch . We'll list ingredients , show the recipe , and give you tips for different versions . Whether you cook a lot or your just starting out , this recipe is friendly and filling .

What is Cabbage Roll Soup ?

Cabbage roll sоup is a tasty take on the stuffed cabbage rolls everyone loves . Instead of rolling leaves around the filling , you cut the cabbage and toss it in a broth with meat , rice and spices . It makes a warm , filling meal with less fuss .

Classic cabbage rolls need you to wrap each leaf neat before baking in tomato sauce . But in this version , you skip that step . Everything simmers together , so the flavors blend and you get a soup that tastes just right .

People like this soup because it saves time and still feels like home . It's perfect for cold nights or when you need a big pot of something comforting .

Ingredients for Cabbage Roll Soup

Here is main ingredients you ll need :

• Ground meat : beef , pork or turkey all work .
• Cabbage : one medium head , chopped .
• Rice : white or brown , about a cup .
• Veggies : onion , garlic , celery and carrots .
• Tomatoes : one can of diced tomatoes and one of sauce .
• Broth : beef or vegetable , about four cups .
• Spices : paprika , dill , salt and pepper .

You can swap the meat for beans or lentils to make it vegetarian . Use veggie broth then . Fresh or dried herbs like dill or bay leaves add extra flavor .

Detailed Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground meat
• 1 head medium cabbage , chopped
• 1 cup rice , rinsed
• 1 onion , diced
• 3 cloves garlic , minced
• 2 carrots , diced
• 2 stalks celery , diced
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 4 cups broth
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1-2 teaspoon fresh dill or 1 teaspoon dried dill
• salt and pepper to taste
• optional : sour cream or parsley

Directions

1. Prep veggies : wash and chop all your veggies . Rinse the rice .
2. Brown meat : in a big pot , cook the meat over medium heat till no pink shows . Drain all the fats if you wants .
3. Sauté veggies : add onion , garlic , carrots and celery . Cook till soft .
4. Mix stew : stir in cabbage , tomatoes , rice , broth and spices .
5. Simmer : bring to boil , then lower heat and cook 30-40 min till cabbage and rice are tender .
6. Adjust : taste and add more salt or pepper if you think it needs . Serve it hot .

Advice and Tips

• Storing : keep leftovers in fridge up to 4 days .
• Freezing : cool it fully then freeze in portions .
• Serving : goes great with crusty bread or a simple salad .

Health Benefits of Cabbage Roll Soup

Cabbage is low in calories but high in vitamin C and fiber , which its good for you digestive system . The protein from meat and carbs from rice make it balanced . If you use lean meat and low sodium broth , it's even healthier .

Variations of Cabbage Roll Soup

• Vegetarian : use beans or lentils and veggie broth .
• Spicy : add chili flakes or hot sauce .
• Grain swap : try barley , quinoa or cauliflower rice .

Tips for the Perfect Cabbage Roll Soup

• Pick good cabbage : firm heads work best .
• Season well : taste often and tweak the spices .
• Cook time : cook longer for softer veggies or less for some crunch .

Cabbage Roll Soup Pairings

• Side dishes : try a green salad or garlic bread .
• Drinks : a cold iced tea or light white wine are nice .

FAQs

Can I use a slow cooker ? Yes , brown the meat and veggies first , then dump everything in and cook on low for 6-8 hours .

What about frozen cabbage ? You can skip thawing ; just add it to the pot frozen .

What if I dont have rice ? Quinoa , barley or cauliflower rice work fine too .

Is it gluten-free ? Yes , if your broth and rice are certified gluten-free .

How long in the fridge ? Up to 3-4 days in a sealed container .

Conclusion

This cabbage roll soup is simple , tasty and full of good stuff . It's easy to make and you can change it up however you like . Give it a try on a chilly night and enjoy the cozy flavors .

cabbage roll soup recipe

Cabbage Roll Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that captures the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls in a warm and delicious soup form. Perfect for chilly days, this soup is packed with ground meat, rice, and tangy tomato flavors, making it a family favorite.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Main Course

Cuisine American/Eastern European

Servings 4 People

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

• 1 Large pot or Dutch oven
• 1 Wooden spoon or spatula
• 1 Measuring cups and spoons
• 1 Cutting board
• 1 Can opener

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey Can substitute with a plant-based protein for a vegetarian version.
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
• 15 oz can tomato sauce
• 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes with liquids
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt To taste.
• 1 cup uncooked rice White or brown.
• 4 cups shredded cabbage
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley for garnish Optional.

Instructions

 

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
• Add the ground beef or turkey to the pot. Cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.
• Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried basil, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix well to combine.
• Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and broth. Stir to combine all ingredients.
• Add the uncooked rice to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 20 minutes.
• After 20 minutes, add the shredded cabbage to the soup. Stir well and continue to simmer (covered) for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the rice is cooked.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

You can substitute ground beef or turkey with a plant-based protein for a vegetarian version.

Feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots or celery for extra flavor and nutrition.

This soup can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for longer storage. Reheat before serving.