Jump to:
Comforting Cabbage Roll Soup
This cabbage roll soup transforms the beloved traditional dish into a hearty, one-pot meal that delivers all the familiar flavors without the tedious rolling process. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings, this soul-warming soup combines tender ground beef, fresh cabbage, and aromatic rice in a rich tomato broth. You’ll get all the comfort of classic cabbage rolls in a fraction of the time, making it an ideal choice for feeding hungry families on a budget of just $12-15 total.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick 55-minute total cooking time compared to hours needed for traditional stuffed cabbage rolls
- Budget-friendly meal that feeds 4-6 people for under $15 using simple pantry staples
- Packed with nutrients from fresh cabbage, lean protein, and wholesome rice for balanced nutrition
- Perfect make-ahead option that tastes even better the next day and freezes beautifully
- One-pot simplicity means minimal cleanup while delivering maximum comfort food satisfaction
Why This Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe Works
This recipe succeeds because it captures the essence of traditional cabbage rolls while eliminating common cooking challenges. The key lies in proper layering of flavors and timing each ingredient perfectly.
The ground beef browns first, creating a flavorful base that infuses the entire soup. Fresh cabbage wilts gradually, maintaining its texture while absorbing the savory broth. Rice cooks directly in the soup, thickening the liquid naturally while becoming perfectly tender.
Unlike complicated stuffed cabbage recipes, this approach delivers consistent results every time. The tomato base provides acidity that balances the richness, while oregano adds that signature Eastern European flavor profile families love.
What You’ll Need for Perfect Cabbage Roll Soup
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity (Approx) | Purpose / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lean ground beef | 1 lb | Main protein source, provides hearty texture |
| Medium onion | 1, chopped | Aromatic base, adds sweetness |
| Garlic cloves | 2, minced | Flavor enhancer, aromatic depth |
| Green cabbage | 4 cups, chopped | Star vegetable, provides bulk and nutrition |
| Rice | 1 cup | Thickens soup, adds heartiness |
| Tomato sauce | 15 oz can | Creates rich base, adds acidity |
| Beef/vegetable broth | 4 cups | Liquid foundation, depth of flavor |
| Dried oregano | 1 tsp | Traditional seasoning, authentic taste |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | Cooking fat, prevents sticking |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | Essential seasoning, flavor balance |
Tools
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Large heavy-bottomed pot | Even heat distribution, prevents burning |
| Wooden spoon | Stirring without scratching pot surface |
| Sharp knife | Chopping vegetables efficiently |
| Cutting board | Safe food preparation surface |
| Measuring cups | Accurate ingredient proportions |
| Ladle | Easy serving without mess |
How to Make Comforting Cabbage Roll Soup
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1. Prepare aromatics | Heat olive oil in large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes |
| 2. Brown the beef | Add ground beef to pot, breaking it apart with wooden spoon. Cook until completely browned, approximately 7 minutes |
| 3. Add cabbage | Stir in chopped cabbage with salt and pepper. Mix well until cabbage begins to wilt and reduce in volume |
| 4. Create soup base | Pour in tomato sauce and broth. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally |
| 5. Add rice | Stir in rice and continue cooking for another 15 minutes until rice is tender and soup has thickened |
| 6. Final seasoning | Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and oregano. Serve hot with fresh herbs if desired |
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use day-old rice for better texture – it won’t become mushy and holds its shape perfectly in the soup
- Don’t skip browning the beef properly – this creates fond that adds incredible depth to your soup base
- Cut cabbage into uniform pieces for even cooking – too large and it won’t soften, too small and it disappears
- Simmer gently rather than boiling hard to prevent rice from breaking apart and creating cloudy broth
- Let soup rest 10 minutes before serving – flavors meld together and temperature becomes perfect for eating
Serving and Storage Tips for Cabbage Roll Soup
Serving Tips
Serve this cabbage roll soup immediately while hot for the best experience. Ladle into deep bowls and garnish with fresh dill or parsley for color and freshness. A dollop of sour cream adds richness and balances the tomato acidity beautifully.
Pair with crusty bread or dinner rolls to make it a complete meal. For extra comfort, serve alongside a simple green salad or ultimate chicken casserole for larger gatherings.
This soup stores excellently in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve overnight, making it perfect for meal prep. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed to thin consistency.
For freezing, cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating. The rice may absorb more liquid during storage, so adjust with additional broth when reheating.
Mistakes to Avoid while making Cabbage Roll Soup
Overcooking the cabbage creates mushy, unappetizing texture. Add cabbage at the right time and monitor carefully to maintain slight firmness that mimics traditional cabbage roll texture.
Using too much rice turns your soup into porridge. Stick to the recommended cup measurement – rice expands significantly during cooking and continues absorbing liquid even after removing from heat.
Skipping the browning step for ground beef results in bland, gray meat floating in your soup. Proper browning creates caramelization that adds essential flavor depth throughout the entire dish.
Adding all ingredients simultaneously prevents proper flavor development. Each component needs its moment to shine and contribute to the overall taste profile that makes this soup special.
You Must Know
- Ground beef should reach 160°F internal temperature for food safety – use a meat thermometer if unsure
- Fresh cabbage works better than pre-shredded bags which often become too soft and lose nutritional value
- Low-sodium broth gives you better control over final seasoning and prevents oversalting the finished soup
- This soup doubles easily for meal prep but may need extra cooking time for larger batches to heat through properly
Suggestions for Cabbage Roll Soup
Transform this basic recipe by adding diced bell peppers with the onions for extra sweetness and crunch. Red peppers work particularly well and add beautiful color contrast to the green cabbage.
For Mediterranean flair, substitute ground turkey and add fresh basil instead of oregano. This lighter version pairs wonderfully with creamy garlic shrimp pasta for an elegant dinner party menu.
Make it heartier by adding diced potatoes with the rice. This creates an even more filling meal perfect for cold winter nights when you need maximum comfort food satisfaction.
Vegetarian version works beautifully using plant-based ground meat alternatives and vegetable broth. The cooking method remains identical, and the results are equally satisfying for plant-based diets.
For inspiration and variations, check out this traditional cabbage roll soup recipe or explore this one-pot cabbage roll soup from NYT Cooking for professional techniques.
FAQs:
Yes, brown rice works well but requires longer cooking time. Add it 10 minutes earlier than white rice and expect a nuttier flavor and chewier texture that many people prefer for added nutrition.
Use long-grain rice like jasmine or basmati, add it during the last 15 minutes of cooking, and avoid vigorous stirring. Day-old cooked rice added in the final 5 minutes works even better.
Absolutely! Brown the beef and aromatics first, then transfer everything except rice to slow cooker. Cook on low 6 hours, add rice in final 30 minutes on high setting.
Reheat gently on stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add extra broth if needed since rice continues absorbing liquid. Microwave works but stir every minute to prevent hot spots.
Properly stored cabbage roll soup lasts 4-5 days refrigerated in airtight containers. The flavors actually improve after the first day as ingredients meld together beautifully.
Conclusion
This cabbage roll soup delivers all the comfort and satisfaction of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls without the time-consuming preparation. With simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, you’ll create a nourishing meal that brings families together around the dinner table.
The beauty lies in its versatility and forgiving nature – perfect for new cooks building confidence and experienced chefs seeking weeknight simplicity. Whether you’re meal prepping for busy weeks or creating memories during family gatherings, this soup adapts to your needs while consistently delivering delicious results.
Try this recipe tonight and discover why cabbage roll soup has become a beloved staple in kitchens worldwide. Your family will request it again and again, making it a treasured addition to your recipe collection.
More Easy Dinner Recipes:
- Caramelized Onion Blue Cheese: Perfect Savory Recipe Guide
- Roasted Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese
- Asian Peanut Slaw: Amazing Recipe for Crunchy Salad
- Salmon Dinner Ideas: Nutritious and Flavorful Meals for Every Occasion
Recommended
📖 Recipe Card
Cabbage Roll Soup
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 10 minutes before serving 1x
Description
A hearty and comforting soup that captures all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls in an easy one-pot meal. This satisfying soup combines ground beef, tender cabbage, rice, and aromatic seasonings in a rich tomato broth.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups green cabbage, chopped
- 1 cup rice
- 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef/vegetable broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare aromatics: Heat olive oil in large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes
- Brown the beef: Add ground beef to pot, breaking it apart with wooden spoon. Cook until completely browned, approximately 7 minutes
- Add cabbage: Stir in chopped cabbage with salt and pepper. Mix well until cabbage begins to wilt and reduce in volume
- Create soup base: Pour in tomato sauce and broth. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally
- Add rice: Stir in rice and continue cooking for another 15 minutes until rice is tender and soup has thickened
- Final seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and oregano. Serve hot with fresh herbs if desired
Notes
- Use day-old rice for better texture – it won’t become mushy and holds its shape perfectly in the soup
- Don’t skip browning the beef properly – this creates fond that adds incredible depth to your soup base
- Cut cabbage into uniform pieces for even cooking – too large and it won’t soften, too small and it disappears
- Let soup rest 10 minutes before serving – flavors meld together and temperature becomes perfect for eating
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Eastern European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 385 calories
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: cabbage roll soup, ground beef soup, comfort food, one pot meal, hearty soup, cabbage soup
