If you’re craving the classic comfort of stuffed cabbage without all that rolling and baking, you’re going to love this Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe. Every bowl is hearty, warming, and absolutely packed with the flavors you adore from the timeless dish—savory beef, tender cabbage, a tomato-rich broth, and just the right kick from herbs and spices. This Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe is easy and inviting, perfect for chilly evenings or cozy family dinners, and is one of those feel-good meals you’ll find yourself making again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe comes together with a handful of everyday ingredients that each play a vital role. They create a flavorful, satisfying soup that’s as colorful as it is nourishing, and every addition builds that classic stuffed cabbage vibe we all crave.
- Olive oil: Gives a rich base for sautéing, boosting the soup’s savory foundation.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth, making every bite aromatic and balanced.
- Garlic: Brings fragrance and a subtle sharpness that wakes up the whole dish.
- Ground beef or turkey: Adds hearty protein and classic cabbage roll flavor—you can easily swap in turkey for a lighter version.
- Green cabbage: The star! It gets sweet and tender as it simmers, just like traditional cabbage rolls.
- Carrots: Bring subtle sweetness and color, plus an extra veggie boost.
- Cooked white rice: Mimics the filling in stuffed cabbage and helps thicken the soup ever so slightly.
- Diced tomatoes: Brighten the broth and add those important tomatoey notes.
- Tomato sauce: Makes the soup extra velvety and rich.
- Beef broth: Provides a robust savory backbone—opt for low-sodium if you prefer more control over saltiness.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds a hidden layer of umami that deepens the flavor.
- Paprika: Lends warmth and color, plus a whisper of smokiness.
- Dried thyme: Brings a subtle herbal note that complements the beef and veggies.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for rounding out all the flavors—add to taste.
How to Make Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Start by heating the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add your diced onion and garlic, letting them sizzle and soften for about three minutes. This gentle sauté is your secret weapon for building a flavor-packed base—you’ll know it’s working when your kitchen smells amazing.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Add the ground beef (or turkey, if that’s your preference) directly into the pot. Cook it, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s beautifully browned and no longer pink. Don’t hesitate to drain off extra fat here if needed. This step ensures the broth stays rich but never greasy.
Step 3: Add Cabbage and Veggies
Next, stir in the chopped green cabbage and sliced carrots. Toss everything together for a minute or two, letting the veggies pick up all those meaty, aromatic flavors left in the pot.
Step 4: Build the Broth
Pour in the diced tomatoes (including their juices), tomato sauce, and beef broth. Add Worcestershire sauce, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine. This is where the soup starts to truly smell like classic cabbage rolls! Bring everything just to a boil.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. The cabbage will turn perfectly tender, while all the flavors meld into a rich, slightly tangy, deeply comforting broth. If things get too thick, you can always splash in a little extra broth.
Step 6: Add Rice and Finish
Stir in the cooked white rice and let the soup heat through for a final five minutes. At this point, give your Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe a taste and tweak the seasoning if needed. Serve warm and enjoy a dish that’s pure comfort in every spoonful.
How to Serve Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill really brightens every bowl of this soup. For a little indulgence, a dollop of sour cream right on top gives a rich, tangy finish that pairs perfectly with the savory broth. Try a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a crack of black pepper for even more flavor oomph!
Side Dishes
This Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it’s wonderful with a side of buttered rye bread or a warm, crusty roll for dipping into the broth. If you want a lighter pairing, try a simple green salad with lemony vinaigrette to balance the soup’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For fun family-style serving, ladle the soup into wide, shallow bowls so everyone can see all the colorful veggies and rice. Serving it in mini bread bowls makes for a playful twist (and edible dish!). Or, pour steaming soup into a thermos and pack it for a comforting lunch wherever you go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe tastes even better the next day! Once fully cooled, store it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors deepen as it sits, so there’s zero risk of leftovers going to waste.
Freezing
One of the loveliest things about this recipe is how well it freezes. Portion individual servings into freezer-safe containers or bags. Pop them into the freezer for up to three months. When the craving hits, thaw overnight in the fridge—voila, instant comfort.
Reheating
Reheating is a breeze. Warm the soup gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring now and then, until steaming. If the rice has soaked up a lot of broth, a splash of water or extra broth brings everything back to perfect soupiness. You can also reheat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring between each round.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just swap in plant-based ground meat or lentils for the meat and use vegetable broth instead of beef. The rest of the Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe stays delicious and packed with all the classic flavor.
What type Soup
Cooked white rice is traditional and soaks up the broth beautifully, but brown rice, wild rice, or even cauliflower rice (for a low-carb option) work great. Just make sure the rice is cooked before adding it to the soup to keep things easy.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! This Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe is super flexible. Try throwing in some bell pepper, celery, or even baby spinach at the end for extra color and nutrients—just remember, more veggies may need a little more broth.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes! If you use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and double-check your broth, this soup is naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for a wide range of diets.
How do I prevent the rice from getting mushy?
If you know you’ll have leftovers, you can store the cooked rice separately and add it to each serving as you reheat the soup. This way, the rice stays tender but never falls apart in your Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe brings all the soul-soothing nostalgia of stuffed cabbage rolls, minus the fuss. I can’t wait for you to ladle up a bowl and make it your new weeknight favorite—give it a try and see how quickly it earns a permanent spot in your recipe rotation!
