Cabbage Roll Soup is a warm, hearty dish that brings all the comfort of traditional cabbage rolls without the fuss of rolling. Richly flavored and packed with wholesome ingredients, this delightful soup features juicy ground beef, tender cabbage, and savory rice simmered in a flavorful broth. The colors alone—vibrant green cabbage, golden carrots, and ruby-red tomatoes—make each bowl a feast for the eyes and soul.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Cabbage Roll Soup (All the Flavor, No Rolling)
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Cabbage Roll Soup (All the Flavor, No Rolling)

Cabbage Roll Soup (All the Flavor, No Rolling)

This easy and budget-friendly recipe is one you can whip up with minimal preparation time and enjoy throughout the week. Perfect for cozy dinners or meal prepping, it’s also a surefire way to impress friends and family without spending hours in the kitchen. I remember the first time I made Cabbage Roll Soup for a gathering; it was a hit! The aroma wafting through the house drew everyone in, and the first taste had them going back for seconds. Get ready to fall in love with this comforting bowl of goodness!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 10 minutes of prep time and 55 minutes of cooking, this soup comes together effortlessly.
Irresistible Flavor: Each spoonful delivers a burst of flavor from the beef, tomatoes, and spices—it’s like a comforting hug in a bowl.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Not only does it taste amazing, but the vibrant colors make it a delightful addition to any table.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy it on chilly evenings, for a cozy lunch, or as warm comfort food any time you’re craving something hearty.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable to be gluten-free, making it a great choice for many diets.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 lbs ground beef: This is the heart of our soup, providing rich flavor and protein. You can substitute with ground turkey for a leaner option.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the soup.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Just the right amount to add a subtle kick.
1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil: This adds healthy fat and helps sauté the vegetables.
2 cups yellow onion – diced: Sweet and aromatic, it forms the flavor base of the soup.
1 cup carrots – sliced or diced: Adds natural sweetness and a lovely texture.
2 cloves garlic – minced: Infuses the soup with wonderful warmth and depth.
1 lb green cabbage – chopped: The star ingredient that ties the whole dish together. Feel free to use Napa cabbage for a slightly different texture.
30 oz diced tomatoes: Canned tomatoes provide acidity and richness—perfect for our soup.
8 oz tomato sauce: Enhances the tomato flavor, making the broth thicker and heartier.
6 cups gluten-free beef broth (or gluten-free chicken broth): This adds complexity. Homemade broth works too!
1 cup uncooked white rice: Absorbs the flavors and makes the soup filling.
1 tablespoon gluten-free Worcestershire sauce: A dash of umami goodness; check labels to ensure it’s gluten-free.
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Brightens and balances the flavors perfectly.
1 tablespoon brown sugar: Just a hint of sweetness to round out the acidity.
2 teaspoons paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness that’s delightful in every bite.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: This classic herb gives the soup an Italian twist.
½ cup fresh parsley – chopped: A sprinkle on top brings freshness and a pop of color.

How to Make Cabbage Roll Soup (All the Flavor, No Rolling)

Preheat the Dutch oven: Begin by preheating a large Dutch oven over medium heat. This step is crucial as it ensures even cooking and helps lock in flavors.

Brown the beef: Add 2 lbs ground beef to the pot, seasoning it with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Cook the meat for about 5-6 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula as it browns. You want it nicely caramelized, which will deepen the flavor of your soup.

Sauté the onions: Next, drizzle in 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil and toss in 2 cups diced yellow onion. Stir it all together and let them cook for 3-4 minutes. The onions will become translucent and fragrant, making your kitchen smell heavenly.

Add the carrots and garlic: Toss in 1 cup sliced or diced carrots and 2 cloves minced garlic. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, making sure to stir frequently so the garlic doesn’t burn. This step adds a lovely sweetness to offset the acidity of the tomatoes.

Incorporate the cabbage: Stir in 1 lb chopped green cabbage. Cook it for a few minutes until it begins to soften. You’ll notice the vibrant color and texture change, which is a treat for the senses.

Combine the broth: Now it’s time for the star ingredients: mix in 30 oz diced tomatoes, 8 oz tomato sauce, 6 cups gluten-free beef broth, and 1 cup uncooked white rice. Stir everything together until well combined.

Add flavor boosters: Pour in 1 tablespoon gluten-free Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 2 teaspoons paprika, and 1 teaspoon dried oregano. This magical blend of ingredients elevates your soup to the next level.

Bring to a boil, then simmer: Increase the heat to bring the soup to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for 30 minutes, until the rice is tender and cooked through. This gentle simmer lets all the flavors meld beautifully.

Finish with parsley: Just before serving, top with ½ cup chopped fresh parsley. This adds a refreshing burst and an appealing finish to your soup.

Storing & Reheating

After you’ve thrilled your taste buds, let any leftovers cool completely at room temperature. Transfer the Cabbage Roll Soup to airtight containers and store it in the refrigerator for up to five days. For longer preservation, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers—up to three months will work well. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat until it reaches a steaming hot temperature, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much. The flavor might intensify, giving you an even richer taste experience the next day!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the rice by checking doneness a few minutes before the timer goes off.
For added depth, consider browning the beef in batches if your pot is too full.
If you like a little more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the vegetables.
Freshly squeezed lemon juice enhances the entire flavor profile, so don’t skip it!
This soup is even better the next day as the flavors develop, making it a fantastic meal-prep option.

The hearty appeal of Cabbage Roll Soup embodies the essence of comfort food, inviting you to gather around the table with loved ones. It’s an easy recipe to make but boasts flavors that pay homage to the traditional dish’s heritage. Whether it’s a weeknight meal, a cozy gathering, or a pleasing lunch, this dish promises heartwarming satisfaction.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the ground beef and onions first, then combine all ingredients in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the rice is tender.

What if I want to make this vegetarian?

You can swap the ground beef with plant-based meat or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also add more beans or mushrooms for extra protein.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to throw in bell peppers, zucchini, or whatever vegetables you prefer. Adjust cooking times if necessary to ensure everything is tender.

How do I avoid mushy rice?

To keep your rice from becoming mushy, cook the soup on low heat, and make sure to check the rice for doneness a few minutes before the suggested cooking time ends. If you prefer, you can also cook the rice separately and add it just before serving.