If you’re yearning for a steaming bowl of comfort that tastes just like grandma’s classic but comes together in a fraction of the time, you need to meet Cabbage Roll Soup. This heartwarming dish blends all the best elements of stuffed cabbage rolls—tender meat, sweet cabbage, savory tomato, and fragrant herbs—into a soul-soothing, one-pot wonder. Every spoonful channels nostalgia, coziness, and the magic of transforming humble ingredients into something unforgettable. Whether you’re chasing away winter chill or craving a deeply satisfying meal, Cabbage Roll Soup is bound to become your new cold-weather favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of staple ingredients, this soup brings robust flavor and a cozy, hearty texture. Each component plays a starring role, from the savory ground beef to the bright, herby finish from fresh parsley. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters.

Ground Beef: The main protein and base of the soup, lending richness and depth.
Olive Oil: Helps soften the vegetables and imparts subtle flavor.
Onion: Adds an aromatic, savory kick that sets the foundation for the soup.
Garlic: Infuses the broth with warmth and a little zing.
Green Cabbage: The star of the show, providing sweet crunch and heartiness.
Carrots: Bring a pop of color and natural sweetness.
Uncooked White Rice: Thickens the soup and soaks up all the lovely flavors.
Tomato Sauce: Delivers rich, saucy body and classic cabbage roll flair.
Diced Tomatoes: Brightens the soup with a burst of acidity and tomato flavor.
Beef Broth: Forms the flavorful backdrop, making the soup rich and satisfying.
Tomato Paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and deepens the broth’s color.
Dried Thyme: Adds earthy, herby notes reminiscent of traditional cabbage rolls.
Dried Oregano: Gives that Mediterranean warmth and aromatic boost.
Paprika: Lends a subtle smokiness and gorgeous color.
Bay Leaf: Infuses the broth with extra depth and savory undertones.
Worcestershire Sauce: Just a splash amplifies the umami, rounding out the tomato-and-beef vibes.
Salt: Enhances every ingredient and brings balance.
Black Pepper: Adds the perfect hint of heat to complement the sweetness of the vegetables.
Fresh Parsley (optional): For that bright, herbaceous finishing touch.

How to Make Cabbage Roll Soup

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for three to four minutes, stirring gently, until the onion softens and turns slightly translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. This quick step forms the taste foundation for your Cabbage Roll Soup, so get those aromatics singing!

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to your pot, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook and stir until the meat is thoroughly browned and no longer pink. If your beef renders a lot of fat, go ahead and drain off the excess. Proper browning here unlocks deep, meaty flavor that will infuse every spoonful.

Step 3: Pile in the Veggies and Rice

To the pot, add the chopped cabbage, sliced carrots, and uncooked white rice. Stir well to combine. This is where your Cabbage Roll Soup starts looking like a full, hearty meal—watch as all those vibrant colors tumble together!

Step 4: Elevate With Tomatoes and Broth

Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with juices), beef broth, and tomato paste. This saucy, savory combination mimics the irresistible flavors of classic stuffed cabbage rolls, making the soup taste both nostalgic and totally fresh.

Step 5: Season and Simmer

Sprinkle in the thyme, oregano, paprika, and add the bay leaf. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good mix, then raise the heat until the soup reaches a gentle boil. Reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring now and then, until the rice and cabbage are tender. The kitchen will smell amazing!

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Lift out and discard the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the piping-hot soup into bowls and, if you like, shower each with a handful of fresh chopped parsley. Dive in and enjoy—it’s as simple and satisfying as home cooking gets!

How to Serve Cabbage Roll Soup

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens up each bowl and lends a gentle herbal finish. You could also add a dollop of sour cream for creamy, tangy contrast. For a touch more indulgence, freshly grated Parmesan is always a crowd-pleaser!

Side Dishes

This soup is a star all on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, a scoop of fluffy mashed potatoes, or even a simple side salad. For something a little special, serve with garlic knots or soft buttered rolls to soak up every last drop.

Creative Ways to Present

Try ladling Cabbage Roll Soup into hollowed-out sourdough bread bowls for a playful presentation, or add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or crumbled crispy bacon on top for a gourmet touch. Individual soup crocks add cozy charm if you’re hosting a family-style dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring to airtight containers. It keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors meld and improve overnight, so some say it’s even tastier the next day!

Freezing

Cabbage Roll Soup is a fantastic freezer meal. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring gently until hot throughout. You can also microwave individual servings, stirring halfway through. If the soup thickens, just add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative. It’ll still give you a hearty Cabbage Roll Soup, just with a lighter flavor profile. For extra depth, consider mixing turkey with a bit of ground pork or beef if you wish.

Does the rice get mushy in leftovers?

The rice will soften a bit as the soup sits, but it shouldn’t get mushy if you don’t overcook it initially. If you love firmer rice, you can cook the rice separately and add it to each bowl just before serving.

Is Cabbage Roll Soup gluten-free?

Yes—this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you check that your Worcestershire sauce and broth have no hidden wheat ingredients. Always double-check labels for peace of mind!

Can I add more veggies?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in diced bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini during the simmering stage. The soup is endlessly adaptable, and extra vegetables only boost the color and nutrition.

What if I want it spicier?

If you’re a fan of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to your Cabbage Roll Soup during the simmer. Taste and adjust until it reaches your preferred spice level.

Final Thoughts

If you love the comfort of stuffed cabbage rolls but crave simplicity, Cabbage Roll Soup delivers all the coziness you need in a single bowl. Give it a go, and don’t be surprised if your kitchen fills with requests for seconds—this soup really does taste like a warm hug from home!

Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A comforting and hearty soup that captures all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls in an easy-to-make pot. This Cabbage Roll Soup is packed with ground beef, vegetables, and savory seasonings for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the soup:

1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups chopped green cabbage
2 medium carrots, sliced
1 cup uncooked white rice
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
4 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess grease if needed.
Stir in the chopped cabbage, carrots, uncooked rice, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, oregano, paprika, bay leaf, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice and cabbage are tender.
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.