If you’re craving something truly comforting and packed with hearty, homestyle flavors, this Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe is exactly what you need on your table. Imagine the beloved flavors of traditional cabbage rolls captured in a warm, cozy bowl of soup, where tender cabbage mingles with savory ground beef, bright tomatoes, and fragrant herbs. It’s a wonderfully simple dish that delivers all the satisfaction of cabbage rolls but cooks up so much faster and easier. Whether it’s a chilly evening or whenever you want a bowl of soul-warming goodness, this recipe is your new go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, staple ingredients that come together perfectly to create a balanced and delicious soup. Each element is essential—beef adds richness, cabbage brings freshness and texture, tomatoes offer acidity and color, and the herbs elevate the entire dish with aromatic warmth.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For beautifully browning the beef and building the soup’s base flavor.
- 1 lb ground beef: The hearty protein that makes this soup feel like a meal.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when softened.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings wonderful pungency and warmth.
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes: Provides acidity and a fresh tomato flavor to brighten the soup.
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste: Adds richness and a concentrated tomato taste.
- 4 cups beef broth: The savory liquid base that ties everything together.
- 1 cup water: Helps adjust the soup’s consistency without watering down flavor.
- 1 cup cooked rice: Adds body and a comforting texture reminiscent of traditional cabbage rolls.
- 2 cups cabbage, chopped: Crucial for that iconic cabbage roll taste and adds a subtle crunch.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Offers a hint of sweet, peppery herbaceousness.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Earthy and slightly minty, it complements the beef beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds warmth and a delicate smokiness to deepen flavors.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors into harmony.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional): Perfect for balancing the tomato’s natural acidity with a touch of sweetness.
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): Brightens every spoonful with fresh color and flavor.
How to Make Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating the olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Adding the ground beef, break it up into small pieces as it cooks until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is important because that browning seals in flavor and creates a richly savory base for your soup.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Next, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic right into the pot with the beef. Stir frequently and cook them together until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. The combination of garlic and onion provides aromatic layers that kick the soup’s taste up a notch.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes, Broth, and Seasonings
Now it’s time to build the soup’s characteristic taste. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, and water to the pot. Sprinkle in the dried basil, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Don’t forget the cooked rice and chopped cabbage—they bring the texture and heartiness that remind you exactly of cabbage rolls. Stir everything well to combine.
Step 4: Simmer Until Perfect
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have fully melded together. This slow simmer is when the magic happens, creating a harmonious and deeply satisfying soup.
Step 5: Adjust and Sweeten
If you find the soup a little acidic from the tomatoes, stir in a tablespoon of brown sugar to balance out the flavors with a pleasant hint of sweetness. Give it a final taste adjustment with salt and pepper.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the soup from heat and ladle it into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley to add a pop of color and freshness. Your comforting cabbage roll-inspired meal is ready to warm everyone’s hearts.
How to Serve Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or even a little dollop of sour cream is fantastic on top. Parsley adds a fresh, vibrant touch, while sour cream brings creaminess that balances the acidic tomatoes and smoky paprika.
Side Dishes
Serve this soup with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up all the luscious broth. A simple green salad on the side can add a refreshing crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, flavorful soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out mini bread loaves for a rustic, charming presentation. You could also add shredded cheese on top and briefly broil for a bubbling, cheesy finish adding another layer of indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just store it in an airtight container to preserve the fresh flavors and prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors.
Freezing
Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe freezes brilliantly! Transfer cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This careful reheating keeps the cabbage tender and the flavors fresh without overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are lighter alternatives that still work well in this soup, though the flavor will be slightly milder. You might want to add a bit more seasoning for depth.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute vegetable broth for the beef broth and use plant-based meat crumbles or omit the meat altogether. Adding mushrooms can also provide a nice umami boost.
Can I prepare the ingredients in advance?
Definitely. You can chop the cabbage, dice the onions, and cook the rice a day ahead to save prep time when you’re ready to cook.
What can I substitute for cooked rice?
Cooked quinoa, barley, or even small pasta shapes like orzo can be great alternatives that add interesting texture and remain hearty.
Why add brown sugar to the soup?
The brown sugar helps balance the natural acidity of the tomatoes, creating a rounder, more harmonious flavor. It’s optional but often makes the soup taste even better.
Final Thoughts
This Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe is pure comfort in a bowl. It’s easy to make, full of wholesome ingredients, and bursting with classic flavor that reminds you of home-cooked meals shared with loved ones. Give it a try soon, and watch how it quickly becomes one of your favorite go-to soups for any season.
Print
Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Cabbage Roll Soup brings all the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls into a delicious, easy-to-make soup. Ground beef, cabbage, rice, and tomatoes simmer together with aromatic herbs and spices, creating a warm and satisfying meal perfect for any day.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 2 cups cabbage, chopped
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for sweetness)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sauté aromatics: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot, cooking and stirring until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add liquids and vegetables: Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, water, cooked rice, chopped cabbage, dried basil, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer to blend flavors: Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for 30-40 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and all the flavors have melded together.
- Adjust sweetness: If desired, stir in the brown sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Serve and garnish: Remove the soup from heat, taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- The brown sugar is optional but helps reduce acidity and enhances the soup’s sweetness.
- Cook the rice ahead of time to add at the end or use leftover rice for convenience.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- For extra depth, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of hot sauce.
- This soup freezes well; store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
