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
Scale
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.
