Cabbage roll soup: just the name conjures up images of cozy evenings and the comforting aroma of simmering vegetables and savory meat. Have you ever craved the delicious flavors of traditional cabbage rolls but dreaded the time-consuming process of assembling them? Well, you’re in for a treat! This deconstructed version captures all the essence of the classic dish in a hearty, easy-to-make soup.

Cabbage rolls themselves boast a rich history, with variations found across Eastern and Northern Europe. From the Polish “Go??bki” to the Romanian “Sarmale,” each culture has put its unique spin on this beloved comfort food. The concept of wrapping flavorful fillings in cabbage leaves likely originated as a way to preserve food and utilize readily available ingredients, particularly during colder months.

What makes cabbage roll soup so irresistible? It’s the perfect blend of textures and tastes. The tender cabbage, the savory ground meat (often beef or pork, or a combination!), the sweet tomato base, and the perfectly cooked rice all come together in a symphony of flavors. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient! Forget the meticulous rolling; simply chop, sauté, and simmer your way to a satisfying and nutritious meal. This soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting weekend lunch. So, grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking!

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey/pork)
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large head of cabbage, chopped (about 6-8 cups)
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
6 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth)
1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
Optional garnishes: sour cream, fresh parsley, shredded cheese

Preparing the Base

First, let’s get our pot ready. Grab a large Dutch oven or soup pot and place it over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil. We want the oil to shimmer, but not smoke.
Now, add the ground beef (or your preferred ground meat) to the pot. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. We want to brown the meat evenly. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain off any excess grease after browning. Nobody wants greasy soup!
Once the meat is browned and drained, add the chopped onion to the pot. Cook the onion until it becomes translucent and softened, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. The aroma of the onions cooking is just wonderful, isn’t it?
Next, add the minced garlic to the pot. Cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. Stir constantly during this step.

Building the Soup

Now for the cabbage! Add the chopped cabbage to the pot. Stir it in with the meat, onions, and garlic. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the cabbage starts to soften slightly. Don’t worry if it seems like a lot of cabbage at first; it will cook down.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes (undrained). Stir everything together well. The tomatoes will add a lovely richness and depth of flavor to our soup.
Add the beef broth (or vegetable broth) to the pot. Make sure all the ingredients are submerged in the broth. If not, you can add a little more broth or water.
Stir in the cooked rice. I like to use leftover rice for this, but you can cook some fresh if you need to. The rice will help thicken the soup and add a nice texture.
Add the dried oregano, dried thyme, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, you can always add more seasoning later, so start with a little and adjust as needed.

Simmering and Flavor Development

Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. I usually let mine simmer for about 45 minutes.
Stir the soup occasionally during simmering to prevent sticking.
After simmering, taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your taste.

Serving and Garnishing

Ladle the cabbage roll soup into bowls.
Garnish with your favorite toppings. Some popular options include sour cream, fresh parsley, and shredded cheese. A dollop of sour cream adds a nice creaminess, while fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. Shredded cheese adds a cheesy goodness that everyone loves!
Serve hot and enjoy! This soup is even better the next day, as the flavors continue to develop.

Tips and Variations

Here are a few tips and variations to make this cabbage roll soup even more amazing:

Meat Options: Feel free to use any ground meat you like. Ground turkey or pork are great alternatives to ground beef. You can even use a combination of meats for a more complex flavor.
Vegetarian Option: To make this soup vegetarian, simply omit the ground meat and use vegetable broth. You can also add some lentils or beans for extra protein.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spice level. If you don’t like spicy food, you can omit them altogether. If you want more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Cabbage Type: While green cabbage is the most common choice, you can also use Savoy cabbage or Napa cabbage. Savoy cabbage has a slightly milder flavor and more tender leaves, while Napa cabbage has a sweeter flavor and more delicate texture.
Rice Type: You can use any type of rice you like, including white rice, brown rice, or wild rice. Brown rice will add a nuttier flavor and more fiber to the soup.
Adding Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as carrots, celery, or bell peppers. These vegetables will add more flavor and nutrients to the soup.
Smoked Sausage: For a smoky flavor, add some sliced smoked sausage to the soup. Kielbasa or Andouille sausage would be delicious additions.
Slow Cooker Method: This soup can also be made in a slow cooker. Simply brown the ground meat and then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Freezing: This soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

Calories: Approximately 300-400 per serving
Protein: 20-30 grams per serving
Fat: 15-25 grams per serving
Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams per serving

Why This Recipe Works

This cabbage roll soup recipe is a winner because it captures all the delicious flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the fuss of rolling. It’s a hearty, comforting, and flavorful soup that’s perfect for a chilly day. The combination of ground meat, cabbage, tomatoes, and rice creates a satisfying and well-balanced meal. The addition of herbs and spices adds depth and complexity to the flavor. And the best part is that it’s easy to make and can be customized to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

This cabbage roll soup is delicious on its own, but it can also be served with a side of crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich. It’s also a great option for meal prepping, as it reheats well and tastes even better the next day. Pack it in a thermos for lunch or enjoy it as a quick and easy dinner.

Troubleshooting

Soup is too thick: Add more broth or water to thin it out.
Soup is too thin: Simmer uncovered for a longer period of time to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
Soup is bland: Add more salt, pepper, herbs, or spices to taste. You can also add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to brighten the flavor.
Cabbage is too crunchy: Simmer the soup for a longer period of time to allow the cabbage to soften.
Meat is tough: Make sure to brown the meat properly and drain off any excess grease. You can also use a more tender cut of meat, such as ground sirloin.

Equipment Needed

Large Dutch oven or soup pot
Cutting board
Knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Ladle

Storage Instructions

Store leftover cabbage roll soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Variations on a Theme

While this recipe is for a classic cabbage roll soup, there are many ways to adapt it to your preferences. Here are a few ideas:

Deconstructed Cabbage Rolls: Instead of chopping the cabbage, you

Conclusion:

So there you have it! This isn’t just another soup recipe; it’s a bowlful of comfort, a shortcut to a classic, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I truly believe this cabbage roll soup is a must-try for anyone craving those familiar flavors without the fuss of rolling individual cabbage leaves. Its hearty, healthy, and incredibly satisfying everything you could want in a weeknight meal.

Think of it: all the deliciousness of traditional cabbage rolls, simmered to perfection in a rich, flavorful broth. The tender cabbage, the savory ground meat, the tangy tomato base it all comes together in a symphony of taste that will have you reaching for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). And the best part? It’s so much easier to make than the original! No more struggling with delicate leaves or spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe delivers all the flavor with a fraction of the effort.

But don’t just take my word for it! I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the magic for yourself. I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this dish, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

Now, let’s talk about how to make this soup even more amazing! While it’s delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways to customize it to your liking.

* For a creamier soup: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt just before serving. This adds a lovely tang and richness that complements the other flavors beautifully.
* Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
* Add some greens: Stir in some chopped spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for an extra boost of nutrients.
* Make it vegetarian: Substitute the ground meat with lentils or crumbled plant-based meat alternatives. You can also use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
* Serve it with: A crusty loaf of bread for dipping, a side salad, or even a grilled cheese sandwich.

I personally love to serve mine with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a generous dollop of sour cream. It’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures!

Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own. That’s the beauty of cooking it’s all about creating something that you and your loved ones will enjoy.

I’m so excited for you to try this cabbage roll soup! Once you do, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I’d love to hear what you think, what variations you tried, and how you made it your own. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me continue to create recipes that you’ll love.

So, grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort. Happy cooking! I can’t wait to hear all about your culinary adventures. Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to help. Enjoy!
Cabbage Roll Soup: The Ultimate Guide to a Delicious & Healthy Meal

Hearty and flavorful cabbage roll soup that captures the taste of traditional cabbage rolls without all the rolling! A comforting and easy-to-make soup perfect for a chilly day.

Prep Time15 minutes

Cook Time45 minutes

Total Time60 minutes

Category: Dinner

Yield: 6-8 servings

Save This Recipe

Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey/pork)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large head of cabbage, chopped (about 6-8 cups)
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 6 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. In a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat, add olive oil.
2. Add ground beef (or preferred ground meat) and break it up with a spoon. Brown evenly for 5-7 minutes, then drain off any excess grease.
3. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent and softened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant, stirring constantly.
5. Add chopped cabbage to the pot and stir with the meat, onions, and garlic. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the cabbage starts to soften slightly.
6. Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes (undrained). Stir everything together well.
7. Add beef broth (or vegetable broth). Ensure all ingredients are submerged.
8. Stir in cooked rice.
9. Add dried oregano, dried thyme, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally.
11. After simmering, taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
12. Ladle the cabbage roll soup into bowls.
13. Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, fresh parsley, and shredded cheese.
14. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Meat Options: Use ground turkey or pork as alternatives to ground beef.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the ground meat and use vegetable broth. Add lentils or beans for extra protein.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
- Cabbage Type: Use Savoy cabbage or Napa cabbage instead of green cabbage.
- Rice Type: Use white rice, brown rice, or wild rice.
- Adding Vegetables: Add carrots, celery, or bell peppers.
- Smoked Sausage: Add sliced smoked sausage for a smoky flavor.
- Slow Cooker Method: Brown the ground meat and then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Freezing: Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Cabbage Roll Soup: The Ultimate Guide to a Delicious & Healthy Meal