This Easy Cabbage Roll Soup is packed with ground beef, tender cabbage, rice, tomatoes, and flavorful broth. It’s a cozy one-pot meal that’s ready in under an hour and tastes just like classic cabbage rolls without all the work.
Easy Cabbage Roll Soup
Introduction
Honestly, I love traditional cabbage rolls, but I don’t always have the time or patience to roll each one by hand. That’s exactly why this Cabbage Roll Soup has become one of my favorite comfort meals. I usually make a big pot on chilly evenings because it’s hearty, filling, and somehow tastes even better the next day. You get all the classic flavors of stuffed cabbage rolls—savory beef, tender cabbage, tomatoes, and rice—in one easy, fuss-free soup. It’s a family favorite that’s simple enough for busy weeknights but comforting enough for Sunday dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small head green cabbage, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- ½ cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess grease if needed.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent.
Step 3: Add the Cabbage
Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook for another 3–4 minutes until it starts to wilt slightly.
Step 4: Add the Liquids
Pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Stir well until everything is combined.
Step 5: Season the Soup
Add the paprika, Italian seasoning, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together.
Step 6: Add the Rice
Stir in the uncooked rice. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.
Cover and simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the cabbage is soft.
Step 7: Serve
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.
Cooking Tips
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease.
- Brown the beef well for extra flavor.
- Don’t overcook the cabbage—it should be tender but still have a little texture.
- If making ahead, cook the rice separately and add it before serving to keep it from absorbing too much broth.
- Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for even deeper flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty soup is delicious with:
- Crusty artisan bread
- Garlic bread
- Buttery dinner rolls
- Grilled cheese sandwiches
- Fresh garden salad
- Crackers
- Sour cream for extra richness
- Fresh parsley or grated Parmesan on top
Nutrition Information (Approx. Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 720mg
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients used.
Conclusion
Easy Cabbage Roll Soup is everything you love about traditional cabbage rolls, made much simpler in one pot. I usually make a double batch because leftovers taste even better after the flavors have had time to blend together. It’s hearty, wholesome, budget-friendly, and packed with comforting ingredients that make every spoonful satisfying. If you’re looking for an easy dinner that the whole family will enjoy, this soup deserves a spot on your regular meal rotation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I freeze Cabbage Roll Soup?
Yes! Let the soup cool completely, then freeze it in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
2. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chicken are great lean alternatives and still provide plenty of flavor.
3. Can I make this soup low-carb?
Yes. Simply omit the rice or replace it with cauliflower rice. Add the cauliflower during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
4. How long does it keep in the refrigerator?
Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth if the soup thickens.
5. Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, green beans, or spinach all work well and make the soup even more nutritious.
