Description
This comforting Cabbage Roll Soup combines the classic flavors of traditional cabbage rolls in an easy-to-make, hearty soup form. Ground beef, fresh cabbage, and tomatoes simmer together with fragrant herbs and rice to create a warming meal perfect for any day. It’s a delicious, family-friendly dish that comes together on the stovetop in under an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef (or mix of beef and pork)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped (about 8 cups)
Tomato and Broth
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth
Grains and Seasoning
- 1/2 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef (or beef/pork mix) over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat to keep the soup from being greasy.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onions and minced garlic to the pot and cook until the onions become translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Vegetables and Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Mix everything thoroughly to combine the flavors.
- Add Rice and Broth: Pour in the uncooked long-grain white rice and beef broth. Add the bay leaves, dried thyme, paprika, cayenne pepper if using, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the rice and cabbage are tender and flavors meld.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust salt, pepper, or spices as needed. For added brightness, try a splash of lemon juice or a dollop of sour cream before serving.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy your homemade cabbage roll soup!
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef to make it leaner.
- For a spicier version, increase cayenne pepper or add hot sauce.
- If you prefer gluten-free, ensure the beef broth is gluten-free labeled.
- This soup freezes well—cool completely before storing in airtight containers.
- Adding a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lemon juice brightens the flavor beautifully.
