Here’s a hearty and flavorful recipe for Cabbage Roll Soup that gives you all the goodness of traditional cabbage rolls without the extra effort of rolling.
Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground pork, turkey, or a mix)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups green cabbage, chopped (about 1 small head)
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 1 cup uncooked rice (white or brown)
- 6 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for extra depth)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1-2 teaspoons sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Instructions
- Cook the Meat
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté Aromatics
- Add the diced onion, garlic, and carrot to the pot. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Cabbage and Seasonings
- Stir in the chopped cabbage, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to slightly soften the cabbage.
- Add Liquids and Rice
- Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste (if using). Stir well. Add the uncooked rice and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the Soup
- Reduce the heat to low and cover. Simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is cooked and the cabbage is tender.
- Adjust Seasoning
- Taste and adjust the seasoning. Add sugar if the soup is too acidic.
- Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream, if desired.
Tips for Perfect Cabbage Roll Soup
- Rice Options: Brown rice adds a nuttier flavor and needs a longer cook time. For quicker options, use pre-cooked or instant rice and add it toward the end.
- Make It Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
- Freezer-Friendly: Cool completely, then freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
- Low-Carb Version: Skip the rice or replace it with cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly option.
Enjoy this warm, comforting soup that’s perfect for a cozy meal! 🍲
