Cabbage Roll Soup: A Cozy & Hearty Comfort Meal

If you love traditional stuffed cabbage rolls but don’t want to spend hours rolling and stuffing, this Cabbage Roll Soup is the perfect alternative! It has all the flavors of classic cabbage rolls—tender beef, sweet cabbage, tangy tomatoes, and savory broth—but in an easy, one-pot soup.

Perfect for cold weather, busy weeknights, or meal prepping, this soup is hearty, nutritious, and incredibly satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ All the Flavor of Cabbage Rolls Without the Work
✅ One-Pot Meal—Less Cleanup!
✅ Nutritious & Filling—Loaded with Protein & Veggies
✅ Perfect for Meal Prep & Freezing
✅ Budget-Friendly & Made with Pantry Staples

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Soup Base:

2 teaspoons olive oil
1 pound ground beef (90% lean preferred)
1 onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small green bell pepper, diced
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt & pepper, to taste

For the Broth & Cabbage:

4 cups green cabbage, chopped
4 cups beef broth
2 cups tomato sauce
1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

For Added Hearty Texture:

1/2 cup uncooked white rice (or brown rice for extra fiber)

For Garnishing (Optional):

Fresh parsley, chopped
Grated Parmesan cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Meat

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil over medium heat.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
Drain any excess grease if needed.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add onion, garlic, bell pepper, and carrots to the pot.
Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions soften.
Stir in smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

Add chopped cabbage, beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and sugar.
Stir well and bring the soup to a gentle boil.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 20 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Rice

Stir in the uncooked rice and let the soup simmer for another 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or Parmesan cheese.
Serve hot and enjoy this comforting, flavorful dish!

💡 Pro Tip: If the soup thickens too much, add a little extra broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

What to Serve with Cabbage Roll Soup

🥖 Crusty Bread – Perfect for soaking up the broth!
🥗 Side Salad – A fresh contrast to the hearty soup.
🍞 Garlic Bread – Because everything is better with garlic bread!
🧀 Shredded Cheese – Sprinkle some Parmesan or mozzarella on top!

Tips for the Best Cabbage Roll Soup

✔️ Use Lean Ground Beef – Keeps the soup from being too greasy.
✔️ Simmer for Maximum Flavor – The longer it cooks, the richer the taste!
✔️ Use Fresh Cabbage – Chop it into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
✔️ Adjust the Broth – If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the broth slightly.
✔️ For a Low-Carb Version – Skip the rice and add cauliflower rice instead.

Variations & Substitutions

🥔 Cabbage Roll Soup with Potatoes – Swap rice for diced potatoes for a heartier texture.
🌱 Vegetarian Version – Replace beef with lentils or plant-based ground meat.
🍚 Swap Rice for Quinoa – Adds protein and a nutty flavor.
🌶️ Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño.

Make-Ahead & Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

How to Freeze

Let the soup cool completely.
Freeze in individual portions or a large freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
To reheat: Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stove over medium heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make This in a Slow Cooker?

Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the onions first, then add everything to a slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.

Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works great as a leaner option.

How Can I Make It Even More Flavorful?

Try adding:
✔️ A splash of vinegar (apple cider or balsamic) for depth.
✔️ A bay leaf while simmering (remove before serving).
✔️ Extra garlic & herbs for a richer taste.

Final Thoughts

This Cabbage Roll Soup is warm, comforting, and packed with all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls—without the hassle! It’s an easy, budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or a cozy night in.

Make a big batch today and enjoy a bowl of hearty goodness!