Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cabbage Roll Soup combines all the classic ingredients of stuffed cabbage rolls into a simplified, one-pot dish. The ground beef provides a savory base, while the cabbage adds a slight crunch and earthy flavor. The rice absorbs the delicious broth, making each spoonful incredibly satisfying. The brown sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the acidity of the tomato sauce. It’s a hearty, comforting soup that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients

2 teaspoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 pound ground beef (90% lean)
1 onion, finely diced
2 teaspoons minced garlic
4 cups coarsely chopped green cabbage
2 carrots, peeled, quartered, and sliced
4 cups beef broth
3 (8-ounce) cans tomato sauce
1/2 cup uncooked long-grain rice
1 bay leaf
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons parsley

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Sauté the beef and vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat if necessary. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is softened and fragrant.
Add the vegetables and broth: Stir in the coarsely chopped cabbage, sliced carrots, and beef broth. Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
Add the tomato sauce and seasonings: Stir in the tomato sauce, uncooked rice, bay leaf, brown sugar, and parsley. Continue to simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through, the cabbage is tender, and the flavors have melded together.
Adjust the seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or brown sugar if needed.
Serve: Remove the bay leaf from the soup before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish with extra parsley if desired. Enjoy with crusty bread for a complete meal!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

Add more veggies: You can add other vegetables like celery, bell peppers, or potatoes for extra texture and flavor.
Use ground turkey or chicken: For a leaner version, substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
Spicy version: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes to give the soup a little heat.
Tomato paste: If you prefer a thicker, richer tomato base, you can add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste along with the tomato sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, adding more broth or water if the soup thickens too much. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked rice for this recipe?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked rice. If using leftover rice, add it to the soup in the last 5-10 minutes of cooking to warm it through.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and heat it on the stovetop.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, to make this soup in a slow cooker, brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic on the stovetop. Then transfer the mixture to the slow cooker, add the remaining ingredients, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the rice and vegetables are tender.

Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, you can use a different type of rice, like jasmine rice or basmati rice. Just be aware that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of rice, so adjust the simmering time as needed.

Can I add some heat to the soup?

Yes, if you like spicy food, feel free to add some red pepper flakes, chili powder, or a chopped jalapeño pepper for a bit of heat.

Conclusion

This Cabbage Roll Soup is the ultimate comfort food, bringing the classic flavors of cabbage rolls into a rich, hearty soup. With tender ground beef, creamy tomato broth, and a perfect balance of seasonings, this soup is both satisfying and easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!