Easy Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe: A Heartwarming Family Favorite

Cabbage roll soup merges hearty comfort with vibrant culinary traditions from Eastern European kitchens.

Generations of home cooks have changeed humble ingredients into a soul-warming dish that celebrates simplicity and flavor.

This robust soup captures the essence of traditional cabbage rolls, reimagining classic ingredients in a lighter, more accessible format.

Tender vegetables and savory seasonings dance together, creating a symphony of taste that feels both familiar and exciting.

Rich broth embraces soft cabbage pieces, echoing the beloved stuffed roll fundamental character.

Herbaceous notes and deep umami undertones elevate this recipe from basic sustenance to a memorable dining experience.

Families gather around steaming bowls, sharing stories and connection through each delicious spoonful.

Cabbage Roll Soup for a Hearty Meal

• Savor Hearty Comfort: This soup delivers a warm, satisfying meal packed with tender beef, soft cabbage, and perfectly cooked rice that hugs your soul like a cozy blanket.
• Simplify Cooking Process: The one-pot method means minimal cleanup, with easy steps that transform basic ingredients into a delicious meal even novice cooks can master quickly and confidently.
• Nutrient-Rich Flavor Explosion: Loaded with vegetables, lean protein, and balanced seasonings, this soup provides a wholesome dinner that fills you up without feeling heavy, making it perfect for family meals or chilly evening gatherings.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: From start to finish, this recipe takes just about 45 minutes, offering a speedy solution for busy home cooks who want a delicious, nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Cabbage Roll Soup

• Ground Beef: Rich protein source with good flavor, choose lean variety for healthier option.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic base that builds deep flavor foundation, fresh ingredients preferred.
• Cabbage: Classic soup vegetable offering texture and nutrition, crisp and fresh cabbage recommended.
• Carrot: Adds sweetness and color, select firm and bright orange carrots.
• Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce: Provides tangy depth and liquid base, ripe and rich tomatoes work best.

• Beef Broth: Creates savory soup foundation, low-sodium options work well for controlled salt intake.
• Uncooked Rice: Adds hearty substance and texture to the soup, long-grain white rice preferred.

• Paprika, Thyme, Salt, Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that balance and complement other ingredients, use freshly ground spices for best taste.
• Parsley: Fresh garnish that adds brightness and visual appeal, choose vibrant green herbs.

How to Make Cabbage Roll Soup

Step 1: Sizzle the Protein

Brown ground beef in a large pot over medium heat until fully cooked. Carefully drain excess grease to keep the soup light and delicious.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

Toss in diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the kitchen fills with mouthwatering fragrance and onions turn translucent.

Step 3: Build the Soup Foundation

• Chopped cabbage
• Diced carrots
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Beef broth
• Uncooked rice

Gently stir to create a harmonious blend of ingredients.

Step 4: Spice Up the Flavor

• Paprika
• Thyme
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix thoroughly to distribute the flavors evenly.

Step 5: Gentle Simmering

Bring the soup to a soft boil. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes. Stir occasionally, allowing the rice to become tender and flavors to mingle.

Step 6: Taste and Perfect

Sample the soup and adjust seasonings to create your perfect flavor profile.

Step 7: Serve with Style

Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Tips for Perfect Cabbage Roll Soup

• Meat Selection Mastery: Choose lean ground beef with around 85% meat content for rich flavor without excessive grease, ensuring a cleaner and more delicious soup base.
• Rice Cooking Hack: Use long-grain white rice for optimal texture, preventing mushiness and maintaining distinct rice kernels throughout the soup.
• Cabbage Cutting Technique: Chop cabbage into uniform, bite-sized pieces to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture in every spoonful.
• Flavor Layering Secret: Toast spices like paprika and thyme briefly before adding liquid ingredients to intensify their aromatic profiles and deepen the soup's overall taste.
• Simmering Precision: Monitor soup closely during cooking, stirring occasionally to prevent rice from sticking and ensure even heat distribution for perfectly tender ingredients.

Storing and Reheating Cabbage Roll Soup

• Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the soup will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheating Stovetop: Warm the soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of beef broth or water if the soup seems too thick. Heat until the soup reaches a temperature of 165°F to ensure food safety.
• Freezing Option: Freeze soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Leave about an inch of space at the top to allow for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Avoid refreezing previously frozen soup to maintain quality and prevent potential foodborne illness.

Pairing Cabbage Roll Soup with Bread

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a bold, full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to complement the hearty, meaty flavors of the cabbage roll soup. The wine's tannins will cut through the richness and enhance the overall taste experience.
• Crusty Bread Companion: Serve warm, crusty sourdough or rye bread alongside the soup. These breads provide a perfect vehicle for soaking up the flavorful broth and add a delightful textural contrast to the tender ingredients.
• Fresh Herb Salad Side: Create a light, crisp green salad with mixed leafy greens, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette. The salad's freshness will balance the soup's warmth and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, savory flavors.
• Creamy Sour Cream Topping: Add a dollop of cool, tangy sour cream on top of the soup just before serving. This garnish will provide a creamy texture and help balance the robust spices and meaty notes in the dish.

Cabbage Roll Soup Variations to Try

• Vegetarian Cabbage Roll Soup: Replace ground beef with hearty lentils or plant-based crumbles for a protein-packed vegetarian alternative that maintains the rich, comforting flavors of the original recipe.
• Spicy Mediterranean Version: Incorporate chopped bell peppers, oregano, and a pinch of red pepper flakes to give the soup a zesty Mediterranean-inspired kick that awakens the taste buds.
• One-Pot Quinoa Transformation: Swap rice with quinoa for a nutrient-dense grain that adds extra protein and a slightly nutty flavor to the classic cabbage roll soup.
• Creamy Polish-Style Adaptation: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt at the end to create a creamy, tangy version that honors traditional Eastern European cooking techniques.

Cabbage Roll Delight Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Polish comfort meets hearty tradition in this cabbage roll soup, combining tender meat, rice, and tangy tomato broth. Warm spices and rich flavors invite comfort-seeking souls to savor each spoonful of this classic Eastern European culinary embrace.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 1 small head of green cabbage, chopped
• 4 cups (946 milliliters) beef broth
• 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 ounces/227 grams) tomato sauce

Aromatic Ingredients:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 large carrot, peeled and diced

Seasoning and Garnish:

• ½ cup (95 grams) uncooked white rice
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

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Instructions

1. Initiate the cooking process by thoroughly browning ground beef in a capacious pot over medium-high heat, ensuring complete cooking and thoroughly draining any lingering fat.
2. Transform the pot’s flavor profile by introducing finely diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing for approximately 2-3 minutes until aromatics release their fragrant essence and onions become translucent.
3. Incorporate a vibrant medley of chopped cabbage, diced carrots, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, rich beef broth (946 milliliters / 32 fluid ounces), and uncooked long-grain rice into the pot, stirring meticulously to create a harmonious mixture.
4. Elevate the soup’s complexity by integrating paprika, dried thyme, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper, ensuring thorough distribution of seasonings throughout the liquid base.
5. Gradually escalate the temperature until the mixture reaches a gentle boil, then immediately reduce heat to low, securely cover the pot, and allow the soup to simmer peacefully for 25-30 minutes, periodically stirring to prevent rice from sticking and to promote even cooking.
6. Conduct a comprehensive taste assessment, adjusting seasonings to achieve a perfectly balanced flavor profile that harmonizes all ingredients.
7. Present the soup steaming hot, adorned with delicately chopped fresh parsley, creating a visually appealing and aromatic culinary experience.

Notes

• Perfectly balanced one-pot meal combining classic cabbage roll flavors in a hearty, comforting soup.
• Ground beef provides rich protein while rice adds satisfying texture and makes the dish more filling.
• Slow simmering allows spices to deeply penetrate ingredients, creating a robust and complex flavor profile.
• Quick and easy preparation makes this recipe ideal for busy weeknights or when craving a warm, nourishing meal.
• Fresh parsley garnish adds a bright, fresh element that cuts through the soup’s rich and savory base.
• Freezer-friendly option allows making larger batches and storing for convenient future meals.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Eastern European

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 250 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg