“All the Flavors of Classic Cabbage Rolls in a Cozy, One-Pot Meal!”
This Hearty Cabbage Roll Soup delivers the savory, tangy, and comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the hassle of rolling and stuffing. It’s an easy, filling dish perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey (or a mix)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small head of cabbage, chopped (about 6–8 cups)
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 4 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Rice:
- 1/2 cup uncooked white or brown rice (or 1 cup cooked rice)
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh parsley or dill
- A dollop of sour cream
- Crusty bread for serving
How to Make Hearty Cabbage Roll Soup
Step 1: Brown the Meat
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain any excess grease.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
- Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté for 3–5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Soup
- Add the chopped cabbage, carrots, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Rice
- Stir in the uncooked rice and simmer for an additional 20–25 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
- If using cooked rice, add it during the last 5 minutes to heat through.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust
- Remove the soup from heat and taste. Adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
Step 6: Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or dill.
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream and crusty bread for a complete meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Wonder: All the flavors of cabbage rolls without the hassle of rolling.
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein, veggies, and rice for a satisfying meal.
- Customizable: Use your favorite ground meat or swap rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice.
Pro Tips for Success
- Make It Ahead: The flavors deepen as it sits, making leftovers even better.
- Freeze It: This soup freezes well; just leave out the rice and add it fresh when reheating.
- Add a Kick: For a spicy twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
This Hearty Cabbage Roll Soup is a delicious and easy way to enjoy the comforting flavors of cabbage rolls with minimal effort. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. 🥬🍲✨ Enjoy!