Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

I absolutely adore this comforting bowl of goodness that I like to call my Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe. To me, it’s everything cozy in a single pot—a hearty, savory blend of tender cabbage, flavorful ground beef, and just the right hint of sweetness from brown sugar and tomato sauce. It feels like a warm hug on a chilly day and has become one of my favorite go-to meals when I crave something both filling and nourishing. The best part is that it captures the essence of traditional cabbage rolls, but in a simple soup form that’s quicker and less fuss. Once I tried this recipe, it quickly earned a permanent spot in my recipe rotation.

Why You'll Love This Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

What really draws me to this Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe is the unique blend of flavors and textures all melding together perfectly in one pot. The ground beef adds savory richness and pairs beautifully with the mild sweetness of cabbage and carrots. I love how the tomato sauce combined with a touch of brown sugar gives the broth a subtle balance of tangy and sweet notes that keeps you coming back for more spoonfuls. It’s comfort food with a bit of a fresh, bright twist thanks to the fresh parsley sprinkled at the end.

Another reason this recipe is a winner in my kitchen is how straightforward it is. I appreciate meals that don’t require a ton of steps or fancy ingredients, and this soup checks those boxes beautifully. Once you brown the beef and sauté the aromatics, you basically let everything simmer together, which gives me time to tackle other tasks or just relax. I find it wonderfully forgiving too — the ingredients and timing are simple but yield consistent, delicious results.

What really seals the deal is how versatile this soup is for so many occasions. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner, a cozy weekend lunch, or even a simple dish to bring along to a potluck, it feels right every time. Plus, it’s hearty enough to satisfy but light enough to enjoy without feeling weighed down. When I serve it, it always sparks happy conversation and requests for the recipe, which makes sharing it all the more special.

Ingredients You'll Need

The beauty of this cabbage roll soup lies in its simple yet essential ingredients that create a harmony of flavors, colors, and textures. Each component plays a crucial role, from the fresh veggies to the savory beef and tangy tomato sauce, while the rice adds heartiness and a gentle bite.

• Vegetable oil: This is essential for browning the ground beef without sticking and adding a smooth base flavor.
• Lean ground beef: Provides that rich, hearty taste and satisfying protein that makes this soup a meal.
• Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning that enhances all the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth, especially when cooked down until tender.
• Garlic cloves: Boosts the flavor with its signature aromatic bite.
• Green cabbage: The star veggie here, giving texture and a touch of earthiness to the soup.
• Carrots: Their natural sweetness contrasts beautifully with the savory notes.
• Low-sodium beef broth: Creates a rich, flavorful soup base without overwhelming saltiness.
• Tomato sauce: Provides acidity and a silky texture that brings everything together.
• White rice: Adds body and a gentle chewiness to the broth, creating a satisfying bite.
• Bay leaf: Gives a subtle herbal undertone that enhances the overall aroma and depth.
• Light brown sugar: Just a pinch to balance acidity and add warmth to the flavor profile.
• Fresh chopped parsley: A bright finishing touch that lifts the entire dish and adds color.

Directions

Step 1: In a dutch oven or large soup pot, warm the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the ground beef and season generously with salt and pepper. Cook the beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it is fully browned and no longer pink. This usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes.

Step 2: Add the finely diced yellow onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Stir well and continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet aroma.

Step 3: Toss in the chopped green cabbage and quartered, sliced carrots. Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth, then stir in the uncooked white rice. Add the bay leaf and sprinkle the brown sugar over the top. Mix everything thoroughly to combine all the flavors.

Step 4: Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook uncovered for about 25 minutes. During this time, the rice will cook through and the vegetables will become tender but still retain some texture. Stir occasionally to prevent rice from sticking to the bottom.

Step 5: Once the rice is tender and the flavors have blended nicely, remove the bay leaf and discard it. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed. Finally, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over each bowl just before serving for a vibrant finish.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 6 generous servings, perfect for sharing with family or storing some leftovers for the week. The prep time is roughly 10 minutes, mostly for chopping and gathering ingredients. The cook time is about 35 minutes total — including browning, sautéing, and simmering. Altogether, you can expect the total time from start to finish to be around 45 minutes, making it a fantastic option for a hearty weeknight meal. There’s no resting or cooling time needed since it’s best enjoyed hot and fresh.

How to Serve This Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

When I serve this Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe, I love to keep things simple so the soup stays front and center. A crusty piece of bread or a soft dinner roll is my go-to accompaniment for dipping into the flavorful broth. You could also pair it with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinegar and olive oil to add some refreshing contrast.

For garnishes, I always recommend adding a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese if you want to add creamy richness. A few extra pinches of chopped parsley or even some chopped fresh dill give the soup a bright pop of color and fresh herbal aroma. Serving the soup in wide, shallow bowls shows off its beautiful mix of vibrant vegetables and hearty beef.

As for beverages, I personally find a light red wine like Pinot Noir or a medium-bodied Merlot pairs beautifully by complementing the soup’s savory and slightly sweet flavors. For something non-alcoholic, iced tea with lemon or a sparkling water infused with cucumber slices keeps things light and refreshing. This soup is great for cozy family dinners, chilly evenings, and even casual gatherings where you want a satisfying, crowd-pleasing dish served piping hot.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe to suit different tastes or dietary needs. If you want to make it a bit leaner or switch up the protein, ground turkey or chicken works wonderfully as a substitute for beef. For a vegetarian or vegan version, swapping the ground meat with lentils or a plant-based crumble creates a similar hearty texture. Just be sure to use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a fully plant-based dish.

To give the soup some extra flair, I sometimes add smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper to introduce a little smoky warmth or gentle heat. You could also stir in chopped bell peppers or mushrooms if you want to boost the veggie content and add more layers of flavor. Another fun twist is to use cauliflower rice or quinoa instead of white rice for a different texture or to accommodate gluten-free diets.

If I’m short on time, I’ve even made a version in the slow cooker by browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables first, then transporting everything into the slow cooker to simmer for a few hours. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it style method that still delivers fantastic depth of flavor with minimal hands-on time.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

My experience with leftover Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe has been very positive. I store any unused soup in airtight containers—glass jars or BPA-free plastic containers work great—to keep it fresh. It generally keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Before storing, I make sure the soup has cooled to room temperature to avoid condensation inside the container, which helps preserve the flavor and texture.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully, which makes it ideal for meal prep or saving for busy days. I recommend portioning it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags to speed up thawing. Leaving a little headspace in the container allows for expansion as it freezes. Properly stored, the soup maintains its flavor and texture for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

When reheating, I prefer warming the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat to preserve the tender texture of the cabbage and carrots. Stir occasionally, and add a splash of broth or water if it seems too thick. Avoid reheating at very high temperatures or in a microwave for long periods, as that can cause the rice to become mushy and the vegetables to lose their pleasantly firm bite. Adding a fresh sprinkle of parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice after reheating can help revive the bright flavors.

FAQs

Can I make this Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! I recommend browning the beef and sautéing the onions and garlic first, then transferring everything into a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the rice and vegetables are tender. Just add the rice toward the last hour to prevent it from overcooking.

Is it possible to use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but keep in mind it requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. I like to soak the brown rice beforehand or add it earlier in the cooking process so it cooks fully along with the soup.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time and reheat it later?

Definitely. This soup actually benefits from sitting overnight because the flavors meld even better. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove. It’s a great recipe for meal prep or advance cooking.

What can I substitute for tomato sauce if I don’t have any?

You can swap tomato sauce with canned crushed tomatoes or tomato puree. Both will work well and provide that rich tomato flavor—just keep an eye on consistency and adjust the cooking time accordingly if the liquid amount changes.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, provided you use gluten-free beef broth and verify that your tomato sauce does not contain additives with gluten. It’s a comforting and safe choice if you’re avoiding gluten.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe a try the next time you want something hearty, warm, and full of comforting flavors. It’s one of those recipes that feels like it was made with love in every bite, easy enough for any day of the week, and satisfying enough to keep you cozy through any season. Cooking and sharing this soup has brought me so much joy, and I can’t wait for you to experience the same delicious, soul-warming satisfaction in your own kitchen.

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