Description
Cozy up with our hearty Cabbage Roll Soup recipe, featuring tender cabbage, seasoned ground meat, rice, and a rich tomato broth that captures the classic flavors of traditional cabbage rolls in a comforting, easy-to-make soup form. Perfect for warming you up on chilly days, this nutritious and filling dish is ideal for lunch or dinner and is a one-pot wonder that’s both kid-friendly and customizable.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
Vegetables
- 4 cups chopped green cabbage (bite-sized pieces)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth (gluten-free if needed)
Grains & Starches
- 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
Seasonings
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics and meat: Heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground beef or turkey, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink.
- Add rice and spices: Stir in the uncooked rice along with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Toast the rice lightly with the meat mixture for about 1 minute to deepen the flavors.
- Pour in tomatoes and broth: Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir everything well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to add richness to the soup.
- Incorporate cabbage and simmer: Add the chopped cabbage to the pot. Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the cabbage has softened.
- Final taste and adjustments: Stir the soup and adjust seasoning as needed. For extra brightness, add a splash of vinegar or a pinch of sugar to balance tomato acidity, if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh cabbage for better texture and flavor.
- Brown the meat thoroughly for a deeper, caramelized flavor.
- Avoid overcooking the rice; it should be tender but not mushy.
- Allow the soup to rest off the heat for 10 minutes before serving to meld flavors.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or dill for added freshness.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days; flavors improve overnight.
- Freeze soup separately from rice to avoid mushy texture; add cooked rice after reheating.
- Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave, adding broth or water if soup thickens.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: cabbage roll soup, comfort food, one pot soup, cabbage soup, hearty soup, easy dinner
