Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

Introduction

Cabbage Roll Soup captures all the comforting flavors of classic cabbage rolls in a warm, hearty soup. This easy recipe combines ground beef, cabbage, rice, and a tomato-based broth for a satisfying meal perfect any day of the week.

Ingredients

• 2 tsp. vegetable oil
• 1 lb. lean ground beef
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced finely
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chopped green cabbage
• 2 medium carrots, quartered and sliced
• 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 3 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup white rice, uncooked
• 1 bay leaf
• 3 tbsp. light brown sugar
• 2 tbsp. fresh chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a dutch oven or large soup pot, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat and add ground beef.
2. Step 2: Season the beef with salt and pepper and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
3. Step 3: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook for 2–3 minutes until the onions are tender and fragrant.
4. Step 4: Stir in chopped cabbage, carrots, tomato sauce, beef broth, uncooked white rice, bay leaf, and brown sugar until well combined.
5. Step 5: Bring the soup to a simmer, then cover and cook for about 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
6. Step 6: Remove the bay leaf and sprinkle the soup with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with cooked lentils or crumbled tofu and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Add a splash of apple cider vinegar at the end to brighten the flavors, mimicking traditional cabbage rolls.
• Use brown rice if preferred, but increase the cooking time accordingly as it takes longer to cook than white rice.
• Fresh herbs like dill or thyme can be added for an extra layer of flavor.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little water or broth if the soup has thickened. This soup also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cabbage for this soup?

Yes, green cabbage is traditional, but savoy or red cabbage also work well and add a slightly different flavor and texture.

Do I need to pre-cook the rice before adding it to the soup?

No, the rice cooks directly in the soup, absorbing all the flavors. Just make sure to cook the soup long enough for the rice to become tender.

Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 136 reviews

This hearty Cabbage Roll Soup combines all the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls in a delightful, easy-to-make soup. Ground beef, tender cabbage, and rice simmer together in a savory tomato and beef broth base, accented with aromatic garlic, onion, and a touch of sweetness from brown sugar. Perfect for a warming meal any time of year.

• Author: mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sauce and Broth

• 3 cans (8 oz. each) tomato sauce
• 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 3 tbsp. light brown sugar

Vegetables

• 4 cups chopped green cabbage
• 2 medium carrots (quartered and sliced)
• 1 medium yellow onion (diced finely)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tsp. vegetable oil

Protein and Grains

• 1 lb. lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup white rice (uncooked)

Seasonings

• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp. fresh chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Heat the oil and cook beef: In a dutch oven or large soup pot, heat 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of lean ground beef, season with salt and pepper to taste, and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Sauté onions and garlic: Add 1 diced medium yellow onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the browned beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onions become tender and fragrant.
3. Add vegetables and liquids: Stir in 4 cups of chopped green cabbage, 2 medium carrots that have been quartered and sliced, 3 cans (8 oz each) of tomato sauce, 4 cups of low-sodium beef broth, 1/2 cup uncooked white rice, 1 bay leaf, and 3 tablespoons light brown sugar. Mix everything well to combine.
4. Simmer the soup: Bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook for about 25 minutes or until the rice is tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
5. Finish and garnish: Remove the bay leaf from the pot. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped parsley over the top before serving. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.

Notes

• Using lean ground beef reduces excess fat and keeps soup light.
• Low-sodium beef broth helps control salt content; adjust seasoning at the end.
• You can substitute white rice with brown rice, but cooking time may increase.
• This soup can be reheated well and often tastes better the next day as flavors develop.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based protein and use vegetable broth.

Keywords: cabbage roll soup, ground beef soup, cabbage soup, tomato rice soup, comforting soup, easy soup recipe