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Cabbage Roll Soup 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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