All the flavors of traditional Cabbage Roll Soup come together in this easy and comforting dish. This soup is perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or cozy evenings at home. With its rich tomato broth, tender cabbage, and hearty ground beef, it’s a satisfying meal that will please everyone at the table. Plus, it’s a versatile recipe that can be adjusted to suit various tastes and preferences.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare – This soup comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Comfort – Enjoy all the deliciousness of traditional cabbage rolls in a warm and hearty soup.
- Versatile Ingredients – Customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or spices.
- Healthy Option – Packed with lean protein and veggies, this soup is nutritious without sacrificing flavor.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience seamless, having the right tools on hand is essential.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch oven: This pot provides even heat distribution, perfect for simmering soups like cabbage roll soup.
- Sharp knife: A good knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy, ensuring uniform pieces for even cooking.
Ingredients
All the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls in an easy soup form. Ground beef, rice, and tender cabbage in a rich tomato broth.
For the Soup Base
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chopped green cabbage
- 2 medium carrots, quartered and sliced
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 3 cans (8 ounces each) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup white rice, uncooked
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Cabbage Roll Soup
Step 1: Heat the Oil
Heat the vegetable oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef to the pot. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for about 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
Step 4: Add Vegetables and Liquid
Stir in the chopped cabbage and sliced carrots. Then add the tomato sauce and beef broth to combine everything well.
Step 5: Incorporate Rice & Seasonings
Add the uncooked rice, bay leaf, and brown sugar to the mixture. Stir everything together thoroughly.
Step 6: Simmer the Soup
Bring the soup to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat if necessary to maintain a simmer.
Step 7: Cook Until Tender
Let it cook for about 25 minutes or until the rice is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 8: Final Touches
Remove the bay leaf from the soup before serving.
Step 9: Garnish & Serve
Garnish each bowl with freshly chopped parsley before serving hot. Enjoy your delicious Cabbage Roll Soup!
How to Serve Cabbage Roll Soup
Cabbage Roll Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that can be served in various delightful ways. Whether you want to enhance the flavor or complement the meal, these serving suggestions will elevate your dining experience.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped parsley – Adds a fresh and vibrant touch to your soup.
- Dill weed – Offers a fragrant, tangy flavor that pairs well with cabbage.
Pair with Bread
- Crusty bread – Perfect for dipping into the rich tomato broth.
- Garlic bread – Adds extra flavor and is a crowd favorite.
Add Dairy
- Sour cream – A dollop on top can provide creaminess and balance the flavors.
- Shredded cheese – Sprinkle cheddar or mozzarella for a melty finish.
Serve with Salad
- Simple green salad – A light salad can add freshness and balance to the meal.
- Coleslaw – Complements the cabbage theme while adding crunch.
How to Perfect Cabbage Roll Soup
To ensure your Cabbage Roll Soup turns out delicious every time, follow these handy tips.
- Use fresh ingredients – Fresh vegetables enhance flavor and nutrition.
- Adjust seasoning – Taste as you go; you may want more salt or pepper.
- Let it simmer longer – Allowing the soup to simmer deepens the flavors even more.
- Add vinegar for brightness – A splash of vinegar can elevate the overall taste.
- Cook rice separately if desired – This prevents it from becoming mushy in the soup.
Best Side Dishes for Cabbage Roll Soup
Serving side dishes alongside your Cabbage Roll Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Garlic Toast – Crispy bread spread with garlic butter complements the soup perfectly.
- Potato Salad – A creamy side that contrasts nicely with the warm soup.
- Cornbread – Sweet cornbread adds a delightful texture and flavor balance.
- Stuffed Peppers – Another hearty dish that resonates with the cabbage roll theme.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal vegetables bring color and added nutrition to your table.
- Pasta Salad – A chilled pasta salad provides a refreshing contrast to hot soup.
- Cheese Biscuits – Flaky biscuits filled with cheese offer a savory bite alongside the soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Cabbage Roll Soup can be simple, but there are common mistakes to watch out for. Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out perfectly.
Overcooking the beef: Cooking the ground beef too long can make it tough. Brown the beef just until it’s no longer pink before adding other ingredients.
Ignoring seasoning: Failing to season your soup adequately can lead to bland flavors. Remember to taste and adjust salt and pepper throughout the cooking process.
Skipping the bay leaf: Omitting the bay leaf can reduce the depth of flavor in your soup. Always add it for that aromatic touch, then remember to remove it before serving.
Not chopping vegetables properly: Unevenly chopped veggies can lead to inconsistent cooking. Make sure to chop cabbage and carrots into uniform sizes for even tenderness.
Using regular broth: Using regular beef broth instead of low-sodium can result in a soup that’s overly salty. Opt for low-sodium options, and you can adjust seasoning as needed.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Cabbage Roll Soup in an airtight container.
- It will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
- Allow it to cool completely before sealing and refrigerating.
Freezing Cabbage Roll Soup
- Place cooled soup in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Label containers with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating Cabbage Roll Soup
Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer soup to an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20-30 minutes or until warmed through.
Microwave: Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated thoroughly, usually taking about 10-15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cabbage Roll Soup?
Cabbage Roll Soup is a hearty dish that captures all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls but in a comforting soup form. It’s made with ground beef, rice, cabbage, and a rich tomato broth.
Can I customize my Cabbage Roll Soup?
Absolutely! You can add different vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. Adjust spices according to your taste preferences as well for a unique twist.
How do I store leftover Cabbage Roll Soup?
Leftover Cabbage Roll Soup should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! Cabbage Roll Soup is perfect for meal prep as it reheats well and maintains its flavors over time. Prepare a batch and enjoy it throughout the week!
Final Thoughts
Cabbage Roll Soup offers all the beloved flavors of classic cabbage rolls while being easy and quick to prepare. This recipe is versatile; feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients or spices. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly evening or preparing meals for the week, this comforting dish is sure to please everyone at your table!
SEO Information
Cabbage Roll Soup
Cabbage Roll Soup is a delightful and comforting dish that brings together the classic flavors of traditional cabbage rolls in a warm, hearty soup. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings, this easy recipe features tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato broth that will satisfy everyone at the table. It’s not just delicious but also customizable—feel free to add your favorite vegetables or spices to make it your own! Packed with nutrients and ideal for meal prep, Cabbage Roll Soup is sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 4 cups chopped green cabbage
- 2 medium carrots, quartered and sliced
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 3 cans (8 ounces each) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef; season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned.
- Stir in diced onion and minced garlic; sauté for about 2–3 minutes.
- Add chopped cabbage and sliced carrots; mix well.
- Pour in tomato sauce and beef broth; stir to combine.
- Add uncooked rice, bay leaf, and brown sugar; mix thoroughly.
- Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat; reduce if necessary.
- Cook for about 25 minutes until rice is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Remove bay leaf before serving; garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Customize the recipe with additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. For added brightness, a splash of vinegar can enhance the taste.
