Name: Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Eastern European
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (or turkey); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups chopped green cabbage; 1 cup cooked rice; 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz); 4 cups beef broth; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp dried oregano; Salt & pepper to taste

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If you love the nostalgic, cozy flavors of traditional cabbage rolls but want a quicker, fuss-free meal, this Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe is about to become your new favorite comfort food. It captures all of the heartwarming elements — seasoned ground beef, tender cabbage, and comforting rice in a rich tomato broth — all simmered together in one pot. This soup feels like a warm hug on a chilly day and makes weeknight dinners beautifully simple without skimping on flavor or satisfaction.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large silver pot shows many uncooked ingredients placed separately inside. One section has white uncooked rice grains, next to it is a pile of bright green cabbage leaves, roughly torn. There is a clump of dark brown ground meat near the cabbage. A heap of light brown powder and some bright orange diced carrots are beside the meat. A pool of red tomato sauce fills another part of the pot. Two green bay leaves sit on top of the rice and cabbage. The pot is on a white marbled surface, with a striped cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple pantry staples and fresh veggies is all you need to create this satisfying soup. Each ingredient plays a key role, bringing color, texture, and robust flavor to complete the dish perfectly.

1 lb ground beef (or turkey): The protein base that adds richness and hearty flavor to the soup.
1 tbsp olive oil: Helps brown the meat and soften the veggies, creating deep flavor.
1 onion, chopped: Offers a sweet, aromatic foundation for the broth.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a pungent, savory kick that lifts the soup.
4 cups chopped green cabbage: The star vegetable, providing tender, slightly sweet bites that echo traditional cabbage rolls.
1 cup cooked rice: Brings comforting texture and soaks up the tomato broth beautifully.
1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz): Delivers a bright and tangy base that infuses the whole soup.
4 cups beef broth: Creates a hearty liquid that melds all the flavors together.
1 tsp paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and warmth to the dish.
1 tsp dried oregano: Brings herbal notes that round out the tomato and meat flavors.
Salt & pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that amplify every ingredient’s flavor.

How to Make Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s no longer pink, breaking it apart as it browns. This step develops deep, savory flavors that form the soup’s meaty foundation.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Next, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they become soft and fragrant. This softens the flavors and releases the aroma that makes this soup so inviting.

Step 3: Combine Vegetables and Rice

Stir in the chopped green cabbage and cooked rice. These ingredients will add texture and heartiness, comforting you with every spoonful as the cabbage softens during simmering.

Step 4: Add Liquids and Seasonings

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth, then sprinkle paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper over the mixture. Gently stir everything to combine all the wonderful flavors.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 25 to 30 minutes. This slow cooking allows the cabbage to become tender and the flavors to meld into a rich, comforting broth that tastes just like classic cabbage rolls transformed into soup.

How to Serve Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

A white bowl filled with a rich, red-orange soup containing several layers: the top layer has chopped green parsley sprinkled evenly, below it are large pieces of soft, light yellow cabbage leaves, scattered chunks of browned ground meat, bright orange carrot slices, and small white rice grains mixed throughout the broth, all sitting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra touch of indulgence, a dollop of sour cream on top adds creaminess and a slight tang that perfectly balances the tomato base. Fresh parsley or dill sprigs also brighten the bowl with their fresh taste and vibrant green color.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up the flavorful broth. For a lighter option, a simple side salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the warm, hearty qualities of the soup nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the cabbage roll soup in rustic bowls for a homestyle vibe or in glass mugs if you want to showcase the rich colors and layers of ingredients. Adding a sprinkle of shredded cheese or a splash of hot sauce can personalize the dish even more.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your soup has cooled, transfer the leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for prepping meals ahead of a busy week.

Freezing

This Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe freezes wonderfully. Pour it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags and keep it for up to 2 months. Be sure to leave a little room at the top for the soup to expand as it freezes.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator for best results, then warm it on the stovetop over medium heat until hot. Stir occasionally to evenly heat the soup without breaking apart the rice or cabbage too much.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in this Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative and works perfectly, providing a similar texture and absorbing the flavors just as well.

Is it necessary to cook the rice before adding it to the soup?

Yes, cooking the rice beforehand ensures it has the right texture. Adding uncooked rice would result in a grainy, unevenly cooked ingredient.

Can I use different types of cabbage in this soup?

Green cabbage is traditional and works best because it softens nicely while maintaining structure. However, savoy cabbage can also be used for a slightly sweeter, more tender option.

How can I add a bit more tang to the soup?

A quick splash of vinegar, like apple cider or red wine vinegar, added just before serving can brighten the flavors and mimic that classic tang found in stuffed cabbage rolls.

Is this soup suitable for freezing and meal prepping?

Yes, it freezes very well and is ideal for meal prep. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing, and reheat gently to preserve texture.

Final Thoughts

This Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe is one of those cozy dishes that feels homemade and special, yet comes together with surprising ease. The marriage of hearty beef, tender cabbage, and savory tomato broth is a timeless classic reimagined as a soup, perfect for dinner any night of the week. Give it a try — I promise it’ll become a beloved staple on your table just like it is in mine!