Quick & Cozy Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe for Heartwarming Meals

Crafting a hearty cabbage roll soup brings comfort and warmth to your kitchen on chilly evenings.

Memories of grandma’s traditional cooking inspire this delightful twist on a classic dish.

Tender cabbage and savory meat create a rich, satisfying blend of flavors that dance across your palate.

Packed with nutrients and incredible depth, this soup feels like a culinary hug.

Fragrant herbs and seasonings elevate every spoonful into a memorable experience.

Each ingredient tells a story of home-cooked goodness and love.

Dig into this recipe, and let the aroma transport you to a cozy dining table filled with joy.

Cabbage Roll Soup That’s Simple, Savory, and Filling

• Quick and Easy Comfort: Whip up this hearty soup in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a delicious, warming meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimize cleanup with this single-pot recipe that combines all the classic cabbage roll flavors in a convenient, streamlined cooking method that's sure to please the whole family.
• Nutritious and Satisfying: Packed with protein-rich ground beef, fiber-filled cabbage, and wholesome rice, this soup delivers a balanced meal that keeps you full and nourished with every comforting spoonful.
• Versatile Family Pleaser: Adaptable to different tastes and dietary needs, this soup can be easily customized with additional vegetables or served with crusty bread for a complete and crowd-pleasing dinner option.

Cabbage Roll Soup Ingredient Guide

• Ground Beef: Adds rich, meaty flavor to the soup.

• Cabbage, Carrots, Onion, Garlic: Provide texture and depth of flavor.

• Beef Broth, Tomato Sauce: Creates the soup base.
• Bay Leaf, Salt, Pepper, Brown Sugar: Adds layers of seasoning.

• Rice: Provides hearty substance to the soup.

• Parsley: Adds fresh finishing touch.

• Olive Oil: Helps brown the beef and prevent sticking.

Making Cabbage Roll Soup That’s Hearty and Cozy

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in ground beef and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Break up the meat while cooking for 4-5 minutes until it develops a rich, golden-brown color.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables become soft and fragrant, releasing their delightful flavors.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

• Chopped cabbage
• Sliced carrots
• Beef broth
• Tomato sauce
• Uncooked rice
• Bay leaf
• Brown sugar

Stir everything together and season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Cook for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice becomes tender and the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 5: Finish and Plate

Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top. Ladle the steaming soup into bowls and serve immediately for a comforting meal that warms the soul.

Cabbage Roll Soup Tips That Make It Extra Hearty

• Lean Meat Selection: Choose lean ground beef (90/10) to reduce excess fat and keep the soup lighter without sacrificing flavor.
• Rice Trick: Rinse rice before adding to prevent clumping and ensure separate, fluffy grains in the soup.
• Veggie Boost: Add extra vegetables like celery or bell peppers for increased nutrition and deeper taste profile.
• Herb Enhancement: Sprinkle fresh dill or thyme during the last few minutes of cooking to elevate the soup's aromatic qualities.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This soup tastes even better the next day, so prepare in advance for intensified flavors and convenient meal prep.

Preserve Cabbage Roll Soup Easily

• Transfer leftover soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for 2-3 months, labeling with the date for easy tracking.
• Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Pour soup into a pot, add a splash of beef broth to prevent sticking, and warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through and reaching desired temperature.

Cabbage Roll Soup Enjoyment Tips

• Pair with Rustic Bread: Grab a crusty, artisan sourdough or hearty rye bread to soak up the rich, savory broth and complement the robust flavors of the cabbage roll soup.
• Enhance with Robust Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon to match the soup's hearty beef and vegetable profile, cutting through the richness with its tannic structure.
• Complement with Tangy Side Salad: Prepare a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing to balance the soup's warmth and provide a refreshing contrast to the dense, comforting meal.
• Add Creamy Garnish: Top the soup with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to introduce a cool, creamy element that softens the soup's bold flavors and adds a luxurious texture.

Cabbage Roll Soup Cozy Styles

• Vegetarian Cabbage Roll Soup: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a protein-packed meat-free version. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a complete vegetarian meal.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice to make the soup completely gluten-free. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Skip the rice and use riced cauliflower or chopped zucchini as a low-carb alternative. Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition.
• Spicy Mexican-Inspired Variation: Add diced jalapeños, cumin, chili powder, and top with cilantro. Replace tomato sauce with salsa for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.

FAQs

• Are cabbage rolls and cabbage roll soup the same?

No, cabbage roll soup deconstructs the traditional cabbage roll recipe into an easier, quicker one-pot meal that captures the same delicious flavors without individually wrapping each cabbage roll.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is an excellent lean protein substitute that works perfectly in this soup. Just ensure you brown it similarly and maintain the same cooking technique.

• Do I need any special type of rice for this recipe?

Regular long-grain white rice works best. Avoid quick-cooking or instant rice as they might become mushy during the extended simmering process.

• Is this soup nutritionally balanced?

Yes, the soup provides a well-rounded meal with protein from beef, vegetables from cabbage and carrots, and carbohydrates from rice, making it a complete and satisfying dish.

Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Polish Cabbage Roll Soup delivers comfort with classic Eastern European flavors, blending tender meat, rice, and cabbage in a rich tomato broth. Warm spices and traditional ingredients invite you to savor a bowl of nostalgic, soul-satisfying cuisine.

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Ingredients

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Meat:

• 1 pound ground beef (90% lean)

Vegetables:

• 4 cups green cabbage, coarsely chopped
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 2 carrots, peeled, quartered, and sliced
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic

Liquid and Seasonings:

• 4 cups beef broth
• 3 cans (8 ounces / 240 milliliters each) tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup uncooked long-grain rice
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Sear the ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbly pieces and developing a rich, golden-brown exterior.
2. Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they release their aromatic essence and become translucent.
3. Incorporate shredded cabbage and julienned carrots into the meat mixture, creating a vibrant and textured base for the soup.
4. Pour beef broth and tomato sauce into the pot, infusing the ingredients with deep, savory flavors.
5. Sprinkle uncooked rice into the liquid, which will gradually absorb the surrounding broth and become tender during cooking.
6. Enhance the soup’s complexity by adding a bay leaf and a touch of brown sugar, balancing the savory notes with a subtle sweetness.
7. Allow the soup to gently simmer, stirring periodically to prevent rice from sticking and ensure even cooking.
8. Monitor the liquid’s consistency and rice’s texture, cooking until the grains are soft and the vegetables are perfectly tender.
9. Extract the bay leaf, which has imparted its delicate flavor throughout the cooking process.
10. Ladle the piping hot soup into serving bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, herbal finish.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, leaner protein option that keeps the soup’s hearty texture.
• Enhance nutrition by adding extra vegetables like diced zucchini or spinach, which blend seamlessly into the soup’s rich flavor profile.
• Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice for a low-carb version that maintains the soup’s satisfying consistency and reduces overall calories.
• Prepare the soup in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, allowing flavors to develop and intensify for an even more delicious meal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Eastern European

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg