Simmering Joy: A Hearty Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

Whipping up a delicious cabbage roll soup can transport you straight to comfort food heaven.

Memories of grandmother’s kitchen flood back with each savory spoonful.

Layers of tender cabbage, rich ground meat, and aromatic spices mingle in a warm, inviting broth.

Polish and Ukrainian culinary traditions shine through this classic dish that warms both body and soul.

Robust ingredients create a satisfying meal perfect for chilly evenings.

Simple preparation makes this recipe accessible to home cooks of all skill levels.

You’ll want to ladle this hearty soup into bowls and watch everyone’s faces light up with pure satisfaction.

Reasons You’ll Crave Hearty Cabbage Roll Soup

• This soup brings traditional cabbage roll flavors into a simplified, one-pot meal that's ridiculously easy to prepare for busy families.
• Swap ground meats, adjust spices, or add extra vegetables to make this recipe perfectly suited to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Packed with affordable ingredients like cabbage, rice, and ground meat, this soup delivers hearty nutrition without breaking the bank.
• Kids and adults alike will love the rich, comforting flavors that remind you of classic home cooking, making mealtime a delightful experience.

What’s Inside Hearty Cabbage Roll Soup

• Ground Beef: Rich and hearty meat base for the soup.

• Cabbage, Onions, Garlic: Flavorful and aromatic vegetable foundation.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce, Tomato Paste: Creates deep, tangy tomato base.

• Rice: Adds texture and makes the soup more filling.

• Beef Broth: Provides rich, savory liquid foundation.

• Herbs, Black Pepper, Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile.

• Lemon Juice, Sour Cream: Adds brightness and creamy finish.

Step-by-Step Guide to Hearty Cabbage Roll Soup

Step 1: Brown The Meat

Heat a large pot over medium-high temperature.

Crumble ground meat into the pot, cooking until it develops a rich golden color and no pink remains.

Drain away any excess fat to keep the soup light and flavorful.

Step 2: Awaken The Aromatics

Toss chopped onions and minced garlic into the pot.

Stir and cook until onions become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet fragrant notes throughout the kitchen.

Step 3: Build The Soup Base

• Chopped cabbage
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Tomato paste

Stir everything together until well combined and ingredients start to meld.

Step 4: Create Depth And Liquid

• Uncooked rice
• Beef broth
• Selected herbs and spices

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Simmer And Soften

Reduce heat to low.

Cover the pot and let the soup gently simmer.

Cook for 25-30 minutes until rice becomes tender and cabbage softens completely.

Step 6: Perfect The Flavor

Taste the soup and adjust seasonings.

• A splash of lemon juice
• A dollop of sour cream

Step 7: Serve And Savor

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls.

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your comforting homemade creation.

Tips for Getting the Best Flavor in Cabbage Roll Soup

• Remove all excess grease from ground meat to prevent a greasy soup texture and reduce unnecessary calories.
• Cut cabbage into uniform pieces to ensure consistent cooking and better texture in every spoonful.
• Add a splash of red wine or a pinch of smoked paprika to enhance the soup's rich, complex taste profile.
• Use slightly less broth if you prefer a thicker soup, or add more liquid for a soupier consistency.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for different dietary needs.

How to Store and Reheat Hearty Cabbage Roll Soup

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for 2-3 months. Leave some space at the top for expansion.
• Transfer desired portion to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warm. Add a splash of broth if soup seems thick.
• Pour soup into a saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add extra broth if needed to restore original consistency. Heat until steaming and reaching 165°F for food safety.

What to Serve Alongside Cabbage Roll Soup

• Pair with Full-Bodied Red Wine: Choose a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec that complements the hearty, rich flavors of the cabbage roll soup, cutting through its meaty texture and enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Serve with Crusty Rye Bread: Select a dense, rustic rye bread with a slightly tangy flavor that provides a perfect textural contrast to the soup, allowing diners to soak up the delicious broth and add an extra layer of satisfaction.
• Match with Crisp Cucumber Salad: Create a light, refreshing cucumber salad with dill and a light vinaigrette to balance the soup's warmth and richness, offering a cool, clean counterpoint to the robust main dish.
• Complement with Pickled Vegetables: Add a side of traditional Eastern European pickled vegetables like sauerkraut or dill pickles to introduce a sharp, acidic element that cuts through the soup's richness and adds complexity to the meal.

Simple Ways to Change Up Cabbage Roll Soup

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground meat with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils for a protein-packed meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice to make the soup completely gluten-free and lower in carbohydrates.
• Spicy Mexican-Style Soup: Add diced jalapeños, chili powder, and top with fresh cilantro for a zesty southwestern spin on the classic recipe.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Eliminate rice completely and increase cabbage quantity, using cauliflower as a low-carb substitute to create a lighter, vegetable-focused soup.

FAQs

• What are the main ingredients in Cabbage Roll Soup?

The main ingredients are ground meat, cabbage, rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, onions, and garlic.

• Is this soup nutritious?

Yes, it’s packed with protein from the ground meat, fiber from cabbage, and complex carbohydrates from rice, making it a balanced and filling meal.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace ground meat with plant-based alternatives like lentils, mushrooms, or meat substitutes, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

• How can I make the soup more flavorful?

Experiment with herbs like thyme, oregano, or bay leaves. Adding a splash of lemon juice or a dollop of sour cream at the end can enhance the overall taste profile.

Hearty Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting cabbage roll soup brings Polish culinary traditions to your kitchen with rich, savory flavors. Tender cabbage, ground beef, and aromatic herbs blend perfectly, inviting you to savor each spoonful of this classic comfort meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef (or mix of beef and pork)

Vegetables:

• 1 large onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 medium head of cabbage (chopped (about 8 cups))

Tomato and Sauce Components:

• 2 14.5 ounces cans diced tomatoes
• 1 15 ounces can tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 4 cups beef broth

Grains and Rice:

• 0.5 cup uncooked long-grain white rice

Herbs and Spices:

• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped (for garnish))

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Instructions

1. Sizzle ground meat in a robust pot over medium-high heat until golden brown, then discard excess grease.
2. Introduce finely chopped onions and crushed garlic, cooking until onions become translucent and fragrant.
3. Incorporate shredded cabbage, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and concentrated tomato paste, stirring thoroughly to combine.
4. Fold in uncooked rice, rich beef broth, and aromatic herbs and spices, elevating the mixture to a vigorous boil.
5. Lower temperature to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and let the soup harmonize for 25-30 minutes until rice reaches perfect tenderness and cabbage softens.
6. Evaluate the flavor profile, adjusting seasonings with precision. Optional: enhance with a bright splash of lemon juice or a creamy dollop of sour cream for additional depth.
7. Ladle the steaming soup into bowls, serving immediately to capture maximum flavor and warmth.

Notes

• Customize meat choice by swapping ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based protein for healthier alternatives.
• Consider adding diced carrots or celery for extra nutrition and texture complexity in the soup.
• Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice to boost fiber and nutrient content, making the dish more wholesome.
• Prepare soup in advance and store in refrigerator for up to 4 days, allowing flavors to develop and intensify over time.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Eastern European

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg